EUROPE / ASIA

The Linguistic and Cultural Origins of Georgian Proverbs

Nestled between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia boasts stunning landscapes from the towering peaks of Kazbegi to the serene vineyards of Kakheti. This ancient land is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage, which is deeply reflected in its proverbs.

Georgian, the primary language spoken here, belongs to the Kartvelian language family and has a unique script (Mkhedruli script) dating back to the 5th century. Throughout history, Georgia has been a crossroads of various civilizations, each leaving its mark on the language and culture. Take a closer look at the Georgian language.

This blend of influences is evident in Georgian proverbs, which capture the essence of the nation’s experience and worldview. From the wisdom of the highland shepherds to the age-old traditions of Tbilisi’s marketplaces, these expressions offer a glimpse into the soul of Georgia, connecting the past with the present.

Georgian proverbs with English translations

A wolf does not bring tourists

One amusing Georgian proverb that showcases the nation’s humor is: “მგელს არ მოჰყავს ტურისტები”. This translates to “A wolf does not bring tourists.” The meaning behind this saying is that you shouldn’t expect a dangerous or untrustworthy person to bring good outcomes. It humorously highlights the Georgian knack for using vivid imagery to convey a message.

A fart won’t be ordered, but will eventually be let out

Another delightful Georgian proverb that tickles the funny bone is “დავარდნა არ დაბრძანდება, ხოლმედრ კი გადაირჩევა,” which translates to “A fart won’t be ordered, but will eventually be let out.” This humorous saying emphasizes the inevitability of certain events, no matter how unconventional, and serves as a playful reminder of life’s unpredictability.

Georgian proverbs with English translations

Typical Georgian Proverbs and Their Meanings

• “악ი არ ჭირს უშინაარსო.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Evil never comes without reason.
  • Meaning: Bad things don’t just happen—they often result from actions or causes.

• “ბედნიერი გონიერი სჯობს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: A wise man is better than a lucky one.
  • Meaning: Intelligence and reasoning are more valuable than random fortune.

• “გიყვარდეს მტერი – დაგინდობს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Love your enemy – he may spare you.
  • Meaning: Showing kindness, even to adversaries, can bring unexpected peace.

• “დედის ლოცვა კედლებს გაარღვევს.”– Georgian
  • Translation: A mother’s prayer breaks through walls.
  • Meaning: A mother’s love and wishes are strong and protective.

• “ეზოში ძაღლი რომ ბორძიკობს, ეშმაკი ჭიშკართან დგას.” – Georgian
  • Translation: If the dog stumbles in the yard, the devil is at the gate.
  • Meaning: Small signs can warn of greater dangers.

• “ვინაც ვერ გასცა, იმასაც არ აძლევს.”– Georgian
  • Translation: He who cannot give, also refuses to let others give.
  • Meaning: Some people not only lack generosity but envy others who are generous.

• “ზარმაცი თავს იტყუებს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: A lazy man lies to himself.
  • Meaning: Laziness often comes with self-deception.

• “თევზი თავიდან ყრია.” – Georgian
  • Translation: The fish rots from the head.
  • Meaning: Corruption or failure usually starts from the top (leadership).

• “იაფი უხარისხოა.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Cheap is poor quality.
  • Meaning: You get what you pay for.

• “კარგი სიტყვა კარს აღებს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: A kind word opens doors.
  • Meaning: Politeness and kindness lead to opportunity.

• “ლამაზი ტანსაცმელი ხასიათს არ ცვლის.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Fancy clothes don’t change your character.
  • Meaning: External appearances don’t reflect inner values.

• “მტერი რომ გიყვარდეს, გულიც გაგისკდება.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Loving your enemy may break your heart.
  • Meaning: Showing mercy is hard, but powerful.

• “ნადირის გარეშე ტყე არ რჩება.” – Georgian
  • Translation: The forest doesn’t empty just because one beast is gone.
  • Meaning: No one is irreplaceable.

• “ჭკვიანი სჯობს ძლიერს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: The smart one beats the strong one.
  • Meaning: Intelligence over brute force.

• “პური და მარილი არ ივიწყება.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Bread and salt are never forgotten.
  • Meaning: Hospitality and kindness are always remembered.

• “ჟანგი რკინას ჭამს, ენა – კაცს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Rust eats iron; a tongue destroys a man.
  • Meaning: Words can harm more than physical force.

• “რადგან დრო მიდის – ნუ იტყვი არა.”– Georgian
  • Translation: Since time passes, don’t say no.
  • Meaning: Don’t miss chances—they don’t wait.

• “სიცრუე მოკლე ფეხებია.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Lies have short legs.
  • Meaning: Lies don’t go far—they are eventually exposed.

• “ტყუილს მოკლე გზა აქვს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Lies have a short path.
  • Meaning: Similar to the above—lies don’t last long.

• “უფალი მოწყალეა, მაგრამ სათნოც უყვარს.”– Georgian
  • Translation: God is merciful, but He favors the worthy.
  • Meaning: Blessings come to those who do good.

• “ფასი საქმეში ჩანს.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Value is seen in action.
  • Meaning: True worth is revealed through deeds, not words.

• “ქურდი ერთხელ მოიპარავს, სახელი სამუდამოდ რჩება.” – Georgian
  • Translation: A thief steals once, but the name lasts forever.
  • Meaning: Reputation is easily stained and hard to restore.

• “ღორი ტალახში იგრძნობს თავს კომფორტულად.” – Georgian
  • Translation: A pig feels comfortable in the mud.
  • Meaning: Some people love their own misery or bad habits.

• “ყოველი დასაწყისი ძნელია.” – Georgian
  • Translation: Every beginning is hard.
  • Meaning: Starting something new is always the most difficult step.

• “შვილი სხვისგან არ ისწავლება.” – Georgian
  • Translation: A child cannot be taught by someone else.
  • Meaning: Parenting and guidance must come from within the family.

Uncover more Georgian proverbs.

The Role and Prevalence of Proverbs in Georgian Daily Life

As we traverse its diverse landscapes, from the misty peaks of the Caucasus to the cobbled streets of Tbilisi, these provebs accompany the journey, offering insights into the nation’s history, customs, and beliefs.

So, as we bid farewell to this enchanting land, carry with you not just memories, but the wisdom imparted by its timeless sayings. Embrace the world, for every step is a new adventure waiting to unfold.