A proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience, often metaphorically. Proverbs also encapsulate society’s values and beliefs. We have collected 25 Estonian proverbs and sayings and have also included the original expression in Estonian. Most of these are traditional, going back in centuries – yet, they are still used to this day. If you’re not an Estonian speaker and struggle to grasp the meaning, please ask under the comment section – the native speakers are certain to explain. Meanwhile, you can practice your Estonian!
He who seeks shall find – kes otsib, see leiab
Only a sheep lets himself be sheared – ainult lammas laseb ennast pügada
Make fun of the man, not of his hat – narri meest, mitte mehe mütsi
He who does not work, does not eat – kes ei tööta, see ei söö
He who helps himself will be helped by others – kes aitab ennast ise, seda aitavad ka teised
He who is late will be left without – kes hiljaks jääb, see ilma jääb
He who brings up the past, will have his eye plucked out – kes vana asja meelde tuletab, sel silm peast välja
Don’t sell the bear skin until you have the bear – ära karu nahka enne ära müü, kui karu käes on.
He who sows the wind will reap a storm – kes külvab tuult, lõikab tormi
He who is patient will live long – kes kannatab, see kaua elab
A smart one learns from the mistakes of others – tark õpib teiste vigadest
Where there’s work, there’s bread – kus on tööd, seal on leiba
The work will teach the worker – töö õpetab tegijat
A lie has short legs – valel on lühikesed jalad.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire – kus suitsu, seal tuld
Every tup has his St. Michael’s day – igal oinal oma mihklipäev
The cone does not fall far from the tree – käbi ei kuku kännust kaugele
A man by his word, an ox by his horn – meest sõnast, härga sarvest
Don’t rejoice before the evening – ära hõiska enne õhtut
The morning is wiser than the evening – hommik on õhtust targem
An old bear will not learn to dance – vana karu tantsima ei õpi
One does not look into the mouth of a horse given as a present – kingitud hobuse suhu ei vaadata
Old love does not rust – vana arm ei roosteta
All that glimmers is not gold – kõik ei ole kuld, mis hiilgab
Steady row, far you´ll go – tasa sõuad, kaugele jõuad
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Cover photo: Kaarel Mikkin/VisitEstonia
