Proverb / Kotowaza
新しい酒は新しい皮袋に盛れ
New ideas or content require suitable new forms and methods to be effective.
Put new wine into new wineskins
Quick Answer
New ideas or content require suitable new forms and methods to be effective.
- Literal Image
- Put new wine into new wineskins
- Closest Equivalent
- New wine must be put into new bottles.
- How to Use It
- Used when suggesting that a change in strategy, system, or mindset requires a corresponding update to organization or procedure.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that when introducing something innovative, one should not force it into old, outdated frameworks or customs. Instead, a new structure or approach should be established that matches the nature of the change to ensure success and prevent failure.
Literal Image
Put new wine into new wineskins
Equivalent Proverbs
New wine must be put into new bottles.
Near equivalent with similar imagery.
How to Use It
Used when suggesting that a change in strategy, system, or mindset requires a corresponding update to organization or procedure.
Tone
Instructive and practical.
Examples
新しいシステムを導入するなら、業務フローも一新すべきだ。「新しい酒は新しい皮袋に盛れ」というではないか
If we are introducing a new system, we should also revamp the workflow. After all, they say 'new wine must be put into new wineskins'.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses vocabulary like 'atarashii' and 'sake', but the imperative verb form 'more' and the idiomatic use of 'kawabukuro' (wineskin) require intermediate knowledge.
新しい
あたらしい / atarashii
new
酒
さけ / sake
wine; alcohol
皮袋
かわぶくろ / kawabukuro
wineskin; leather bag
盛れ
もれ / more
pour into; fill (imperative form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This can be used in business or organizational contexts to advocate for systemic change.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to suggest that everything old is bad; it specifically warns against forcing new ideas into incompatible old frameworks.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from a passage in the Bible (Matthew 9:17): 'New wine must be put into new bottles.' It is based on the observation that new wine expands as it ferments; if placed in old, rigid wineskins that have lost their elasticity, the pressure will cause them to burst.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.