All nations on Earth have their heritage, which reflects many events and occasions that occurred throughout history. Among the types of heritage are folk proverbs and wisdom. People use these proverbs or sayings when they encounter situations or events in their daily lives, expressing themselves through them. Thus, they remain preserved and are passed down from generation to generation, with new proverbs added to reflect present-day events. 🌍📖
Arabic proverbs are a treasure trove of cultural wisdom, reflecting the experiences, values, and resilience of generations. Let’s explore some of these proverbs, along with their English translations:
1- أخاك أخاك إن مَنْ لا أخاً له كَساعٍ إلى الهيجا بغير سلاح
1. Proverbs about Honor and Courage
- “Your brother is your brother; if you have no brother, consider the lion your brother.”
- Translation: Loyalty transcends blood ties.
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أخوك من صدقك النصيحة
- “Your true brother is the one who speaks the truth to you.”
- Translation: A genuine friend offers honest advice.
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إذا غامَرْتَ في شرف مروم فلا تقنع بما دون النجوم
- “If you dare to reach for a lofty goal, don’t settle for anything less than the stars.”
- Translation: Aim high and persistently pursue excellence.
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إذا لم يكن إلا الأَسِنَّةُ مركباً فلا رأي للمضطر إلا ركوبها.
- “When there’s no other option but a small boat, the desperate must board it.”
- Translation: Sometimes, necessity forces us into unexpected choices.
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استقبال الموت خير من استدباره.
- “Facing death head-on is better than avoiding it.”
- Translation: Confront challenges bravely rather than running away.
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أكرم نفسك عن كل دنيء.
- “Value your dignity above all trivial matters.”
- Translation: Maintain self-respect regardless of circumstances.
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الإفراط في التواضع يجلب المذلة
- “Excessive humility leads to humiliation.”
- Translation: Balance humility with self-worth.
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الجود بالنفس أقصى غاية الجود.
- “The greatest generosity is being generous to oneself.”
- Translation: Prioritize self-care and self-respect.
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السيف أهول ما يُرى مسلولاً.
- “A sheathed sword is more fearsome than an unsheathed one.”
- Translation: Hidden threats can be more dangerous.
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العز في نواصي الخيل
- “Honor lies in the details of a horse.”
- Translation: True character reveals itself in small actions.
2. Proverbs about Patience and Consolation
إذا أنت لم تشرب مراراً على القذى ظمئت وأي الناس تصفو مشاربه
- “If you haven’t tasted bitterness repeatedly, how can you appreciate sweet water?”
- Translation: Adversity makes us value blessings.
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إذا كان الصبر مُرًّاً فعاقبته حلوة.
- “If patience is bitter, its outcome is sweet.”
- Translation: Endurance leads to positive results.
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اصبر تنل.
- “Be patient; you will attain.”
- Translation: Perseverance pays off.
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اصبر قليلاً فبعد العسر تيسير وكل أمر له وقت وتدبير.
- “Patience in adversity is a form of worship.”
- Translation: Enduring challenges is virtuous.
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اصبر لكل مُصِيبةٍ وتجلًّدِ واعلم بأن الدهر غير مُخَلَّدِ.
- “The first shock is where patience matters most.”
- Translation: Initial setbacks test our resilience.
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الصبر مفتاح الفرج.
- “Patience is the key to relief.”
- Translation: Endurance leads to eventual solutions.
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إن غداً لناظره قريب.
- “Tomorrow is near.”
- Translation: Difficulties won’t last forever.
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إن مع اليوم غداً يا مسعدة.
- “With every difficulty comes ease.”
- Translation: Challenges are followed by relief.
3. Proverbs about Knowledge and Wisdom
يد واحدة لا تصفق وحدها.
- “One hand alone cannot clap.”
- Translation: Collaboration is essential.
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خذوا الحكمة من أفواه البسطاء.
- “Seek wisdom from the mouths of the simple.”
- Translation: Valuable insights can come from unexpected sources.
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ما كلُّ ما يُعلم يُقال.
- “Not everything learned should be spoken.”
- Translation: Choose words wisely.
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اجلس حيث يُؤْخَذُ بيدك وَتُبَرُّ ولا تجلس حيث يؤخذ برجلك وتُجَرُّ.
- “Sit where you’ll be taken by the hand, not where you’ll be dragged by the foot.”
- Translation: Surround yourself with positive influences.
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أَحْسِنْ إلى الناس تستعبد قلوبهم.
- “Be kind to people; you’ll win their hearts.”
- Translation: Treat others well to gain their affection.
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إذا تم العقل نقص الكلام.
- “When reason is complete, words are few.”
- Translation: True wisdom is concise.
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إذا زل العالِمُ زل بزلته عالَمٌ.
- “Even the knowledgeable can stumble.”
- Translation: Everyone makes mistakes.
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أرسل حكيماً ولا توصه.
- “Send a wise person, not just a message.”
- Translation: Choose your messenger carefully.
Remember, proverbs encapsulate centuries of collective wisdom. Each one carries a lesson worth pondering. 🌟📖
Sources:
- Arabic Proverbs and Their Meanings
- Arabic Proverbs: A Window into Culture
- Personal knowledge and cultural understanding.