Proverb / Kotowaza
愛別離苦
The pain and sorrow of being separated from loved ones, whether by life or death.
the suffering of parting from those one loves
Quick Answer
The pain and sorrow of being separated from loved ones, whether by life or death.
- Literal Image
- the suffering of parting from those one loves
- How to Use It
- This expression is used in serious or literary contexts to describe the profound grief or struggle following a significant separation or the loss of someone close.
Meaning
It refers to the deep emotional suffering caused by parting with family, partners, or friends. As one of the Buddhist 'Eight Sufferings,' it highlights the pain that inevitably arises from attachment in a world where all things are impermanent.
Literal Image
the suffering of parting from those one loves
How to Use It
This expression is used in serious or literary contexts to describe the profound grief or struggle following a significant separation or the loss of someone close.
Tone
A formal Buddhist term used in serious reflection on life and death.
Examples
長年連れ添った妻に先立たれ、彼は愛別離苦の淵に沈んでいる。
Having lost the wife he lived with for many years, he is sinking into the depths of the pain of separation.
人生には出会いがあれば別れもあるが、愛別離苦の痛みだけは何度経験しても慣れるものではない。
In life, where there are encounters there are also partings, but the pain of separation from loved ones is something you never get used to, no matter how many times you experience it.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) composed of formal kanji and derived from Buddhist philosophy.
愛
あい / ai
love; loved one
別
べつ / betsu
separation; parting
離
り / ri
leaving; detachment
苦
く / ku
suffering; pain
Usage Profile
Usage note: As a heavy Buddhist term, it should be used with respect for the gravity of the sorrow being described.
Misread Risk
It specifically describes separation from someone you love; it is not for general inconveniences or separations from things or people you dislike.
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Origin
It originates from the Buddhist teaching of 'Shiku Hakku' (Four Sufferings and Eight Sufferings). It is identified as one of the eight fundamental sufferings that humans cannot avoid, representing a peak form of mental anguish. The teaching suggests that since all existence is in flux (Shogyo Mujo), the attachment people feel toward loved ones is precisely what makes the eventual separation so painful.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.