Proverbs of various peoples. Proverbs of different nations

In this section, we will talk about what a proverb is.

A proverb is a phrase, a turn of speech that reflects a phenomenon of life. Often humorous.

From the simplest poetic works, such as a fable or a proverb, they can stand out and independently turn into living speech, the elements in which thicken their content; this is not an abstract formula of the idea of ​​the work, but a figurative allusion to it, taken from the work itself and serving as its deputy (for example, “a pig under an oak”, or “a dog in the manger”, or “he takes out dirty linen from a hut”).

Dahl's definition of "a collapsible short speech, walking among the people, but not making up a complete proverb" is quite suitable for the proverb, noting at the same time a special and very common type of saying - a walking expression that has not developed to a full proverb, a new image that replaces the usual word (for example “He doesn’t knit a bast” instead of “drunk”, “he didn’t invent gunpowder” instead of “fool”, “I pull a strap”, “two bast mats for all clothes, but a festive sack”). There is no proverb here, just as there is no work of art in the emblem, which has only once for all a given meaning.

A saying, unlike a proverb, does not contain a generalizing instructive meaning. This is a rather important remark that will be of interest to lovers of proverbs and sayings.

• "Hunger is not an aunt"
• "Don't Spit in the Well"
• "The word is not a sparrow"
• "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs"
• “He called himself a load - climb into the box”
• "A fly in the ointment"
• "Whatever you call a boat, that's how it will float"
• "Road Spoon to Dinner"
• "Trust in God, but don't make a mistake yourself"
• "A friend in need is a friend indeed"
• "Do not renounce the bag and prison"
• "Found a scythe on a stone"
• "Without God, not to the threshold"

Some sayings may sound similar but have different meanings. So, for example, along with the well-known proverb “Beats - it means loves”, there is also a proverb that reflects the folk wisdom “strokes, it means loves”.

A proverb is a widespread figurative expression that aptly defines any life phenomenon. Unlike proverbs, sayings are devoid of a direct generalized instructive meaning and are limited to a figurative, often allegorical expression: it is easy to remember, like snow on your head, to beat the thumbs - all these are typical sayings, devoid of the nature of a complete judgment. But, the saying, to an even greater extent than the proverb, conveys an emotionally expressive assessment of various life phenomena. The proverb exists in speech in order to express precisely and, above all, the feelings of the speaker. So, the proverb condemns the work that is done rudely, as it should, somehow: “Kill the bag, then we’ll sort it out.”

Sayings, due to their peculiarity of figurative expressions, more often than proverbs, come closer to linguistic phenomena. Sayings have more national, nationwide meaning and meaning than proverbs. Sayings often have all the properties of linguistic phenomena. This is the expression to put a pig in, that is, to make trouble for someone. The origin of this saying is associated with the military system of the ancient Slavs. The squad became a "wedge", like a boar's head, or a "pig", as the Russian chronicles called this system. Over time, the meaning attached to this expression in antiquity was lost.

And finally, for laughs:

List of the most famous sayings retold in scientific language:

1. "The dualistic principle of using agricultural implements on a hydrosurface" (It is written with a pitchfork on the water)

2. "The binary nature of the statements of an individual who has lost social activity" (Grandma said in two)

3. "Problems of transporting liquids in vessels with a variable density structure" (Carry water in a sieve)

4. "Optimization of the dynamics of the work of a draft vehicle, associated with the elimination of an initially destructive transport unit" (A woman with a cart is easier for a mare)

5. "Weakly expressed relevance of the use of keyboard instruments among persons of the clergy" (what the hell an accordion is)

6. "Non-standard methods of treating scoliosis through the administration of ritual services" (a humpbacked grave will correct)

7. "Problems of increasing the fine dispersion of diatomic hydrogen oxide by mechanical means" (crush water in a mortar)

8. "Latent possibilities of using verbal means of communication to optimize labor" (went on ...)

