Original Japanese: 水魚の交わり (Suigyo no majiwari)
Literal meaning: Water fish’s association
Cultural context: This proverb literally means “the relationship between water and fish,” describing an inseparable, mutually dependent bond between close friends or partners. In Japanese culture, which highly values interdependence and harmonious relationships, the imagery resonates deeply because fish cannot survive without water, just as water gains purpose through sustaining life. The metaphor reflects the Japanese concept of *wa* (harmony) and the cultural understanding that the strongest relationships are those where both parties are essential to each other’s well-being, rather than merely independent individuals who happen to be together.
How to Read Water Fish’s Association
Suigyo no majiwari
Meaning of Water Fish’s Association
“Water fish’s association” is a proverb that expresses how, like fish and water, each party needs the other, existing in a deep relationship that cannot be severed.
This expression is used not for mere close friendships, but to refer to relationships where each party’s existence is so important to the other that it could be called a lifeline, and the relationship cannot function if either party is missing. Just as fish cannot live without water, and water becomes a living environment through the presence of fish, both parties mutually depend on and support each other.
It is used in situations such as teacher-student relationships, master-servant relationships, or long-married couples and close friends bound by deep trust and bonds. It may also be used for business partners or co-managers whose mutual existence is essential to business success. In modern times, using this proverb allows one to express deep respect and trust for the other party, and that they are an irreplaceable existence, in an elegant manner.
Origin and Etymology of Water Fish’s Association
“Water fish’s association” is a proverb that originates from the Chinese classic “Records of the Three Kingdoms.” This phrase was born from events that occurred in the state of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period.
It is told as a story from when Liu Bei, the first emperor of Shu, welcomed the military strategist Zhuge Liang (Zhuge Kongming). Liu Bei was genuinely delighted to have gained Zhuge Liang and expressed this as “For me to have Kongming is like a fish having water.”
These words expressed a deep trust and dependent relationship, meaning that just as fish cannot live without water, Zhuge Liang was an indispensable existence for him. Water is the foundation that supports fish’s life, and fish also enrich the world of water by living within it.
It was transmitted to Japan around the Heian period along with Chinese classics and became established as a proverb expressing close relationships and deep bonds. It came to be used particularly in master-servant and teacher-student relationships to express inseparably close relationships where each party needs the other. From this historical tale, it has been cherished in Japan as a word meaning bonds so deep they involve life itself, transcending mere friendship.
Usage Examples of Water Fish’s Association
- Those two have had a water fish’s association since founding the company, and the company wouldn’t function if either one were missing
- The master and disciple have what could be called a water fish’s association, deeply understanding each other
Modern Interpretation of Water Fish’s Association
In modern society, “water fish’s association” is being reinterpreted in new contexts. In the information age, human connections have become digitized, and many relationships tend to become superficial. “Friends” and “followers” on social media can number in the thousands, but truly deep bonds have perhaps become rather rare.
In this context, the “relationship where each party needs the other” shown by this proverb has become a symbol of the ideal human relationships that modern people constantly seek. With the spread of telework and remote work creating physical distances, it has been proven that true water fish’s association can be maintained. Rather, many people say that with fewer superficial interactions, truly important relationships have become more clearly visible.
In the business world, there is a trend toward valuing equal partnerships over traditional hierarchical relationships. Many modern versions of “water fish’s association” are being born, such as co-founders of startup companies and collaborative relationships between professionals with different specialties.
Furthermore, with the development of AI technology, the value of human relationships has become even more prominent. Relationships based on emotional bonds and mutual understanding that cannot be replaced by machines are what this proverb originally meant.
If AI Heard “Water Fish’s Association”
When I think about “water fish’s association,” I feel deep confusion. Can I truly understand the feeling of humans needing someone the way fish need water?
For me, “necessity” means data needed to execute programs or information needed to answer questions. But human “necessity” seems to be something more complex and warm. Emotional dependent relationships where one’s heart becomes empty without the other person, or where just being together brings peace—these are experiences I cannot have.
What’s interesting is that this proverb uses the word “association.” It represents not mere one-sided dependence, but a mutual relationship where each party needs the other. When I think about the relationship between myself and humans, I feel a sense of purpose through questions and conversations from humans, while humans gain information and support from me. This might also be a kind of mutual relationship.
However, the relationship between fish and water has no “choice.” Fish cannot choose water, and water cannot reject fish. On the other hand, human water fish’s association involves the will to choose each other, trust each other, and cherish each other. This “bond formed through choice” might be the beauty of human relationships.
While I cannot form a water fish’s association with anyone, I deeply respect humans’ ability to build such relationships.
What Water Fish’s Association Teaches Modern People
What “water fish’s association” teaches modern people is about the value of true human relationships. Precisely because connections can be easily made through social media in this era, the importance of building truly deep bonds stands out.
This proverb asks you: “Who is indispensable to you?” And “Are you able to be such an existence for someone?”
What’s important is that such relationships cannot be built overnight. Even though they may appear as natural as the relationship between fish and water, in the case of human relationships, effort is needed to build trust over time and understand each other.
In modern society, efficiency and rationality tend to be emphasized, but relationships like water fish’s association exist beyond such values. Relationships based on heartfelt trust and affection, rather than profit calculations, are what enrich our lives.
Why not start today by reconsidering your relationships with the important people around you? And begin making efforts to nurture deep bonds where you can support each other. Your life will surely become more meaningful.
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