How to Read “Even with five fingers, you cannot cut or be cut”
gohon no yubi de kiru ni mo kirarenu
Meaning of “Even with five fingers, you cannot cut or be cut”
“Even with five fingers, you cannot cut or be cut” is a proverb that describes a deep relationship that cannot be separated, like the five fingers on a hand. It expresses an extremely close bond.
This proverb is used to describe relationships between family members or close friends who have built strong bonds over many years. It means more than just getting along well.
It describes a connection where each person’s existence is essential to the other. If one is missing, the relationship cannot function. This is a bond like a shared destiny.
The metaphor of five fingers works because it’s visually easy to understand. The fingers on your hand are always together. Each finger is independent, yet they can never be separated from each other.
This familiar example helps everyone intuitively grasp the essence of deep human relationships that are hard to put into words.
Even today, this phrase is used to describe long-married couples or companions who have shared joys and hardships together.
Origin and Etymology
There don’t seem to be clear written records about the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from how the phrase is constructed.
Let’s focus on the expression “five fingers.” Our hands have five fingers. Each moves independently, yet they exist in an inseparable unity.
The thumb and index finger, the middle finger and ring finger—all fingers cooperate with each other. They make it possible to grasp things, write, and eat.
The background of this expression likely reflects Japanese views of the body and human relationships. The fingers of the hand were probably the most familiar visible example of an “inseparable relationship.”
If even one finger is missing, you feel inconvenience. Only when all are present can they perform their true function. From this natural observation, the phrase likely became established as a way to express deep bonds between people.
Also, the expression “cannot cut or be cut” contains more than simple closeness. It suggests the strength of a fateful connection.
Even if you try to cut it, you cannot. The relationship is bound that deeply. The cleverness of this proverb lies in expressing this through the concrete image of five fingers.
Usage Examples
- My childhood friend and I have a bond like “even with five fingers, you cannot cut or be cut,” so I can talk to him about anything
- Those two have a relationship of “even with five fingers, you cannot cut or be cut”—it’s been 30 years since they started their business together
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “even with five fingers, you cannot cut or be cut” speaks to a universal truth: the preciousness of inseparable bonds for human beings.
People cannot live alone. No matter how independent someone is, deep down they seek deep connections with others.
This proverb has been passed down for so long because it perfectly captures this fundamental human need.
What’s interesting is that this proverb uses the expression “even if you try to cut, you cannot cut.” Human relationships sometimes involve difficulties and conflicts.
There may be disagreements, misunderstandings, and times when people hurt each other. Yet our ancestors deeply understood that some bonds remain unbroken despite all this.
The metaphor of five fingers is also suggestive. Each finger has a different length, shape, and role. But these very differences enrich the function of the whole hand.
Human relationships are the same. No two people are exactly alike. Because there are differences, relationships where people complement and support each other can emerge.
In modern times when superficial interactions tend to increase, this proverb continues to ask what truly deep human relationships are.
When AI Hears This
The shape created by connecting five fingers in a circle can be explained in topology through the concept of “homotopy equivalence.” In other words, even if you bend or stretch your fingers, as long as you don’t cut them, the essential nature of “a structure with one hole” doesn’t change.
What’s fascinating about this structure is that mathematically it’s treated as “the same thing” no matter how the finger length changes, the thickness changes, or how distorted it becomes.
In topology, a coffee cup and a donut are the same shape. Both have exactly one hole. The circle formed by five fingers is the same—whether the thumb is short or the pinky is bent, topologically it remains invariant as long as it’s closed.
The insight derived from this is that the “structural strength” of human relationships cannot be measured by visible distance or shape.
Even if family members are physically separated, even if a quarrel temporarily distorts the relationship, as long as the structure of connection itself is maintained, its essential strength doesn’t change.
Conversely, once a “cut” occurs, topologically it becomes a completely different structure.
In mathematics, this connectivity is expressed through an invariant called the “fundamental group.” The fundamental group of an unbroken circle is the integer Z, but if it’s cut even at one point, it becomes a trivial group.
This dramatic change is the mathematical proof of the “unbreakable strength” that this proverb conveys.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of discerning and nurturing relationships with truly important people.
In modern society where we connect with hundreds of people on social media and superficial interactions increase, it’s worth asking ourselves how many people we have bonds with like five fingers.
You don’t need to build deep relationships with everyone. Rather, what matters is devoting time and energy to relationships with the few people who are truly important.
This proverb also teaches us about maintaining relationships. The five fingers cannot be separated because they’re always together, supporting each other.
Relationships with important people are the same. Daily small acts of consideration, exchanges of words, and time spent together create unbreakable bonds.
Who are the people like five fingers to you? Don’t take relationships with them for granted—nurture them carefully.
By having this awareness, life becomes richer and warmer. Deep bonds are life’s greatest treasure.
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