9. "The positive impact of a low IQ on an increase in the set of tasks in the process of working (fools love work)

10. "Solipsism of poultry in relation to non-ruminant mammals of the artiodactyl order" (the goose is not a friend to the pig)

11. "Characteristic external signs as a reason for usurping the most favorable social status in the market" (with a pig's snout and in a kalash row)

12. "Anthropomorphic approach to the creation of the marriage cell" (to whom the mare is the bride)

13. "Syndrome of refusal of legitimization, based on the lack of opportunities for rapid identification of the person" (I am not me, and the horse is not mine)

14. "The influence of seasonal and weather conditions on the process of accounting for birds" (chickens are counted in the fall)

15. "The ambivalent nature of neural impulses emitted by the cerebral cortex" (both wants and pricks)

16. "Patterns of the ratio of the length of the keratinized epidermis with the amount of gray matter in the cranium" (the hair is long, but the mind is short)

17. "A kind of legal act that prevails over currency funds" (an agreement is more expensive than money)

18. "The inadmissibility of using typical elements of housing architecture while denying the culminating manifestation of contemplative-tactile emotions" (love is not a potato, you can't throw it out the window)

19. "Neutrality of the taste characteristics of a cruciferous plant in relation to vegetable crops of central Russia" (radish horseradish is not sweeter)

20. "Antithesis properties of mentally handicapped subjects in the context of the implementation of state regulations" (the law is not written for fools)

21. "Lack of progress-regression in the body's metabolism when the ratio of fats and carbohydrates in the traditional dish of settled peoples changes" (you can't spoil porridge with butter)

Proverbs and sayings of Greece

Smart is not the one who knows a lot, but the one whose knowledge is useful

The happy easily teaches the unfortunate

It is better to live in poverty, but honestly, than in wealth, but in fear.

In a dispute, the one who loses wins, because he has increased knowledge

Great things don't happen all at once.

Talking a lot and saying a lot are not the same thing.

Wisdom breeds happiness

Hunger makes food especially delicious

The love of a woman is more dangerous than the hatred of a man, because this poison is pleasant

Proverbs and sayings of India

A woman is wise by nature, a man is wise by books

Sources of well-being - diligence and calmness

Better to have a smart enemy than to be friends with a fool

Patience kills the powerless and makes great the strong

Scientist, hero and beauty will find shelter everywhere

Coquetry of a woman is a sign of love

Kill greed - become happy

The worthy is silent about his virtues and other people's shortcomings.

Proverbs and sayings France

Mind in the network of passions, like a bird with tied legs

The value of a person is in the price he gives himself

Knowledge is stronger than fists

The main thing is not to run fast, but to run out in advance

Arrogance means having a high opinion of yourself and a low opinion of others.

Vices dull the mind, but wine destroys it

Marriage without commitment is a betrayal

Who is afraid of the disease is already sick

Proverbs and sayings Denmark

Only madness can be true

An expert is a person who has already made all the mistakes in his direction.

Proverbs and sayings of Italy

The worst trouble is her waiting

The slanderer accuses when he praises

In his house - every king

Manners make a man

Love me, love my dog ​​too

New year and new life

Every rule has its exception

Spanish sayings:

Since there is no prosperity - and life is not sweet

Big water and big fish

Proverbs and sayings Georgian:

If rich - sinful before the Lord, and poor - before people

To say a kind word in front of a fool is like lighting a candle in the sun

When the owner is not happy, then the guests are bored

Japanese proverbs:

Without polishing, a diamond will not shine like a precious one.

An eggplant will not grow on a melon stalk

A noble man does not spare his life

Wealth and fame ill-gotten will disappear like clouds

Both are to blame for the quarrel

What blooms will fade anyway

Dust accumulates - forms mountains

Conversation is stronger than violence

Funny German aphorisms:

When you get a girl's hand, you will always feel it in your pocket.

When the husband arrives from a business trip - the wife arranges a scene of fidelity

Finances either start to end or stop to begin

The English have a big opinion, but few thoughts. The Germans have so many thoughts that there is no time to form an opinion about themselves.

Proverbs and sayings Poland:

Old age is a well of wisdom and experience. when you pass it on to the young, you deserve respect.

Youth is like spring, middle age is like summer, and old age is like autumn, rich in impressions.

Only knowledge is the true power that can be acquired for a long time.

"We learn not from victories, but from defeats" - Japanese proverb

Recently, I have been interested in the topic of proverbs and sayings in different languages. I noticed that proverbs wander from one language to another, slightly changing the meaning. It is interesting to know that, for example, the proverb “If you chase two hares, you won’t catch one,” they are similar in Japanese (!) (二兎を追うものは一兎も追えず) and Russian.

I am very little familiar with Japanese, more with Chinese, but the very similarity of this proverb in such such polar cultures is amazing. Are there hares in Japan? Well, basically, it doesn't matter. The main thing to know is that proverbs are a reflection of the mentality and soul of the people, their way of life, their attitude. The proverb is always finished and carries a certain meaning.

As for the Russians and the British (try to analyze any two languages ​​out of interest), according to proverbs, I noticed that Russian people are characterized by good nature, laziness, patriotism, conscientiousness, openness, mutual assistance.

