ASIA / EUROPE

Echoes of the Steppe: Unveiling Kazakhstan’s Proverbs

Kazakhstan, a land of sweeping steppes, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan, is a country where nature’s grandeur meets rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Altai Mountains, this Central Asian gem boasts a landscape as diverse as its traditions.

Kazakh, the official language & written in Cyrillic script, is a member of the Turkic language family and shares deep historical roots with its neighbors. Russian is also widely spoken, reflecting the land Soviet past. Expand your knowledge on Kazakhstan: History, people, map, pronunciation & facts.

The proverbs of Kazakhstan passed down through generations, offer a fascinating window into the nomadic and agricultural lifestyles of its people. These sayings, often reflecting the harsh but beautiful environment, are integral to understanding Kazakh values and wisdom. From the steppes to the cities, these proverbs play a vital role in everyday communication, enriching the language with historical and cultural depth.

What is the difference between Kazakh and Russian ?

Kazakh is a Turkic language, while Russian is a Slavic language. That means they don’t just sound different — they think differently in terms of structure and logic too.

Historically, Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1991. During that time, Russian was heavily promoted, especially in cities, schools, and government. Many Kazakhs became bilingual (and some even preferred Russian at home). When Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, it started reviving Kazakh as the national language.

Alphabet-wise, Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and until recently, Kazakh also used a modified Cyrillic script. However, Kazakhstan is currently transitioning to a Latin-based alphabet (planned full switch by the 2030s), to reconnect more with Turkic roots and modern global trends. Read more about Kazakhstan’s planned transition to a Latin alphabet.

Kazakh proverbs with English translations

If you don’t throw it to the wolves, there will be foxes

In the midst of the profound wisdom embedded in Kazakh proverbs, there lies a delightful humor. Take, for instance, the proverb “Қойға туылмаса, аққұлар бар“, which translates to “If you don’t throw it to the wolves, there will be foxes.” This whimsical saying humorously reminds us of the importance of taking decisive action and not procrastinating, lest we attract lesser opportunities or troubles. It’s a playful nudge to seize the moment and make bold decisions.

Kazakh proverbs with English translations

Kazakh Proverbs: A Glimpse into Everyday Life

• “Ағаш тамырымен, адам досымен мықты.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A tree is strong with its roots, a man is strong with his friends.
  • Meaning: Community and relationships are the foundation of personal strength.

• “Айдағаның бес ешкі, ысқырығың жер жарады.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: You herd five goats, but your whistle could break the earth.
  • Meaning: Don’t make a big fuss over small things.

• “Арыстандай айбатты, жолбарыстай қайратты.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Fierce like a lion, strong like a tiger.
  • Meaning: A compliment to a brave and strong person.

• “Байлық — қолдың кірі.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Wealth is the dirt on your hands.
  • Meaning: Money comes and goes; it’s not everything.

• “Бірлік болмай, тірлік болмас.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Without unity, there is no life.
  • Meaning: Success depends on solidarity and cooperation.

• “Білекті бірді жығар, білімді мыңды жығар.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: The strong defeats one, the wise defeats a thousand.
  • Meaning: Intelligence is more powerful than brute strength.

• “Бір күндік жолдас — жарамсақ, бір жылдық жолдас — сынамақ.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A one-day companion flatters, a year-long companion reveals truth.
  • Meaning: Time tests true friendship and character.

• “Бөрі тартқан ит оңбас.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A dog bitten by a wolf will never be right again.
  • Meaning: Past trauma leaves a lasting mark.

• “Дос жылатып айтады, дұшпан күлдіртіп айтады.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A friend tells you the truth with tears, an enemy with laughter.
  • Meaning: Real friends are honest, even when it hurts.

• “Екі қошқар бір қазанға сыймайды.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Two rams don’t fit in one cauldron.
  • Meaning: Two leaders can’t coexist peacefully in the same space.

• “Еңбек түбі — береке.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: At the end of labor is abundance.
  • Meaning: Hard work brings prosperity.

• “Жаңбырмен жер көгереді, батамен ел көгереді.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: The earth blossoms with rain, the nation blossoms with blessings.
  • Meaning: Kind words and support help a community thrive.

• “Жаман үйді қонағы билейді.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: In a bad house, the guest rules.
  • Meaning: A weak leader loses control.

• “Жеті рет өлшеп, бір рет кес.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Measure seven times, cut once.
  • Meaning: Think carefully before acting.

• “Жолдасы көптің — олжасы көп.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: He who has many companions gains many spoils.
  • Meaning: Collaboration leads to greater success.

• “Ит үреді, керуен көшеді.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: The dog barks, but the caravan moves on.
  • Meaning: Don’t be distracted by criticism or noise.

• “Көп түкірсе — көл.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Many drops make a lake.
  • Meaning: Small efforts add up when people work together.

• “Кісі болар баланың кісісімен ісі бар.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A child who will succeed is interested in others’ work.
  • Meaning: Future success is seen in childhood curiosity and responsibility.

• “Қайратты ерге нұр жауар.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Light shines on the brave.
  • Meaning: Courage brings good fortune.

• “Қонақ аз отырып, көп сынайды.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A guest stays briefly but judges deeply.
  • Meaning: Outsiders quickly form opinions—sometimes unfairly.

• “Сабыр түбі — сары алтын.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: The root of patience is pure gold.
  • Meaning: Patience brings priceless rewards.

• “Сыйлы қонаққа — төс тартады.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A respected guest is given the best meat.
  • Meaning: Hospitality is shown through the finest offerings.

• “Сөз — шегеленген нәрсе.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: Words are like nails — once driven, they stay.
  • Meaning: Choose your words carefully; they can’t be taken back.

• “Тіл тас жарады, тас жармаса бас жарады.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: A tongue can break stone; if not stone, a head.
  • Meaning: Words can be more dangerous than weapons.

• “Ұяда не көрсең, ұшқанда соны ілесің.” (Kazakh)
  • Translation: What you see in the nest, you carry in flight.
  • Meaning: Childhood influences last a lifetime.

Russian Proverbs: A Glimpse into Everyday Life

• “Больше дела — меньше слов.” (Russian)
  • Translation: More action, fewer words.
  • Meaning: Focus on doing, not talking — important for Kazakh rural communities.

• “В степи и одна юрта — город.” (Russian)
  • Translation: In the steppe, even one yurt is a city.
  • Meaning: In wide open spaces like Kazakhstan’s, even small things mean a lot.

• “Где родился, там и пригодился.” (Russian)
  • Translation: Where you were born, there you are needed.
  • Meaning: Serve your homeland.

• “Дело мастера боится.” (Russian)
  • Translation: The work fears the master.
  • Meaning: A skilled person handles any task easily.

• “Жизнь — это путь через степь.” (Russian)
  • Translation: Life is a journey across the steppe.
  • Meaning: Life is vast, challenging, and beautiful, like Kazakhstan’s land.

• “Лучше один раз увидеть, чем сто раз услышать.” (Russian)
  • Translation: Better to see once than hear a hundred times.
  • Meaning: Seeing is believing.

Proverbs in Daily Conversations: Reflecting Kazakhstan’s Historical Identity

In Kazakhstan, proverbs are a staple of everyday conversations, embodying cultural wisdom and offering guidance in various situations. They are frequently used by elders to communicate life lessons to the younger generation, ensuring that traditional values are preserved. The use of these sayings in daily dialogue reflects Kazakhstan’s rich history, marked by its nomadic roots, diverse ethnic influences, and the resilience of its people.

As you carry these proverbs with you, may they inspire curiosity and appreciation for the diverse world we share.