Hindi proverbs show the traditional wisdom of India, built up over thousands of years. They give advice about duty, family, and karma. Some proverbs are used more in certain areas or groups, showing the wide variety of Hindi spoken in the country.
In the 21st century, with the rise of technology, many people wonder if old sayings are still in use. In India, proverbs are a part of everyday conversation. Politicians use them to persuade, parents use them to teach their children, and friends use them to joke about their mistakes.
1. नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा
(Naach na jaane, aangan tedha)
Literal translation in English: Doesn’t know how to dance, so calls the courtyard crooked.
Meaning: People often blame external factors rather than admit their own shortcomings.
English equivalent proverb: A bad workman blames his tools.
Example sentence: He blamed the slow internet for his poor presentation. Doesn’t know how to dance, so calls the courtyard crooked.
2. ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा
(Oont ke muh mein jeera)
Literal translation: A cumin seed in a camel’s mouth
Meaning: Something too small to make any noticeable difference.
English equivalent: A drop in the ocean
Example sentence: Offering a single biscuit to a hungry man is like a cumin seed in a camel’s mouth.
3. जैसा बोओगे वैसा काटोगे
(Jaisa booge vaisa kaatoge)
Literal translation: As you sow, so shall you reap
Meaning: Your actions determine your future results or consequences.
English equivalent: You reap what you sow
Example sentence: He treated everyone kindly for years, and now people support him. As you sow, so shall you reap.
4. खाली दिमाग शैतान का घर
(Khaali dimaag shaitaan ka ghar)
Literal translation: An empty mind is the devil’s house
Meaning: When people have nothing productive to do, they often think of negative or harmful things.
English equivalent: An idle mind is the devil’s workshop
Example sentence: After retiring, he started getting into trouble because an empty mind is the devil’s house.
5. घर की मुर्गी दाल बराबर
(Ghar ki murgi daal barabar)
Literal translation: The chicken at home is equal to lentils
Meaning: People often undervalue what they have at home while admiring what belongs to others.
English equivalent: Familiarity breeds contempt
Example sentence: He ignores his talented sister but praises strangers. The chicken at home is equal to lentils.
6. एक हाथ से ताली नहीं बजती
(Ek haath se taali nahin bajti)
Literal translation in English: You can’t clap with one hand.
Meaning: Most conflicts, arguments, or relationships require participation from both sides; one person alone cannot create the situation.
English equivalent proverb: It takes two to tango / It takes two to make a quarrel.
Example sentence: The argument wasn’t just his fault. You can’t clap with one hand.
7. दूर के ढोल सुहावने
(Door ke dhol suhaavne)
Literal translation: Drums sound pleasant from afar
Meaning: Things seem more attractive or better from a distance than they really are.
English equivalent: The grass is always greener on the other side
Example sentence: He thinks another job would be perfect, but drums sound pleasant from afar.
8. अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत
(Ab pachtaye hot kya jab chidiya chug gayi khet)
Literal Translation: Why regret now when the birds have already eaten the grain from the field?
Meaning: Regret is useless after the damage is already done.
English Equivalent: No use crying over spilled milk.
Example: You missed your chance, why regret now when the birds have already eaten the grain from the field?
9. जहाँ चाह वहाँ राह
(Jahaan chaah vahaan raah)
Literal translation in English: Where there is desire, there is a way.
Meaning: Strong determination and willpower can overcome any obstacle and find a solution or path to success.
English equivalent proverb: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Example sentence: She worked hard day and night to start her business because where there is desire, there is a way.
10. बंदर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद
(Bandar kya jaane adrak ka swaad)
Literal translation: What does a monkey know of the taste of ginger?
Meaning: People who lack understanding cannot appreciate valuable things.
English equivalent: What does a fool know of wisdom?
Example sentence: He laughed at classical art without understanding it—what does a monkey know of the taste of ginger?
11. अंधों में काना राजा
(Andhon mein kaana raaja)
Literal translation in English: Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Meaning: In a group lacking ability or talent, even someone with minimal skills can become the leader or seem superior.
English equivalent proverb: In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Example sentence: In that small office, his basic skills made him the expert. Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
12. अंत भला तो सब भला
(Ant bhala to sab bhala)
Literal translation in English: If the end is good, everything is good.
Meaning: No matter how many difficulties occur during a process, if the final outcome is positive, all the struggles are justified and forgotten.
English equivalent proverb: All’s well that ends well.
Example sentence: The project had many problems, but we succeeded. If the end is good, everything is good.
If you enjoyed these sayings, explore a complete collection of traditional proverbs from India at Proverbsdb.com.
Why should you learn Hindi proverbs in English?
Proverbs let you say a lot in just a few words. Learning these proverbs in English helps you better understand Hindi culture. Knowing both the English and Hindi meanings helps you understand how Indians think and talk to each other.
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