Romanian Proverbs and Their Meaning
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Hello, community! In this blog article, we will dive into the delightful world of Romanian proverbs, those little gems of wisdom passed down through generations. I grew up hearing these proverbs everywhere, and I truly believe they are a window into Romania’s soul and a way to better understand its people.
So, let’s start with ten of the most popular ones!
1. "Unde nu e cap, vai de picioare"
This is a saying that my grandfather used to say all the time. In Romania, community and family are central. "Unde nu e cap, vai de picioare," meaning "Where there is no head, the feet suffer," highlights the importance of leadership and order in any group. This proverb isn’t just about social structures, but about any situation where guidance is key, reminding us that without a good head on our shoulders, we will stumble in life. You could also take it as a reminder to follow your head sometimes.
2. "Cine nu are bătrâni să-și cumpere."
One of my favorites as well! This proverb, which means “He who has no elders should buy some" highlights the value of the elderly in society, suggesting that the wisdom and guidance they provide are invaluable. It also suggests that if, unfortunately, you don't have them besides you anymore, it is worth seeking out the elder’s guidance somewhere else.
3. "Cine se scoală de dimineață, departe ajunge."
One of the most endearing aspects of Romanian proverbs is their simplicity. Let’s think of them as life lessons wrapped in straightforward language. The proverb "Cine se scoală de dimineață, departe ajunge" translates to "Who wakes up early, goes far," and it’s Romania’s take on the early bird catching the worm, emphasizing the value of an early start.
4. "Lupul își schimbă părul, dar năravul ba."
A very deep and meaningful proverb, if you ask me! It translates as: "The wolf changes its fur, but not its nature" and it serves as a reminder that a person will most certainly never change their traits of character. We shouldn’t wait for people to change (or try to change them), if they have shown their true colors the moment you met them.
5. "Vorba dulce mult aduce."
Romanian people say “Sweet words bring much" when they want to emphasize the power of kind words, because you can always make someone’s day better just by addressing them a few cheerful words. Think of it as “if you have nothing nice to say, better say nothing”.
6. "Nu tot ce zboară se mănâncă"
Romanians do have their sense of humor! "Nu tot ce zboară se mănâncă" or "Not everything that flies is edible," serves as a reminder that not everything is at it seems, and that we shall seek further than the appearances.
7. "Câinele care latră nu mușcă”
Life’s ironies are not lost on Romanian wisdom. "Câinele care latră nu mușcă," or "The dog that barks don’t bite," reflects on the difference between appearance and reality. It’s a reminder that those who make the loudest threats are often not the ones to worry about, a useful piece of advice in both personal and professional spheres.
8. "Câinele moare de drum lung și prostul de grija altuia."
This is a funny one! It means: "The dog dies of a long journey, and the fool from caring for others’ business." It suggests that it’s always better not to interfere in other people's affairs, because this way you might avoid unnecessary trouble.
9. "Nu lăsa pe mâine ce poți face azi."
"Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today.” - This proverb is a reminder of the importance of seizing the day and not procrastinating. So, next time you will want to leave today’s assignments for tomorrow, remember that it’s better to just do it now! There is another Romanian proverb that has a similar meaning: “Ce-i in manã, nu-i minciunã”, which translates as “What’s in your hand is not a lie”, meaning that what is done now is well done, and you will not stress about it later.
10. "Apa trece, pietrele rămân"
Romania's deep connection with nature is evident in their proverbs. "Apa trece, pietrele rămân" or "Water flows, stones remain," speaks to the enduring nature of truth and integrity in the face of life’s challenges. It’s a poetic reflection on eternity and the passing of time.
I hope you liked these Romanian sayings that teach us about resilience, humor, wisdom, and anything else that you will choose to take from them.
Proverbs remind us that, despite our diverse backgrounds, the essentials of life remain the same. So, now, I invite you to write a popular proverb from your own culture and its meaning in the comments below! And stay tuned, because you will soon learn why I decided to share these Romanian proverbs with you today.
See you on the forums,
Roxana, OLS Community Manager – Romanian
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