French Proverbs

The future is purchased by the present. Bear with evil and expect good. A friend is known in time of need. A clear conscience is a good pillow. A lie travels round the world while truth is putting her boots on. A stitch in time saves nine. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Learning is … Read more

Italian Proverbs

He who begins many things finishes but few. He who does not when he can, cannot when he will. Who moves, picks up, who stands still, dries up. Wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, fools by their own. Anger can be an expensive luxury. Better give a penny then lend twenty. Give time time. … Read more

Irish Proverbs

Every eye forms its own fancy. He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses more; he who loses faith, loses all. From the day you marry your heart will be in your mouth and your hand in your pocket. Better to be fortunate than rich. When a twig grows hard it … Read more

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