Proverb / Kotowaza
相手変われど主変わらず
One's fundamental nature, habits, or methods remain consistent even when interacting with different people or in different environments.
The partner changes, but the host does not change
Quick Answer
One's fundamental nature, habits, or methods remain consistent even when interacting with different people or in different environments.
- Literal Image
- The partner changes, but the host does not change
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who maintains the same character or work style after moving to a new team, changing partners, or switching environments. It highlights either reliable consistency or stubborn habits.
Meaning
This proverb describes how a person's core character, attitude, or way of doing things persists regardless of who they are dealing with. It implies that external changes in companionship or surroundings do not necessarily alter one's internal qualities or established patterns.
Literal Image
The partner changes, but the host does not change
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who maintains the same character or work style after moving to a new team, changing partners, or switching environments. It highlights either reliable consistency or stubborn habits.
Tone
Neutral. It can be used as a compliment for sincerity or as a criticism for unchanging bad habits.
Examples
転職して職場が変わっても、彼の仕事ぶりは以前と変わらず丁寧だ。相手変われど主変わらずとはこのことだ。
Even though he changed jobs and his workplace is different, his work remains as polite and careful as before. This is exactly what it means by 'the partner changes but the self does not.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses accessible vocabulary like 'aite' and 'kawarazu', but the classical 'kawaredo' ending and the specific use of 'nushi' to mean 'oneself' increase the difficulty.
相手
あいて / aite
partner or the other person
変われど
かわれど / kawaredo
even if it changes (classical form)
主
ぬし / nushi
the self or the 'host' of the action
変わらず
かわらず / kawarazu
without changing
Usage Profile
Usage note: When using this to describe a bad habit, ensure the context makes the critical intent clear.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply stubborn; it specifically refers to consistency across different interpersonal contexts.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
In this expression, 'nushi' (主) refers to oneself. The proverb signifies that regardless of who one interacts with, their fundamental nature or habits remain unchanged. It is applied to both positive contexts, such as consistent sincerity, and negative contexts, such as persistent bad habits.
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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.