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Hidden Gems of Moldovan Proverbs: A Cultural Journey

Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a country rich in history and natural beauty. From the serene Nistru River to the rolling Codrii forest, Moldova’s landscapes are as diverse as its cultural heritage. The capital, Chișinău, boasts an array of historical sites and vibrant markets, reflecting the nation’s deep-rooted traditions.

Moldova’s official language is Romanian, sharing linguistic roots with Latin. Throughout history, Moldova has seen influences from the Roman Empire, Ottoman Turks, and the Soviet Union, each leaving an imprint on its language and culture. Gain insights into the history of Moldova. This blend is vividly reflected in its proverbs, which capture the spirit, humor, and wisdom of the Moldovan people.

What is the difference between Moldovan and Romanian ?

Moldovan and Romanian are essentially the same language, with very minor regional differences, comparable to British vs. American English.

Historically, after Moldova became part of the Soviet Union in 1940, authorities promoted “Moldovan” as a separate identity to strengthen Soviet influence. They initially imposed the Cyrillic alphabet for Moldovan, while Romania used the Latin alphabet. This reinforced the idea that “Moldovan” was different, although linguistically it was not.

After Moldova declared independence in 1991, the Latin alphabet was reintroduced, and the language remained virtually identical to Romanian. In 2023, the Moldovan parliament officially recognized Romanian as the language of the country.

Today, differences are only minor: some vocabulary preferences (especially rural terms and Soviet-era borrowings) and accents vary slightly. But grammatically, orthographically, and in everyday usage, Romanian and Moldovan are the same language.

Uncover more details about the Moldovan language and its linguistic roots.

Moldovan Proverbs with English translations – Romanian

The Proverb with a Playful Twist

One particularly amusing Moldovan proverb is “Cine aleargă după doi iepuri, nu prinde niciunul.” This translates to “He who chases two rabbits catches neither.” The meaning behind this proverb is clear: attempting to pursue two goals at once often results in failure to achieve either. This saying is used to remind people to focus on one task at a time to ensure success. The imagery of a person trying to catch two elusive rabbits simultaneously is both humorous and memorable, making this proverb a favorite among Moldovans.

The Beard and the Admiration

In Moldova, there’s a humorous proverb that goes, “Unde-i mult mire, putina si barba creste.” Translated, it means “Where there is much admiration, little grows the beard.” This proverb humorously underscores the inverse relationship between praise and humility, reminding us not to let flattery overshadow modesty.

Moldovan Proverbs with English translations – Romanian

Timeless Wisdom from Moldova

• “Capra vecinului e mai grasă.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: The neighbor’s goat is fatter.
  • Meaning: People often envy others unnecessarily.

• “Cine nu muncește, nu mănâncă.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: “Who does not work, shall not eat.”
  • Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and diligence. It conveys the notion that one must earn their sustenance through labor, teaching the value of industriousness.

• “Cine seamănă vânt, culege furtună.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: “Who sows the wind, reaps the storm.”
  • Meaning: This proverb cautions against the consequences of irresponsible actions or decisions.

• “Cu cât se scutură, cu atât se-ncurcă.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: “The more you shake, the more tangled it gets.”
  • Meaning: This proverb highlights the futility of trying to solve a problem through excessive action or agitation. It suggests that sometimes, patience and careful consideration yield better results than hasty attempts to force a solution.

• “Dacă tăceai, filosof rămâneai.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: If you had remained silent, you would have been taken for a philosopher.
  • Meaning: Sometimes silence is wiser than speaking.

• “Fă bine și aruncă în mare.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: Do good and throw it into the sea.
  • Meaning: Do good without expecting anything in return.

• “Fumul iese pe hornul casei.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: Smoke rises from a house’s chimney.
  • Meaning: Every action leaves visible traces.

• “Lupul își schimbă părul, dar năravul ba.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: The wolf changes its fur, but not its habits.
  • Meaning: People rarely change their true nature.

• “Muncește ca să trăiești, nu trăi ca să muncești.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: Work to live, don’t live to work.
  • Meaning: Life is about more than just working.

• “Norocul îi ajută pe cei îndrăzneți.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: Luck helps the bold.
  • Meaning: Courage attracts good fortune.

• “Nu tot ce zboară se mănâncă.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: Not everything that flies can be eaten.
  • Meaning: Not everything that appears good is beneficial.

• “Unde dai și unde crapă.” (Romanian)
  • Translation: “Where you give, there it breaks.”
  • Meaning: This proverb warns against reckless generosity and urges caution in choosing recipients for one’s kindness.

The Role of Proverbs in Moldovan Culture

Moldova offers a unique insight into its culture through its proverbs. These sayings, passed down through generations, reflect the values, humor, and wisdom of the Moldovan people.

As you explore Moldova, remember that each saying is a small piece of the country’s identity, giving you a deeper understanding of its people. Embrace these proverbs on your journey, and you’ll find a cheerful and insightful guide to the heart of Moldovan culture.