Proverb / Kotowaza
合わせ物は離れ物
Anything that has been joined together must eventually separate.
Things that are joined together are things that will come apart.
Quick Answer
Anything that has been joined together must eventually separate.
- Literal Image
- Things that are joined together are things that will come apart.
- Closest Equivalent
- What is joined must part
- How to Use It
- Used when acknowledging the end of a relationship or partnership, suggesting that such partings are an inevitable law of life.
Meaning
This expression describes the reality that everything in this world is impermanent. Just as people meet and come together, they will eventually have to part ways, reflecting a fundamental principle of existence according to Buddhist thought.
Literal Image
Things that are joined together are things that will come apart.
Equivalent Proverbs
What is joined must part
Shares the same imagery of joining and parting.
How to Use It
Used when acknowledging the end of a relationship or partnership, suggesting that such partings are an inevitable law of life.
Tone
Reflective and philosophical, rooted in Buddhist principles of impermanence.
Examples
長年連れ添った夫婦も離れることになった。合わせ物は離れ物とはよく言ったものだ。
Even the couple who lived together for many years ended up separating. It is truly said that things joined together must eventually part.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb uses noun-form compounds of verbs (awase, hanare) and describes a philosophical Buddhist concept, though the grammatical structure is simple.
合わせ物
あわせもの / awasemono
things joined together; items put together
離れ物
はなれもの / hanaremono
things that separate; items that part
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure it is used to provide perspective on natural cycles rather than to dismiss someone's grief callously.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe inanimate objects breaking by accident; it refers to the inevitable separation of things meant to be together.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb is based on the Buddhist concept of Shogyomujo (諸行無常), or the impermanence of all things. It reflects the life principle that where there is an encounter, there will inevitably be a parting.
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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.