女にょう房ぼうと畳たたみは新あたらしい方ほうが良いい

expression, i-adjective (yoi/ii class)

wives and tatami mats are best when new

A traditional proverb suggesting that, like tatami mats, a new wife is preferable to an old one. Now often considered outdated or sexist, but still recognized as a set phrase.

• 「女にょう房ぼうと畳たたみは新あたらしい方ほうが良いい」ということわざを、祖そ母ぼが冗じょう談だんで口くちにした。

  My grandmother jokingly quoted the proverb 'wives and tatami mats are best when new.'