Kill Two Birds with One Stone in Japanese: 一石二鳥

一石二鳥 (isseki nichou) /Iisseki nitʃou/

The phrase “kill two birds with one stone” is an idiomatic expression that means to accomplish two tasks with a single action or effort. In Japanese, this phrase is translated as “一石二鳥,” which literally means “one stone, two birds.” It conveys the same idea of achieving multiple objectives simultaneously. This metaphorical expression emphasizes efficiency and the ability to maximize results by taking advantage of a single opportunity or action.

一 (ichi) = one

石 (iʃi/seki)= stone

二 (ni) = two

鳥 (toɾi/tʃou)= bird

Examples of “kill two birds with one stone”

Kill two birds with rice balls

I want to eat something healthy for lunch, but I don’t have much time to prepare a homemade lunch box. Additionally, lunch boxes are heavy and take up space in my bag. Moreover, the food available at convenience stores is neither cheap nor healthy. In the end, I have decided to bring rice balls for lunch. Rice balls don’t take up much space in my bag, I can choose healthy fillings, and they are easy to cook. It is like killing two birds with one stone; it solves multiple problems at once.

Kills two birds with gathering the parties

My coworker, who is a single parent and works diligently, does not have much time for socializing. To accommodate her responsibilities, we suggested combining the Christmas party, welcome party, and year-end party into one event. This way, we can achieve multiple objectives with a single gathering, like kill tow birds with one stone.

一挙両得 /ikkjo ɾjoutoku/

一挙両得 is also the same meaning as “kill two birds with one stone”. 一挙 means an attempt at once. To defeat a tiger, two tigers are instigated and made to fight. When both are injured and fall together, they are stabbed to death at once. This is the story of “killing both tigers at once” and refers to easily obtaining two benefits by doing one thing.

Other examples*

To kill two flies with one flap.

ひとはたきで、蝿を2匹殺す。

/hitohataki de hae o nihiki koɾosu/

To catch two pigeons with one bean.

豆を一粒与えて、鳩を二羽捕える。

/mame o hitotsubu ataete hato o nihiki tsukamaeɾu/

He fell two dogs with one stone.

石を一つ投げて、犬を2匹倒す。

/iʃi o hitotsu nagete inu o nihiki taosu/

*Reference: 日英対照ことわざ辞典