24+ Inspirational Proverbs from Around the World

Every language has its own share of proverbs. Knowing a few in your language can give the impression that you’re well-versed in the culture that speaks it. 

In my studies, I’ve had the pleasure of coming across a wide range of proverbs in different languages. Whether they’re the chengyu in Chinese, idiomatic expressions, some other adage, it’s clear that many of our values are shared across the globe.

“Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one.” | “Bin bilsen de bir bilene danış.”
– Turkish proverb

“The pillow is a good advisor.” | “A noite é boa conselheira.”
– Portuguese proverb

“We learn as long as we live.” | “Sarron, aq mëson – Sa të rrosh, do të mësosh.”
– Albanian proverb

“Drop by drop, a lake becomes.” | “Капка по капка – вир става.”
– Bulgarian proverb

“A problem shared is a problem halved.” | “Gemeene plaag rust wel.”
– Dutch proverb

“No cliff is so tall it cannot be climbed.” | “A’ohe pu’u ki’eki’e ke ho’a’o ‘ia e pi’i.”
– Hawaiin proverb

“Wait too long and the opportunity is sure to vanish.” | “Okazja na nikogo nie czeka.”
– Polish proverb

What about you?

Have you come across any inspiring proverbs or expressions in your language studies? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!