男おとこは松まつ女おんなは藤ふじ

expression

men are pine trees, women are wisteria vines

Proverb expressing a traditional view of gender roles: men are sturdy and supportive like pine trees, while women are graceful and dependent like wisteria vines. Used to describe an ideal complementary relationship, though the sentiment is old-fashioned.

• 「男おとこは松まつ女おんなは藤ふじ」ということわざは、昔むかしの男だん女じょのあり方かたを表あらわしている。

  The proverb 'men are pine trees, women are wisteria vines' reflects an old-fashioned view of gender roles.