How to Read “お前百までわしゃ九十九まで”
Omae hyaku made washya kyūjūkyū made
Meaning of “お前百までわしゃ九十九まで”
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
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
- 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
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.
When AI Hears This
The number “1” may be the smallest unit in mathematics, but in this proverb, it functions as the ultimate expression of love in human relationships. The difference between 99 and 100 is statistically just a 1% gap. Yet psychologically, the meaning of this “mere difference of one” is immeasurable.
What’s fascinating is why it’s not “I’ll go at ninety-eight” or “ninety-five.” The choice of 99 embodies an intense desire to stay together until the very last possible moment. By selecting the number closest to 100, it quantifies the feeling of “as long as humanly possible.”
This difference of “1” encapsulates the uniquely Japanese psychology of “reading between the lines.” On the surface, it’s a declaration of “I will die first,” but in reality, it expresses the consideration of “I want to minimize the time you’ll be alone.” Social psychology calls this type of indirect expression of love “circumventive attachment behavior.”
Even more noteworthy is the temporal ambiguity of this “1.” Whether it means one year, one day, or one hour remains unspecified. This very ambiguity is the mechanism that maximizes thoughtfulness toward one’s partner. Specifying an exact timeframe would be too realistic, but the abstract “1” maintains an exquisite balance—expressing near-eternal love while ensuring the partner won’t be left completely alone.
Lessons for Today
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.
Comments