Proverb / Kotowaza
家貧しくして良妻を思う
One truly appreciates the value of a supportive spouse only after falling into poverty or hardship.
When the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife
Quick Answer
One truly appreciates the value of a supportive spouse only after falling into poverty or hardship.
- Literal Image
- When the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife
- How to Use It
- Used when acknowledging how a partner's strength or devotion saved a household during a difficult period, such as business failure or personal setbacks.
Meaning
This proverb expresses how the true worth and dedication of a good wife become apparent during times of financial struggle or household crisis. While her contributions might be taken for granted during prosperity, her support becomes an essential pillar when the family faces adversity. It reflects the idea that difficult circumstances reveal the value of things that are truly important.
Literal Image
When the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife
How to Use It
Used when acknowledging how a partner's strength or devotion saved a household during a difficult period, such as business failure or personal setbacks.
Tone
Reflective and appreciative; it carries a sense of realization and gratitude toward a spouse.
Examples
事業に失敗し、どん底に落ちたとき、家貧しくして良妻を思うというように、妻の献身的な支えがどれほど大切なものかを痛感した。
When I failed in my business and hit rock bottom, I felt deeply how important my wife's devoted support was, as they say, 'when the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife'.
家貧しくして良妻を思うという言葉があるように、苦しい時期を共に乗り越えた夫婦は、より強い絆で結ばれる。
As the saying goes, 'when the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife'; a couple who overcomes difficult times together is bound by a stronger bond.
会社が傾きかけたとき、妻の助言が会社を救った。まさに家貧しくして良妻を思うで、ピンチが妻の真価を教えてくれた。
When the company was on the verge of collapsing, my wife's advice saved it. It was truly a case of 'when the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife,' as the crisis taught me my wife's true worth.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the classical conjunctive particle 'shite' and literary vocabulary like 'ryosai', making the grammatical structure and kanji combination more complex for learners.
家
いえ / ie
house; home; household
貧しく
まずしく / mazushiku
poor; impoverished
良妻
りょうさい / ryosai
good wife; virtuous wife
思う
おもう / omou
to think of; to appreciate
Usage Profile
Usage note: Since it refers specifically to a 'wife', use it carefully to avoid sounding dated or gender-biased unless referring to a specific marital situation.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to criticize a spouse for not being helpful during prosperity; it focuses on the realization of value during hardship.
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Origin
This proverb originates from the "Wei Shijia" section of the Chinese historical classic Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian). The original passage is: "家貧則思良妻、国乱則思良将" (When the family is poor, one thinks of a good wife; when the country is in chaos, one thinks of a good general). It highlights how the true value of capable supporters—whether a wife in a household or a general in a nation—becomes clear only when facing crisis and instability.
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