ない袖は振れぬ。

ない袖は振れぬ。

An empty bag can't stand upright.

ない袖(そで)は振(ふ)れぬ。

Nai sode wa furenu.

ない (ない)

not; emphatic suffix

袖 (そで)

sleeve; wing (of a stage, desk, gate, etc.)

は (は)

topic marker particle; indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated); adds emphasis

振れる (ふれる)

to swing; to shake; to wave; to veer; to deflect; to lean towards

Readings: シュウ、そで

Meanings: sleeve, wing (building), extension, give cold shoulder

Readings: シン、ふ.る、ぶ.る、ふ.り、 -ぶ.り、ふ.るう

Meanings: shake, wave, wag, swing