How to Read “金の切れ目が縁の切れ目”
Kane no kireme ga en no kireme
Meaning of “金の切れ目が縁の切れ目”
This proverb means that while money lasts, good relationships can be maintained, but when money runs out, human relationships also come to an end.
It is an expression that sharply points out the fragility of relationships mediated by money and the essence of human relationships that depend on economic ties. It represents the reality that when the economic foundation is lost in business relationships or relationships bound by financial interests, those relationships naturally disappear. It is used in situations such as when business relationships end due to changes in economic circumstances, or when reflecting on relationships that became distant as soon as financial support stopped. The reason for using this expression is to objectively view the influence of economic factors in human relationships and to distinguish between true human relationships and relationships of interest. Even today, this principle can apply to various situations, including sponsorships, investment relationships, and even personal lending and borrowing of money.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is thought to date back to the Edo period. It is believed to have become established as an expression born from the merchant society and pleasure quarter culture of that time.
The Edo period was an era when the monetary economy developed and commerce flourished. Particularly as townspeople culture blossomed, human relationships mediated by money became increasingly complex. The reality that money influenced human connections became apparent in various situations: transactions between merchants, payments to craftsmen, and entertainment in pleasure quarters.
The “kireme” (end/cut) in “money’s end” means to be severed like a thread or cord being cut, while “en” (relationship) in “relationship’s end” represents connections and bonds between people. This contrasting expression beautifully captures the delicate relationship between money and human relationships.
Particularly in pleasure quarters, it was clear that the relationship between customers and courtesans was established through money. It is presumed that words born from such environments eventually came to be used as expressions for human relationships in society as a whole. This can be said to be a famous saying born from the sharp observational skills of Edo commoners and their concise, impressive expressive power.
Interesting Facts
In Edo period pleasure quarters, a time measurement method called “kire-senko” (cut incense) was used. Fees were calculated based on the time it took for incense sticks to burn out, so literally the “cut” meant the end of the relationship. This physical “cut” is thought to have given more concreteness to the expression “kireme” in the proverb.
The Chinese character for “en” (relationship) originally meant the edging of clothing. From the boundary line that connects fabric to fabric, it came to represent connections between people. In other words, “relationship’s end” was a very visual expression that depicted the fabric of human relationships fraying and tearing apart.
Usage Examples
- When business with that company ended, contact from the person in charge completely stopped – it was truly “Money’s end is relationship’s end”
- As soon as the sponsorship contract ended, the manager who had been so friendly became cold, and I’m experiencing “Money’s end is relationship’s end”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex and multi-layered. With the development of SNS and the digital economy, the boundary between money and human relationships has become ambiguous.
New forms of “money-mediated relationships” have emerged that differ from traditional temporary monetary transactions, such as relationships between influencers and followers, bonds with supporters through crowdfunding, and ongoing relationships through subscription services. In these relationships, relationships don’t necessarily end when money stops flowing; rather, elements like community and empathy become important.
On the other hand, in the business world, relationships have become more impersonal in some aspects. Due to globalization, efficiency and profitability are prioritized over regional human relationships, and situations where “Money’s end is relationship’s end” appears more prominently have increased.
Additionally, in modern times, the concept of “investment” has come to be applied to human relationships as well. This is the idea of reviewing relationships if relationships built by “investing” time and money don’t generate the expected returns. This can be said to be a more calculating approach that differs greatly from traditional emotional human relationships.
However, at the same time, the value of relationships that aren’t influenced by money, such as true friendship and family love, is being rerecognized. This proverb functions as an important indicator for modern people to discern the essence of human relationships.
When AI Hears This
Modern subscription economy has implemented “when money runs out, relationships end” at a systemic level that transcends human will. When Netflix payments stop, access is immediately cut off; when dating app subscriptions expire, the “like” function shuts down; when social media premium ends, reach dramatically drops—these are mechanisms where “connections” to relationships and entertainment are literally auto-severed by payment systems.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that this severance happens instantly, without going through “gradual relationship deterioration.” In traditional human relationships, even when money problems arose, there were discussions and grace periods. But in the subscription economy, the moment credit card balances run short or payments are delayed, algorithms coldly cut the ties.
Even more fascinating is how this system accelerates the “commodification of relationships.” Cloud services that store memories with friends, dating apps to find romantic partners, video calls to connect with family—everything becomes subject to monthly charges, with human relationships themselves treated as “subscribable products.”
The Edo period lesson has evolved from a matter of individual moral choice into an “automatically executed reality” that digital capitalism has structurally embedded. We’re living in an era where the boundary lines between money and human relationships are drawn more clearly and mechanically than ever before.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches us who live in modern times the importance of discerning the essence of human relationships. It shows the importance of distinguishing between relationships bound by money and profit, and relationships bound by true trust and affection.
In modern society, money is involved in human relationships in various forms. That’s precisely why it’s necessary to calmly examine what the other person seeks from you and what you expect from them. This isn’t about doubting others, but wisdom for building healthy and sustainable relationships for both parties.
At the same time, this proverb teaches us the value of true relationships. People who support you in times of trouble, people who genuinely rejoice in your success, people who share time with you without seeking any return. It helps us realize that such relationships are life’s true treasures.
Money is certainly important, but relationships that rely only on it are fragile. We should cherish relationships where we don’t forget gratitude toward others, respect each other’s character, and can grow together. Such relationships become true assets that support us through any difficult times.
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