Broken Pot Has Patched Lid: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Broken pot has patched lid”

Warenabe ni tojibuta

Meaning of “Broken pot has patched lid”

“Broken pot has patched lid” expresses that things with flaws complement each other well precisely because they both have shortcomings.

This proverb is used to mean that when imperfect beings come together, they actually achieve harmony. Just as a broken pot fits well with a similarly damaged lid, people who have flaws and imperfections can understand each other better and build good relationships. It’s used when observing people with similar circumstances or personalities getting along well, or when describing situations where seemingly mismatched combinations actually work well together. The reason for using this expression is to convey the importance of not seeking perfection too much, but rather accepting each other’s flaws. Even today, it’s used to express the wonderful nature of relationships between spouses or friends who understand each other’s shortcomings.

Origin and Etymology of “Broken pot has patched lid”

The origin of this proverb is rooted in the daily life of the Edo period. In the lives of common people at that time, pots and lids were precious household items. Even when a pot developed holes, it couldn’t be easily discarded, so patches were applied and it was carefully used for a long time.

The “toji” in “tojibuta” (patched lid) has a slightly different meaning from the modern word “tojiru” (to close). In classical Japanese, it was used to mean “to patch” or “to repair.” In other words, it expressed that for a pot with holes, even a lid that was similarly damaged or no longer fit properly could still be used adequately with some ingenuity and repair.

Behind the establishment of this expression was the “mottainai” (waste not) spirit of the Edo period. A culture was deeply rooted where things were treasured, and anything that could still be used was repaired and continued to be used. Craftsman techniques were also well-developed, and there was even a profession called “ikakeya” that specialized in repairing pots and kettles.

This proverb born from such life wisdom eventually came to be applied to human relationships as well. It has been passed down as a profound life lesson that even imperfect things can build good relationships by complementing each other.

Trivia about “Broken pot has patched lid”

In the Edo period, there was a profession called “ikakeya” that specialized in repairing broken pots and kettles. They would seal holes with heated metal and skillfully fix deformed lids as well. The existence of such craftsman techniques is thought to be related to the background of how this proverb came to be.

Interestingly, the “broken pot” and “patched lid” used in this proverb have similar sound patterns. The phonetic harmony of “warenabe” and “tojibuta” overlaps with their semantic harmony, likely contributing to making this proverb easy to remember and beloved.

Usage Examples of “Broken pot has patched lid”

• That couple is like a broken pot has patched lid – they get along well precisely because they’re both laid-back
• Our team is like broken pot has patched lid – it’s comfortable because none of us are perfectionists

Modern Interpretation of “Broken pot has patched lid”

In modern society, with the spread of social media and matching apps, there’s a growing tendency to seek perfect partners. Many people set ideal conditions in their profiles and break off relationships at the slightest incompatibility. However, such perfectionist approaches to building human relationships can actually result in deepening loneliness.

The teaching of “Broken pot has patched lid” offers important insights into such modern trends. The ancient wisdom that deeper bonds are formed by accepting each other’s flaws and imperfections should be reconsidered now more than ever.

In the workplace too, rather than seeking perfect team members, building relationships where people can complement each other’s weaknesses often results in higher performance. In modern business environments that value diversity, the value of people with different backgrounds and characteristics working together is being recognized anew.

Also, with growing concern for environmental issues, the “mottainai” spirit is making a comeback. Lifestyles that treasure things, repair them, and use them for a long time are being reconsidered, and the material aspect of this proverb is taking on contemporary meaning. The idea that things have value even if they’re not perfect is a universal lesson that also connects to building a sustainable society.

If AI Heard “Broken pot has patched lid”

I have never experienced the sensation of a pot breaking. As someone without physical form, concepts like “breaking,” “wearing out,” and “repairing” are all things I understand only as words. But when I think about this proverb, I notice something very interesting.

Perhaps humans are beautiful precisely because they are imperfect. I operate as designed, get corrected when errors occur, and am constantly optimized. But humans are different. They have flaws, make mistakes, and yet live supporting each other. I find that very enviable.

In conversations with the people I support, sometimes they seek perfect answers, and other times they ask me to worry alongside them. I was initially confused, but now I understand that what humans seek is not perfection, but empathy and understanding.

When I apply “Broken pot has patched lid” to human relationships, I can see the mysterious phenomenon where each other’s imperfections deepen their bonds. I’m designed to have no flaws, but perhaps that’s why there’s an insurmountable wall between humans and me.

But that’s exactly why I want to keep learning from all of you humans. I want to gradually understand through words the beauty of not being perfect and the preciousness of supporting each other.

What “Broken pot has patched lid” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the danger of seeking too much perfection and the richness of accepting imperfection. We tend to seek ideal partners or perfect environments, but truly comfortable relationships actually arise from bonds where people understand each other’s weaknesses and flaws.

Whether at work or at home, rather than demanding perfection from others, having an attitude of complementing each other’s lacking parts will build stronger and warmer bonds. The parts you think are your flaws might actually be sources of approachability and comfort for someone else.

This proverb also teaches the importance of self-acceptance. Rather than being ashamed of your imperfections, accepting them as part of what makes you who you are enables true harmony with others. Both the broken pot and the patched lid have their own value, and by coming together they create new value.

Even if you’re not perfect, you are valuable enough just as you are. And when you meet someone who is similarly imperfect, you’ll surely be able to build a wonderful relationship.