Japanese Proverbs

A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle. Darkness reigns at the foot of the lighthouse. Art is the illusion of spontaneity. Let what is past flow away downstream. Adversity is the foundation of virtue. You can know ten things by learning one. Ten men, ten minds. When you’re thirsty it’s … Read more

Korean Proverbs

The person who has many faults is usually the first to criticize others. Cast no dirt into the well that gives you water. Power lasts ten years; influence not more than a hundred. Even if you encounter a stone bridge, tap it first before crossing. Even if the sky falls on you, there is a … Read more

Russian Proverbs

A small leak will sink a great ship. Acknowledgement is half of correction. Gossip needs no carriage. A kind word is like a Spring day. He who doesn’t risk never gets to drink champagne. Every road has two directions. Praise loudly, blame softly. Failure teaches you more than success. Every seed knows its time. Take … Read more

Scottish Proverbs

“Better bend than break.” Never let your feet run faster than your shoes. Be happy while you’re living, For you’re a long time dead. What may be done at any time will be done at no time. Learn young, learn fair; learn old, learn more. Get what you can and keep what you have; that’s … Read more

Spanish Proverbs

A fifth wheel to a cart is but an encumbrance. To the grateful man give more than he asks. A tired person can sleep anywhere. For a good appetite there is no hard bread. The wise man does not hang his knowledge on a hook. We do not know what is good until we have … Read more

Turkish Proverbs

Two captains sink the ship. Abundance is from activity. Patience is the key to paradise. If and When were planted and Nothing grew. It is not disgraceful to ask, it is disgraceful not to ask. A lake forms drop by drop. No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back. Today’s … Read more

Welsh Proverbs

He understands badly who listens badly. A willful fault has no excuse, and deserves no pardon. Three things give us hardy strength: sleeping on hairy mattresses, breathing cold air, and eating dry food. Without perseverance talent is a barren bed. The best candle is understanding. Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable … Read more

Yiddish Proverbs

Confidence is half of victory. Interest on debts grow without rain. If you ever need a helping hand you’ll find one at the end of your arm. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Better ask ten times than go astray once. If things are not as you wish, wish them as they are. Make new friends, … Read more

Czech Proverbs

There are no cakes without work. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. When you go to buy, use your eyes, not your ears. Patience brings roses. A word spoken is past recalling. What have you learned young you’ll find useful in the old. Measure twice, cut once. The morning is wiser … Read more

American Proverbs

Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy. Good weight and measure, are heaven’s treasure. If you desire many things, many things will be seem but a few. Pride is said to be the last vice the good man gets clear of. Wishes won’t wash dishes. A dose of adversity is often as needful … Read more