Proverbs
Japanese meaning of 旅は道連れ世は情け
Voice sample:
たびはみちづれよはなさけ (Tabi wa michizure yo wa nasake)
English Translation:
On a journey, a companion; in life, kindness
Scene: Encouragement Chat
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Travel is easier with a companion, and life is easier when people are kind to each other. This proverb values helping one another.
日本語で読む
旅は連れがいると心強く、世の中は互いの思いやりが大切だという意味。助け合いの大切さを表します。
Cultural Context:
It is the た card in the Edo-style Iroha karuta card game. It may also be used when inviting someone to come along.
日本語で読む
江戸いろはかるたの「た」の札です。誰かを一緒に誘う時に使うこともあります。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Two parallel phrases with は: "travel is companions, the world is compassion," with the verbs left out.
日本語で読む
「旅は道連れ」「世は情け」と、「は」を使った二つの句が対になり、動詞は省略されています。
Trap for English Speakers
道連れ here means a travel companion. In 道連れにする, it means dragging someone into trouble.
日本語で読む
ここでの「道連れ」は旅の仲間のこと。「道連れにする」は人を巻き込む悪い意味になります。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
一人旅の途中で知り合った人と、一緒に京都を回った。旅は道連れ世は情けだね。
On my solo trip, I met someone and we toured Kyoto together. On a journey, a companion; in life, kindness.
Example 2Applied Example
山道で出会った浪人と薬売りは、互いに守り合いながら峠を越えた。旅は道連れ世は情け。
A masterless samurai and a medicine peddler who met on a mountain path protected each other as they crossed the pass. On a journey, a companion; in life, kindness.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「旅は道連れ世は情け」 mean?