孝こう行こうのしたい時じ分ぶんに親おやはなし

expression

when you want to be filial, your parents are already gone

Proverb expressing regret that by the time one truly wishes to repay one's parents, they may have passed away. Often used to encourage filial piety while parents are still alive.

• 「孝こう行こうのしたい時じ分ぶんに親おやはなし」と言いうから、今いまのうちに親おや孝こう行こうをしておきなさい。

  They say, 'When you want to be filial, your parents are already gone,' so be good to your parents while you can.