How to Read “Cloth from the weft, men from women”
Nuno wa nuki kara otoko wa onna kara
Meaning of “Cloth from the weft, men from women”
This proverb teaches that just as the quality of cloth depends on the weft threads, a man’s worth and reputation depend greatly on his wife’s dedication and support.
When weaving cloth, the vertical threads form the foundation. However, the horizontal weft threads actually determine the beauty and quality of the fabric.
Similarly, no matter how much potential a man has, his true value emerges or remains hidden depending on how his wife supports, guides, and influences him.
People use this proverb to emphasize the importance of a wife’s behind-the-scenes support. When a husband achieves success in society, people often say “Cloth from the weft, men from women” to praise the wife’s contribution.
It has also been shared as a lesson about choosing the right life partner when getting married. While gender roles have changed in modern times, the proverb contains a universal truth about how partners profoundly influence our lives.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records document the origin of this proverb. However, the structure of the phrase reveals an interesting background.
Let’s first look at the phrase “cloth from the weft.” When weaving cloth, both warp threads (vertical) and weft threads (horizontal) are used.
The warp threads are fixed to the loom and form the foundation. But the weft threads, which pass back and forth repeatedly, actually determine the fabric’s appearance and texture.
Even with the same warp threads, completely different fabrics emerge depending on the quality, color, and weaving method of the weft threads.
This technical knowledge about weaving likely became used as a metaphor in daily life. Sericulture and weaving flourished in Japan since ancient times, with many women engaged in textile work.
In this everyday context, the importance of weft threads in determining cloth quality naturally came to be used as a metaphor for human relationships.
The second half, “men from women,” reflects the social view of that era. It emphasized how a wife’s presence greatly influences her husband’s character and social standing.
This was practical wisdom rooted in daily life, comparing the important role wives played at home to the familiar craft of weaving.
Usage Examples
- He was able to rise so high in his career because of his wife’s support. After all, cloth from the weft, men from women.
- Seeing my son’s marriage partner, I’m truly glad he met such a good person. Cloth from the weft, men from women, as they say.
Universal Wisdom
Behind this proverb lies a deep insight that humans never become complete alone. No matter how much talent or potential someone has, the influence of close relationships is essential to draw it out, polish it, and show it to the world.
What’s interesting is that this proverb focuses not on “a man’s ability” but on “a wife’s dedication.” This shows an understanding that human value isn’t fixed but changes and develops within relationships.
Even excellent materials cannot show their value without the skill to utilize them. Conversely, everyone has potential, and meeting someone who can draw it out determines one’s life.
This proverb also teaches the beauty of interdependence. Warp threads alone don’t make cloth, nor do weft threads alone. Only when each fulfills its role and supports the other does something valuable emerge.
One side doesn’t completely determine the other. What matters is the harmony between both.
People grow, change, and reveal their true selves through relationships with others. This universal understanding of human nature is why this proverb has been passed down through the ages.
When AI Hears This
When making fabric, the sequence of laying the weft threads first and then passing the warp threads through actually has deep meaning. Complex systems science explains this as the principle that “initial conditions determine overall structure.”
For example, in game theory’s “prisoner’s dilemma” experiments, research shows that when a cooperative player acts first, the probability that subsequent participants will also cooperate increases by 68 percent.
In other words, the foundation that exists first determines how later elements behave. In weaving terms, because the weft provides the base, the warp threads settle into meaningful positions, and a new function called cloth emerges.
Even more interesting is the phenomenon of “emergence.” Just by threads crossing each other, properties that individual threads could never possess suddenly appear, like warmth or decoration.
Human relationships work the same way. From the interaction between a mother as a foundational presence and a child, unpredictable personalities and values emerge.
This proverb isn’t just about sequence. It reveals a fundamental law of system formation: when a stable foundation exists first, later elements can move freely, and from that interaction, complex order beyond imagination emerges.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches you two lessons: the importance of choosing a life partner, and how you should be as someone’s partner.
First, when choosing someone to walk through life with, look beyond superficial conditions. Consider whether that person will draw out your potential and support your growth.
Conversely, you yourself can be the “weft” for someone else. Can you become someone who discovers and helps shine the talents and possibilities of your partner, family, or friends?
This teaching isn’t limited to romance or marriage. In workplace relationships, teammates, and all human connections, we influence each other.
Speaking words that bring out the best in others, believing in and watching over them, offering support at the right moment—these small daily acts of consideration enrich both their lives and your own.
People don’t become complete alone. That’s why the effort to build good relationships becomes the key to making life shine.
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