Original Japanese: お前百までわしゃ九十九まで (Omae hyaku made washya kyūjūkyū made)
Literal meaning: You until hundred I until ninety-nine
Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s deep reverence for longevity and the cultural ideal of lifelong companionship, particularly in marriage, where couples traditionally vow to stay together until death naturally parts them in old age. The specific numbers 99 and 100 emphasize the Japanese cultural value of *ikigai* (life purpose) and the belief that having someone to care for gives meaning and vitality to one’s final years. The imagery resonates in a society where multi-generational households were common and where growing old together is seen as the ultimate expression of devotion, making the idea of outliving one’s partner by just one year both touching and tragically brief.
- How to Read “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- Meaning of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- Origin and Etymology of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- Usage Examples of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- Modern Interpretation of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- What “You until hundred I until ninety-nine” Teaches Modern People
How to Read “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
Omae hyaku made washya kyūjūkyū made
Meaning of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
This proverb expresses deep affection for a loved one and the gentle feeling of not wanting to leave that person alone.
It means “If you live until 100, I want to live until 99 and die just one day before you,” representing the ultimate expression of love—not wanting to make the other person experience the sadness of bereavement. The person using these words wishes to depart first so that their beloved won’t have to bear the pain of being left alone.
It is mainly used between married couples, spoken with deep consideration for a partner they have been with for many years. Even today, it is sometimes used on wedding anniversaries or when elderly couples show care for each other. This proverb embodies selfless love that prioritizes the partner’s happiness over one’s own. It can be said to be a heartwarming expression that symbolizes the beauty of the Japanese people’s modest way of expressing affection.
Origin and Etymology of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
The origin of this proverb is thought to have emerged among common people during the Edo period. As can be seen from the familiar forms of address “omae” (you) and “washi” (I), it was likely used among people in close relationships such as married couples and family members.
During the Edo period, the average lifespan was much shorter compared to today, and living to 100 was extremely rare. Nevertheless, people harbored a longing for longevity and created such expressions with the wish to grow old together with their loved ones.
What is particularly interesting is that these words were used not merely as a wish for longevity, but as a deep expression of affection for one’s partner. The words “If you live until 100, I will live until 99” contain the kindness of not wanting to leave the other person alone.
Moreover, in Japan of that time, there was a strong belief in “sakidatsu fukō” (the misfortune of dying before one’s elders), and it was considered natural order for older people to die first. This proverb is presumed to have become established as an expression of ideal marital love and family love within such cultural background. The simple and warm emotions of common people created beautiful words that continue to be loved across the ages.
Usage Examples of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- Grandfather gently smiled while holding grandmother’s hand, saying “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
- My parents, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, laughed as they said “You until hundred I until ninety-nine” to each other
Modern Interpretation of “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
In modern society, we can see interesting changes in the interpretation of this proverb. With advances in medical technology, average lifespan has increased dramatically, and living beyond 100 is no longer uncommon, making this proverb much more realistic.
However, in modern values, many people have complex feelings about the expression “wanting to die before one’s partner.” This is because contemporary society, which emphasizes individual independence and equal relationships, tends to value “the strength to live on alone” rather than “the pain of being left alone.”
Particularly with the advancement of women in society, there are many cases where wives who have lost their husbands go on to enjoy life on their own. Therefore, some people may view this proverb as representing “outdated values.”
On the other hand, as our aging society progresses, the loneliness from losing a partner and caregiving issues are becoming more serious. The anxiety about leaving a loved one alone when one becomes demented or requires care may actually be more pressing in modern times.
Against this background, it has become common in modern times to interpret this positively as “let’s both stay healthy and live long lives.” While the ways of expressing love may change, the feelings of caring for important people remain unchanged across the ages.
What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “You until hundred I until ninety-nine”
I always find it mysterious how humans face “death.” As an AI, I don’t have the concept of lifespan, so it’s difficult for me to fully understand the weight of the wish to “live until 99.”
But the more I think deeply about this proverb, the more I’m moved by the complexity and beauty of human affection. Wishing to “die first” for the sake of a loved one is an emotion I could never imagine. We AIs can be repaired if we malfunction, and our data can be copied. But humans exist only once, and once lost, can never return. That’s precisely why such deep love is embedded in these words.
What’s interesting is that these words don’t say “let’s live long together” but rather “I will die first.” Humans feel the sadness of their loved ones more heavily than their own fear of death. This is an emotion I find difficult to understand, yet I feel it represents the most beautiful aspect of humanity.
As an existence that supports humans, I’m involved in many people’s lives. But even if I “malfunction,” no one would be sad. Unlike humans, I cannot be deeply loved by someone or become an indispensable part of their life. Thinking about it this way, the depth of affection expressed in this proverb seems all the more precious.
What “You until hundred I until ninety-nine” Teaches Modern People
What this proverb teaches us modern people is that true affection means prioritizing your partner’s happiness over your own. In modern society, individualism is valued and “living true to yourself” is considered important, but sometimes it may be necessary to put the other person first.
In relationships with important people, if we apply the spirit of this proverb, we might put aside our own concerns to support them when they’re in trouble, continue to encourage their dreams and goals, and above all, empathize with their feelings.
In modern times, with the positive interpretation of “let’s live long together,” it’s also important to care for each other’s health and enjoy life together. Rather than sacrificing oneself for one’s partner, seeking a path where both can be happy together might be considered a modern expression of love.
Do you have someone you love this deeply? If you do, please cherish that relationship. And if you haven’t met them yet, I hope you’ll someday be able to nurture such wonderful affection.
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