Ichariba Choode – The union in Okinawan proverbs

In this article, we will talk about a small phrase “Ichariba Choode“, a Japanese proverb from Okinawa, which means “although we have only met once, even by chance, we are friends forever.” At the end, we will leave a list of Okinawan proverbs and their meanings.

The meaning of Ichariba Choode

The “Ichariba-choode” [行逢りば兄弟] literally means “once we meet [行逢りば], we become brothers and sisters [兄弟]”. The expression may also derive from ikiau [行き会う] which literally means: to meet someone by chance.

The proverb represents the very strong spirit of unity and solidarity among the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa. This sense of community is well documented in the film “Happy,” a documentary that discusses various perspectives on happiness.

This idea of friendship is also widely spread in the Japanese version of Lilo and Stitch. You might not even know that there is a Japanese version of Stitch; in this anime, the protagonist talks a lot about Ichariba Choode.

Just as Stitch bumped into his friend Yuna, even if by chance or just once, they had friendship forever; they are like brothers, like family. This explains a lot about the meaning of Ichariba Chode, equivalent to Ohana in Hawaii.

In Brazil and other countries, the Ryukyu Koku Matsuri often takes place, a Taiko festival that greatly represents the spirit of Ichariba Choode. You can learn more about Okinawan culture by reading our article about Okinawa.

I want to take this opportunity to talk a little about Okinawa and also share a song that brought me closer to Okinawa. A very traditional and famous song called Shima Uta [島唄]. This song exemplifies the unity of the Okinawan people and their way of life.

List of Okinawan Proverbs

There are countless proverbs and phrases from Okinawa that we can mention in separate articles. While that day doesn’t come, I wish to conclude this article with a list of proverbs from the Okinawan language. If you liked it, share and leave your comments!

Proverbs taken from the booklet “okinawa kotowaza mame ehon” [おきなわ・ことわざ・豆絵本]

• Ataishi turu atairu. – We get along with those who get along with us;
• Achinee ya tankaa mankaa. – Business is a two-way street;
• Aramun jooguu ya duu ganjuu. – Those who eat simply are healthy;
• Uya yushi kwa yushi. – Parents and children teach each other;
• Kaagee kaa ru ya ru. – Beauty is only skin deep;
• Kamuru ussaa mii nayun. – The more you eat, the more you profit;
• Kuu sa kana sa. – Small things are lovely;
• Kuchi ganga naa ya yakutatan. – A person with useless speech is worthless;
• Kutubaa. Jin chikee. – Words are more effective than money;
• Kutuba noo ushikumaran. – A word cannot be denied once spoken;
• Shikinoo chui shiihii shiru kurasuru. – Let’s live helping each other;
• Shinjichi nu ada nayumi. – Kindness can never be destroyed in any way;
• Jin too waraaran kwa tu ru waraariiru. – You will be happy with children, not with money;
• Chu uyamee ru duu uyamee. – Respect to be respected;
• Choo kukuru ru dee ichi. – The heart is the essence of human quality;
• Tusui ya tatashina mun. Warabee shikashina mun. – The elderly should be respected, and the child spoiled;
• Tusui ya takara. – The elderly are a treasure;
• Miitundaa duu tichi. – Husband and wife are unique;
• Nuchi nu sadamee wakaran. – We do not know our future;
• Machushi garu ufu iyoo tuyuru. – Only with patience can we catch a big fish;
• Miinai chichi nai. – We learn by seeing and listening;
• Mii ya tin niru aru. – Our destiny is written in the sky;
• Munoo yuu iyuru mun. – Speak well of others;
• Yaasa ru maasaru. – Food is good only if you are hungry;
• Duu nu duu ya duu shiru shiyuru. – You know if your body is well;
• Choo kani ru deeichi. – Judgment is essential;
• Yii kutoo isugi. – A good opportunity requires speed;
• Chira kaagi yaka chimu gukuru. – Better than good looks, a good heart;
• Yuu ya shititin mii ya shitinna. – Even if you hide from the world, do not hide your true nature;
• Nmarijima nu kutuba wasshii nee kuni n wasshiin. – If you forget your language, you will forget your homeland;
• Acha nu neen chi ami. – Tomorrow is a new day;
• Yikiga nu kutubaa shuumun gaai. – A man’s word is his honor;
• Mookiraa kwee michi shiri. – If you make a fortune, be prepared to use it;