The British are characterized by diligence, rationality, freedom-loving, restraint.

The West is organized, the Russians are more disorganized. Again, I judge based on proverbs that reflect the mentality. And that, and there are special people. In fact, people are all different, we are similar only in our fears.

Below I will analyze LITERALLY proverbs from other languages. They sound interesting.

Chinese proverb .

A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom.

The thorn protects the rose, hurting only those who try to steal it in bloom.

German proverb.

God gives the nuts, but he does not crack them.

God gives nuts, but does not grind them.

Thai proverbs.

Life is so short we must move very slowly.

Life is so short, we must move very slowly.

In a battle between elephants, the ants get squashed.

In an elephant fight, the ants are always flattened.

Latin proverb .

Keep quiet and people will think you a philosopher.

Be quiet and people will think you're a philosopher.

French proverb .

With enough "ifs" we could put Paris into a bottle .

If only, if only, you could put Paris in a bottle.

Japanese proverb.

An apprentice near a temple will recite the scriptures untaught.

An apprentice near the temple expounds manuscripts without learning.

African proverb .

A fly does not mind dying in coconut cream .

The fly doesn't mind dying in coconut cream at all.

Indian proverb.

The cobra will bite you whether you call it cobra or Mr. Cobra.

A cobra will bite you, even a cobra, even if you call it "Mr. Cobra".

Swiss proverb .

When in doubt who will win, be neutral.

When in doubt who will win, stay neutral.

Jewish proverb .

If God wants people to suffer, he sends them too much understanding.

If God wants people to suffer, he sends them too much understanding.

Moroccan proverb.

Evening promises are like butter: morning comes, and it's all melted.

Evening promises are like butter: the morning comes and everything melts.

Egyptian proverb .

The barking of a dog does not disturb the man on a camel.

A barking dog does not disturb the man on the camel.

Italian proverb .

Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.

Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.

Malaysian proverb .

The turtle lays thousands of eggs without anyone knowing, but when the hen lays an egg, the whole country is informed.

The turtle lays thousands of eggs and no one knows about it. But when a hen lays an egg, the whole country is informed.

American proverb .

The more sins you confess, the more books you will sell.

The more sins you admit to yourself, the more books you will sell.

Have a great day

The friendship of peoples is their wealth.
Bashkir proverb

Proverbs live in every nation, pass from century to century, pass on the accumulated experience to new generations. The proverb itself does not argue - it affirms. It contains the final conclusion, it is the result of lengthy reflections and therefore a categorical judgment about the world: “And there are crocodiles in still water” (Malay), “Scorpio does not change its habits” (Uzbek), “Who draws a sword will die from it same ”(Arabic),“ Many helmsmen - the ship crashes ”(Chinese). The people themselves appreciated the importance and beauty of proverbs: “A speech without a proverb is like food without salt” (Amharic), “A proverb is an assistant to all things” (Russian).

All peoples are unanimous in asserting that labor is the main value of life: “The dust of labor is better than the saffron of inaction” (Arabic), “A tree is famous for its fruits, a man is famous for his labors” (Azerbaijani), “Without labor you cannot pull a fish out of a pond” (Russian). Countless proverbs ridicule the lazy, gullible: “I ran to the smell of a barbecue, but it turned out that they were branding a donkey”, reflect an understanding of the course of natural phenomena: “Morning follows every evening” (Turkish), “The solar disk cannot be closed with a sieve” (Arabic), “Spring day feeds the year”, “Winter without snow - summer without bread” (Russian), “A bee has a striped back, but you can’t call it a tiger” (Chinese).

Most proverbs and sayings of the world are permeated with the pathos of humane ideas and pure feelings, contact with their world gives a person joy and emotional excitement.

According to V.P. Anikin

Read the proverbs of different nations, explain their meaning, try to use them more often when talking with friends.

Abkhaz

There would be a head, but there would be a hat.
Planted at the right time, it sprouts on time.
A tree is supported by roots, and a person by relatives.
As you clap your hands, so I dance.
Who does not know how to work, for him the work does not end.

Azerbaijani

It is better to eat your own stale bread than someone else's pilaf.
The liar's house caught fire - no one believed.
A good friend is closer than a brother.
For the sake of a friend endure both blizzard and snow.

English

Empty dishes make the loudest noise.
Promise slowly, deliver quickly.
By doing nothing, we learn bad deeds.
Choose writers the way you choose a friend.
Politeness opens all doors.
Gratitude is the least of the virtues, ingratitude the worst of the vices.

