Proverb / Kotowaza
会うは別れの始め
The moment people meet, the process of eventually parting begins.
To meet is the beginning of parting
Quick Answer
The moment people meet, the process of eventually parting begins.
- Literal Image
- To meet is the beginning of parting
- Closest Equivalent
- To meet is to part
- How to Use It
- This proverb is used when people experience a separation, such as a graduation or a job transfer, to acknowledge that parting is a natural and inevitable part of life.
Meaning
This expression suggests that every encounter carries the certainty of a future separation. It reflects the Buddhist concept of impermanence, emphasizing that all meetings between people must eventually end in a goodbye, reminding us to cherish the time we have.
Literal Image
To meet is the beginning of parting
Equivalent Proverbs
To meet is to part
A direct translation of the sentiment.
How to Use It
This proverb is used when people experience a separation, such as a graduation or a job transfer, to acknowledge that parting is a natural and inevitable part of life.
Tone
Carries a philosophical and reflective tone, used to acknowledge the transience of relationships with a sense of acceptance.
Examples
卒業式の日、友人との別れに涙した。会うは別れの始めとは言うけれど。
On the day of the graduation ceremony, I shed tears over parting with my friends. Although they say to meet is the beginning of parting.
会うは別れの始めだからこそ、今この瞬間を大切にしたい。
Because meeting is the start of parting, I want to cherish this moment right now.
転勤する同僚を見送りながら、会うは別れの始めとしみじみ感じた。
As I saw off my colleague who was transferring, I felt deeply that to meet is indeed the beginning of parting.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of words like 'au' (meet) and 'hajime' (start), but the use of the particle 'wa' as a thematic marker and the classical context make it suitable for intermediate learners.
会う
あう / au
to meet
別れ
わかれ / wakare
parting, separation
始め
はじめ / hajime
beginning, start
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
It should not be used as a cold dismissal of someone's feelings; it is better suited for reflecting on the nature of life and relationships.
Search As
Related Proverbs
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.