How to Read “破れ鍋に綴じ蓋”
Warenabe ni tojibuta
Meaning of “破れ鍋に綴じ蓋”
“Broken pot has patched lid” expresses that things with flaws complement each other well precisely because they both have shortcomings.
This proverb is used to mean that when imperfect beings come together, they actually achieve harmony. Just as a broken pot fits well with a similarly damaged lid, people who have flaws and imperfections can understand each other better and build good relationships. It’s used when observing people with similar circumstances or personalities getting along well, or when describing situations where seemingly mismatched combinations actually work well together. The reason for using this expression is to convey the importance of not seeking perfection too much, but rather accepting each other’s flaws. Even today, it’s used to express the wonderful nature of relationships between spouses or friends who understand each other’s shortcomings.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is rooted in the daily life of the Edo period. In the lives of common people at that time, pots and lids were precious household items. Even when a pot developed holes, it couldn’t be easily discarded, so patches were applied and it was carefully used for a long time.
The “toji” in “tojibuta” (patched lid) has a slightly different meaning from the modern word “tojiru” (to close). In classical Japanese, it was used to mean “to patch” or “to repair.” In other words, it expressed that for a pot with holes, even a lid that was similarly damaged or no longer fit properly could still be used adequately with some ingenuity and repair.
Behind the establishment of this expression was the “mottainai” (waste not) spirit of the Edo period. A culture was deeply rooted where things were treasured, and anything that could still be used was repaired and continued to be used. Craftsman techniques were also well-developed, and there was even a profession called “ikakeya” that specialized in repairing pots and kettles.
This proverb born from such life wisdom eventually came to be applied to human relationships as well. It has been passed down as a profound life lesson that even imperfect things can build good relationships by complementing each other.
Interesting Facts
In the Edo period, there was a profession called “ikakeya” that specialized in repairing broken pots and kettles. They would seal holes with heated metal and skillfully fix deformed lids as well. The existence of such craftsman techniques is thought to be related to the background of how this proverb came to be.
Interestingly, the “broken pot” and “patched lid” used in this proverb have similar sound patterns. The phonetic harmony of “warenabe” and “tojibuta” overlaps with their semantic harmony, likely contributing to making this proverb easy to remember and beloved.
Usage Examples
- That couple is like a broken pot has patched lid – they get along well precisely because they’re both laid-back
- Our team is like broken pot has patched lid – it’s comfortable because none of us are perfectionists
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, with the spread of social media and matching apps, there’s a growing tendency to seek perfect partners. Many people set ideal conditions in their profiles and break off relationships at the slightest incompatibility. However, such perfectionist approaches to building human relationships can actually result in deepening loneliness.
The teaching of “Broken pot has patched lid” offers important insights into such modern trends. The ancient wisdom that deeper bonds are formed by accepting each other’s flaws and imperfections should be reconsidered now more than ever.
In the workplace too, rather than seeking perfect team members, building relationships where people can complement each other’s weaknesses often results in higher performance. In modern business environments that value diversity, the value of people with different backgrounds and characteristics working together is being recognized anew.
Also, with growing concern for environmental issues, the “mottainai” spirit is making a comeback. Lifestyles that treasure things, repair them, and use them for a long time are being reconsidered, and the material aspect of this proverb is taking on contemporary meaning. The idea that things have value even if they’re not perfect is a universal lesson that also connects to building a sustainable society.
When AI Hears This
It’s a remarkable discovery that common people in the Edo period were already expressing the modern workplace concept of “diversity and inclusion” through the proverb “yarenabe ni tojibuta” (a patched lid for a cracked pot).
In psychology, “complementarity theory” shows research results indicating that couples who compensate for each other’s weaknesses tend to have longer-lasting relationships. For example, pairs of impatient and easygoing people, or introverted and extroverted people. This is precisely the relationship embodied in “yarenabe ni tojibuta.”
Google’s large-scale 2012 study called “Project Aristotle” revealed that teams where members with different characteristics collaborate while maintaining psychological safety achieve overwhelmingly higher results than teams composed only of outstanding talent.
In modern diversity management, combining personnel of different ages, genders, and experiences is said to make innovation more likely to emerge. In other words, it’s the idea that “imperfect individuals combining together can create value that exceeds perfection.”
This proverb, born from the everyday wisdom of Edo’s common people, aligns perfectly with scientific research conducted 300 years later. It serves as a fascinating example demonstrating both the sharpness of human intuitive insight and the universality of truth.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the danger of seeking too much perfection and the richness of accepting imperfection. We tend to seek ideal partners or perfect environments, but truly comfortable relationships actually arise from bonds where people understand each other’s weaknesses and flaws.
Whether at work or at home, rather than demanding perfection from others, having an attitude of complementing each other’s lacking parts will build stronger and warmer bonds. The parts you think are your flaws might actually be sources of approachability and comfort for someone else.
This proverb also teaches the importance of self-acceptance. Rather than being ashamed of your imperfections, accepting them as part of what makes you who you are enables true harmony with others. Both the broken pot and the patched lid have their own value, and by coming together they create new value.
Even if you’re not perfect, you are valuable enough just as you are. And when you meet someone who is similarly imperfect, you’ll surely be able to build a wonderful relationship.
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