Arabic

In difficult times - a friend is right there.
In someone else's eye, even a straw looks like a camel, but in your own -
I didn't see the whole bridge.
The crown of courage is modesty.
The dignity of the word in the fortress.
If you have done good - hide; If you have done good - tell.
Who speaks well - listens well.
The ignoramus is his own enemy.

Armenian

It remains until tomorrow - consider it stuck.
It's a bad joke that doesn't have half the truth.
Until you grow old yourself, you will not understand the old.
A wound with a sword will heal, but a wound with a tongue will not.

Assyrian

Life without a goal is a man without a head.
Behind every descent there is a rise.
Drum sounds are good to listen to from afar.
As you treat others, so will they treat you.
Whoever flees from a small difficulty will face an even greater one.
Work feeds a person, idleness spoils.

Bashkir

In joy, know the measure, in trouble - do not lose faith.
A friend will say in the eye, the enemy - behind his back grumbles.
The earth is valued by bread, and man by deed.
Ignorance is not a vice, unwillingness to know is a great vice.

Vietnamese

Without learning, there is no skill.
A deep river cannot be measured with a short pole.
The stupidity of one minute destroys the work of wisdom that took three hours.
If you know - speak, if you don't know - then listen to others.

Georgian

The tree is strong with roots, and man is friends.
Whoever digs a hole for others, let him measure himself.
Lazy every day is a holiday.
The foolish one remembers a friend only in trouble.
It's easy to destroy, try to build.
A man's tongue can bring him both fame and shame.

Kazakh

A man with strong hands will overcome one, a man with strong knowledge a thousand.
Good advice is half the happiness.
The horse is recognized in the race, the man - in business.

Chinese

Close neighbors are better than distant relatives.
Every craft has its first apprentices.
The high lamp shines far.
Old friends are better, new clothes are better.
If there is a lot of talent, do not be afraid that now you are not lucky.
Walking slowly is better than standing still.
It is better to demand from yourself than to ask from others.

Latvian

You can’t reach out your hand, and you won’t get a spoon from the shelf.
Where there is air, there is life.
To be afraid of frost - do not go into the yard.
The sick need a doctor, the healthy need a job.

Lithuanian

Many hands will be raised and a heavy burden.
Life is happiness in work.
Without pressing the coulter, you will not dig up the pie.

German

It is useless to carry firewood into the forest.
Time is won - everything is won.
They eagerly rummage in good books.
Diligence is the father of happiness.
Who looks after the arable land, the arable land takes care of it.

Ukrainian

If you want your bins to be full, get up with the crow of a rooster.
Not the one in front who overtook, but the one in front that pulls behind him.

French

Idleness is the mother of all vices.
Don't lose your mind, everything else will follow.
Laziness imperceptibly destroys all virtues.
Strong is the one who brings down, but stronger is the one who raises.

Uzbek

Spring spills water in the river, labor adds value to a person.

Estonian

As you treat the forest, so the forest treats you.
What you cannot do alone, ten can do.
The craft has a gold mine.
Leaning on the mother's lap, the child grows rapidly.

Japanese

It is better to know one trade well than a hundred - badly.
Your anger is your enemy.
In the cold autumn, do not open your mouth once again.
He who loves people lives long.
Do not laugh at the old, you will grow old yourself.
To heal well, you need to love people.

Questions and tasks

1. Show on the example of several proverbs their accuracy, wisdom, imagery and beauty.
2. What is the attitude towards good and evil, towards friendship, work and teaching among the various peoples of the world? Support your answer with proverbs.
3. Prepare for the contest: "Who knows more proverbs and who can explain them better?"
4. Write an essay on one of the proverbs (optional): “It is useless to carry firewood to the forest” (German), “Know the measure in joy, do not lose faith in trouble” (Bashkir), “Be not quick to promises, but be quick to fulfill " (English), "Do not bite off more than you can swallow" (American).

   Of course, the list does not include the proverbs of many peoples of the world. What proverbs from other countries do you know and which ones do you use in your speech?

Enrich your speech

1. From what words do the terms "epic", "narrator" come from?
2. What feature of Russian speech was manifested in the words and phrases “into the blue sea”, “beyond the shells”, “into the dark forest”, “good squad”?
3. What is the manner of pronouncing most Russian epics?
4. What pathos is permeated by most proverbs from around the world?
5. In which case proverbs are easier to remember? What proverbs do you use in your speech? Give examples.
6. Proverbs of which countries of the world do you like? Say them.
7. Prepare a story according to one of the following proverbs (to choose from): "Your anger is your enemy", "Idleness is the mother of all vices", "Diligence is the father of happiness."