food before romance; fair words fill not the belly
Proverb meaning that practical needs like food take priority over romantic or aesthetic pursuits. Often used humorously when someone chooses eating over dating or appearance.
Lunch is more important than a date. Food before romance, right?
He always puts food before romance, spending his days off just eating out.
Standard kanji spelling for this proverb.
Variant spelling using 食気 for くいけ; less common but still encountered.
A Japanese proverb combining 色気 (romantic/sexual appeal) and 食い気 (appetite, desire to eat), literally 'appetite over sex appeal.' The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural trope of prioritizing sustenance over romance.