Proverb / Kotowaza
風樹の歎
The deep regret of being unable to show filial piety because one's parents have already passed away.
the lament of the tree in the wind
Quick Answer
The deep regret of being unable to show filial piety because one's parents have already passed away.
- Literal Image
- the lament of the tree in the wind
- Closest Equivalent
- A man’s desire to serve his parents is thwarted by their death
- How to Use It
- This is used when expressing personal grief following the death of a parent or as a serious reminder to others to appreciate and care for their parents while they are still alive.
Meaning
This expression describes the sorrow and remorse felt when a person finally wishes to care for or honor their parents, only to find they are no longer living. The 'wind' represents the child's desire to serve, while the 'tree' represents the parents who have already fallen, symbolizing that time and opportunity do not wait for human intentions.
Literal Image
the lament of the tree in the wind
Equivalent Proverbs
A man’s desire to serve his parents is thwarted by their death
A literal translation of the sentiment without the tree imagery.
How to Use It
This is used when expressing personal grief following the death of a parent or as a serious reminder to others to appreciate and care for their parents while they are still alive.
Tone
This is a literary and formal expression used in serious or somber contexts.
Examples
もっと親孝行をしておけばよかったと、父の葬儀の夜に風樹の歎が胸に迫った。
On the night of my father's funeral, the regret of 'fuju no tan' pressed upon my heart, and I wished I had been a better child to him.
成功してから恩返しをしようと思っていたが、その前に母が逝ってしまった。風樹の歎とはこのことだ。
I planned to repay my mother once I became successful, but she passed away before then. This is exactly what they call 'fuju no tan'.
風樹の歎を味わわぬよう、親が元気なうちに感謝の気持ちを伝えておくべきだ。
You should express your gratitude while your parents are still healthy so that you do not have to taste the bitterness of 'fuju no tan' later.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary 'fuju' and 'tan' are literary, and the phrase follows a classical structure derived from Chinese literature.
風樹
ふうじゅ / fuju
a tree in the wind (symbolizing parents)
歎
たん / tan
lamentation or grief
親孝行
おやこうこう / oyakoko
filial piety; being good to parents
Usage Profile
Usage note: Since it carries a heavy tone of mourning and regret, use it with care when speaking to someone who has recently lost a parent.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for general regrets; it is specifically reserved for the regret associated with the death of parents.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from the Chinese classic Han Shi Wai Zhuan (Illustrations of the Han Schools of Poetry). It describes an encounter where Confucius met a man weeping by the roadside. The man explained that he had left home to study and travel, neglecting his duties as a son, only to return and find his parents dead. He lamented: 'The tree wishes to be still, but the wind does not stop; the child wishes to care for the parent, but the parent does not wait' (樹静かならんと欲すれども風止まず、子養わんと欲すれども親待たず).
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