Learning proverbs from a language you are studying is a fascinating way to understand the culture and values of its speakers. Ukrainian, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is no exception. Proverbs in Ukrainian offer a glimpse into the wisdom, humor, and life experiences of the people. In this article, we will explore some commonly used Ukrainian proverbs and their meanings, helping you appreciate the depth and nuance of the language.
Proverbs About Wisdom and Knowledge
1. “Знання — сила.”
Translation: “Knowledge is power.”
Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the importance of knowledge and education. In Ukrainian culture, as in many others, being well-informed and educated is highly valued and seen as a source of strength and empowerment.
2. “Учення — світ, а неучення — тьма.”
Translation: “Learning is light, ignorance is darkness.”
Explanation: This saying underscores the illuminating power of education. It suggests that knowledge can enlighten one’s path, while ignorance can leave one in metaphorical darkness.
3. “Не той мудрий, хто багато говорить, а той, хто багато знає.”
Translation: “Not the one who talks a lot is wise, but the one who knows a lot.”
Explanation: This proverb highlights the distinction between mere talkativeness and true wisdom. It suggests that genuine wisdom comes from knowledge and understanding rather than from speaking extensively.
Proverbs About Work and Effort
4. “Без труда нема плода.”
Translation: “Without labor, there is no fruit.”
Explanation: This is a straightforward way of saying that hard work is necessary to achieve results. It reflects the value placed on diligence and effort in Ukrainian culture.
5. “Праця людину годує, а лінь — марнує.”
Translation: “Work feeds a person, while laziness wastes them.”
Explanation: This saying contrasts the positive outcomes of hard work with the negative effects of laziness. It serves as a reminder that being industrious leads to sustenance and growth, while idleness leads to decay.
6. “Де праця, там і хліб.”
Translation: “Where there is work, there is bread.”
Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the connection between effort and reward. It signifies that hard work is essential for earning one’s livelihood.
Proverbs About Relationships and Community
7. “Не май сто рублів, а май сто друзів.”
Translation: “Don’t have a hundred rubles, have a hundred friends.”
Explanation: This proverb values friendships over material wealth. It suggests that having a supportive network of friends is more valuable than monetary riches.
8. “Дім без господаря — сирота.”
Translation: “A house without a master is an orphan.”
Explanation: This saying underscores the importance of a guiding figure or leader in maintaining harmony and order within a household or community. It suggests that leadership is crucial for the well-being of any group.
9. “Сім раз відміряй, один раз відріж.”
Translation: “Measure seven times, cut once.”
Explanation: Similar to the English proverb “Measure twice, cut once,” this Ukrainian saying advises careful planning and consideration before taking action. It highlights the importance of precision and caution, especially in matters involving others.
Proverbs About Life and Human Nature
10. “На все свій час.”
Translation: “Everything has its time.”
Explanation: This proverb speaks to the importance of patience and timing. It suggests that every event in life happens at the right moment, and one should trust the natural flow of time.
11. “Скільки вовка не годуй, він все в ліс дивиться.”
Translation: “No matter how much you feed the wolf, he keeps looking at the forest.”
Explanation: This saying highlights the idea that inherent nature is difficult to change. It suggests that despite efforts to alter someone’s behavior or inclinations, their true nature will always manifest.
12. “Не все те золото, що блищить.”
Translation: “Not all that glitters is gold.”
Explanation: This proverb warns against judging things by their appearance. It suggests that outward appearances can be deceptive, and one should look deeper to ascertain the true value or nature of something.
Proverbs About Luck and Fate
13. “Не було б щастя, та нещастя помогло.”
Translation: “There would be no happiness if misfortune did not help.”
Explanation: This saying reflects the idea that sometimes, adverse situations can lead to positive outcomes. It suggests that misfortunes can pave the way for unexpected blessings.
14. “Лиха біда початок.”
Translation: “The beginning is the worst.”
Explanation: This proverb acknowledges that starting something new is often the most challenging part. It encourages perseverance, implying that things usually get easier once the initial hurdles are overcome.
15. “Біда не приходить одна.”
Translation: “Misfortune does not come alone.”
Explanation: Similar to the English phrase “When it rains, it pours,” this Ukrainian saying suggests that problems often come in clusters. It reflects the experience that difficulties frequently occur in succession.
