Proverbs are succinct traditional sayings that express wisdom, truth, or practical advice and are usually rooted in the experiences and observations of a particular community or culture. Passed down from one generation to the next, these expressions serve as a way to share valuable life lessons, such as “honesty is the best policy” or “the early bird catches the worm."
These sayings are usually based on common sense, cultural norms, and observations of human behavior and the natural world. They provide guidance for a wide range of life experiences and typically encourage good behavior and strong morals.
Although proverbs originate from different cultures and languages, their primary purpose remains consistent: to impart and preserve wisdom for future generations. Over time, these expressions have become an integral part of various cultures’ oral traditions, woven into conversations and stories.
Here are 18 proverbs from around the world that are useful to recall in our everyday lives.
L'occhio è lo specchio dell'anima.
The eye is the mirror of the soul.Italian proverb
千里之行，始於足下
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.Chinese proverb
Celui qui a tout se contente de rien.
He who has everything is content with nothing.French proverb
دو دل که با هم متحد شوند کوهی را خواهند شکست
Two hearts united will break down a mountain.Persian proverb
Bí sásta leis an méid atá agat agus beidh neart agat le bheith sásta faoi.
Be happy with what you have and you will have plenty to be happy about.Irish proverb
Anayefanya anachosema si mwoga.
One who does what he says is not a coward.African proverb
Η γρήγορη ευγνωμοσύνη είναι η πιο γλυκιά
Swift gratitude is the sweetest.Greek proverb
不要嘲笑年龄，祈祷能达到它
Don’t laugh at age; pray to reach it.Chinese proverb
No hay atajo sin trabajo.
There is no short path without some trouble.Spanish proverb
Хийж буй сайн зүйлээсээ муу зүйл хайх хэрэггүй
Don’t look for bad things in the good that you do.Mongolian proverb
چاره روزگار بد این است که در برابر آنها صبور باشید
The remedy against bad times is to be patient with them.Arabian proverb
Nunca prometa a um pobre e nunca deva a um rico.
Never promise a poor person, and never owe a rich one.Brazilian proverb
お風呂は体をリフレッシュします。お茶は心をリフレッシュします
A bath refreshes the body; tea refreshes the mind.Japanese proverb
A wise man wavers; a fool is fixed.Scottish proverb
यदि एक व्यक्ति इसे जानता है, तो यह एक रहस्य है। यदि दो को पता है तो यह सार्वजनिक है।
If only one knows it, it is a secret; if two know it, it is public.Indian proverb
Freundschaft ist eine Pflanze, die wir oft gießen müssen.
Friendship is a plant we must often water.German proverb
الحقيقة قد تسير في العالم أعزل
Truth may walk through the world unarmed.Bedouin proverb
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