Proverbs About Morality and Ethics
16. “На чужий коровай рота не роззявляй.”
Translation: “Don’t open your mouth for someone else’s bread.”
Explanation: This proverb advises against coveting what belongs to others. It emphasizes the importance of being content with what one has and not being envious of others’ possessions.
17. “На злодієві шапка горить.”
Translation: “The thief’s hat is on fire.”
Explanation: This saying implies that guilty people often reveal themselves through their behavior. It suggests that those who have done wrong will eventually show signs of their guilt.
18. “Правда очі коле.”
Translation: “The truth pricks the eyes.”
Explanation: This proverb highlights the discomfort that often accompanies hearing the truth. It suggests that while truth can be painful, it is necessary and valuable.
Proverbs About Health and Well-being
19. “Здоров’я дорожче за золото.”
Translation: “Health is more valuable than gold.”
Explanation: This saying underscores the priceless nature of good health. It suggests that no amount of wealth can compare to the importance of being healthy.
20. “В здоровому тілі — здоровий дух.”
Translation: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”
Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the connection between physical health and mental well-being. It suggests that taking care of the body is essential for maintaining a sound mind.
21. “Здоров’я маємо — не дбаємо, а втратимо — плачемо.”
Translation: “We don’t care for our health when we have it, but we cry when we lose it.”
Explanation: This saying reflects on the tendency to take health for granted until it is compromised. It serves as a reminder to value and take care of one’s health before it deteriorates.
Proverbs About Nature and the Environment
22. “Вода камінь точить.”
Translation: “Water wears away stone.”
Explanation: This proverb illustrates the power of persistence. It suggests that consistent, small efforts can eventually lead to significant results, just as water can erode stone over time.
23. “Риба шукає, де глибше, а людина — де ліпше.”
Translation: “A fish seeks where it is deeper, a person — where it is better.”
Explanation: This saying compares human nature to that of a fish, highlighting the natural tendency to seek better conditions or opportunities. It reflects the universal desire for improvement and betterment.
24. “Ліс рубають — тріски летять.”
Translation: “When the forest is cut, chips fly.”
Explanation: Similar to the English phrase “You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs,” this Ukrainian proverb suggests that achieving something significant often involves some collateral damage or unintended consequences.
Proverbs About Love and Family
25. “Любов зла, полюбиш і козла.”
Translation: “Love is blind; you might fall in love with a goat.”
Explanation: This humorous saying reflects the irrational nature of love. It suggests that love can make people overlook flaws and imperfections, leading them to make unexpected choices.
26. “Рідна хата — як мати, рідний край — як батько.”
Translation: “A native home is like a mother, a native land is like a father.”
Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the deep emotional connection and sense of belonging that people feel towards their home and homeland. It reflects the familial bond and affection associated with one’s origins.
27. “З рідними і в болоті рай.”
Translation: “With loved ones, even a swamp is paradise.”
Explanation: This saying underscores the idea that the presence of loved ones can make any situation bearable or even enjoyable. It highlights the value of family and close relationships in providing comfort and happiness.
Proverbs About Adaptability and Flexibility
28. “Як не можеш змінити ситуацію, зміни своє ставлення до неї.”
Translation: “If you can’t change the situation, change your attitude towards it.”
Explanation: This proverb encourages a positive and adaptive mindset. It suggests that while we may not always be able to control our circumstances, we can control our reactions and attitudes towards them.
29. “З вовками жити — по-вовчому вити.”
Translation: “Live with wolves — howl like a wolf.”
Explanation: This saying highlights the importance of adaptability and conformity. It suggests that one must adapt to their environment and the behavior of those around them to thrive.
30. “Де тонко, там і рветься.”
Translation: “Where it is thin, there it breaks.”
Explanation: This proverb reflects the idea that weaknesses and vulnerabilities are often the points of failure. It suggests being mindful of and addressing one’s weak spots to prevent problems.
Conclusion
Ukrainian proverbs offer a wealth of wisdom, reflecting the values, experiences, and humor of the Ukrainian people. By understanding these proverbs, language learners can gain deeper insights into the culture and enhance their language skills. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, guidance on relationships, or reflections on life’s challenges, these proverbs provide valuable lessons that transcend linguistic boundaries. So, as you continue your journey in learning Ukrainian, take some time to explore and appreciate these timeless sayings.
