Nepali Proverbs (उखान टुक्का) - Printable

जहाँ इच्छा त्यहाँ उपाय

Jaha ichha tyaha upaya

Literal: Where there is a will, there is a way

Meaning: Determination always finds a solution. If you truly want something, you will find a way to achieve it.

घाँटी हेरी हाड निल्नु

Ghati heri haad nilnu

Literal: Swallow the bone according to your throat

Meaning: Live within your means. Spend only what you can afford.

बोल्नेको पिठो बिक्छ, नबोल्नेको चामल पनि बिक्दैन

Bolne ko pitho bikchha, nabolne ko chamal pani bikdaina

Literal: The flour of the one who speaks sells; the rice of the silent one doesn't

Meaning: You must speak up for yourself. Communication and marketing are key to success.

कालो अक्षर भैंसी बराबर

Kalo akshar bhaisi barabar

Literal: Black letters are equal to a buffalo

Meaning: Used to describe someone who is illiterate or cannot understand what is written.

बिरामी को औषधि भात

Birami ko ausadhi bhat

Literal: The medicine of the sick is rice/food

Meaning: Good food and nutrition are essential for recovery and health.

दूधको जलेकोले मही पनि फुकेर खान्छ

Dudhko jalele mahi pani phukera khanchha

Literal: One burned by milk blows on buttermilk too

Meaning: Once bitten, twice shy. A person hurt once becomes overly cautious.

ज्ञानी लाई एक शब्द, मूर्ख लाई हजार शब्द

Gyani lai ek shabda, murkh lai hajar shabda

Literal: One word for the wise, a thousand for the fool

Meaning: Wise people understand a hint; fools don't understand even after much explanation.

साप पनि मरोस्, लठ्ठी पनि नभाँचियोस्

Saaanp pani maros, lathi pani nabhaachios

Literal: Let the snake die, but let the stick not break

Meaning: Solving a problem cleverly without causing collateral damage or loss.

खुट्टा भए जुत्ता कति कति

Khutta bhaye jutta kati kati

Literal: If you have feet, there are plenty of shoes

Meaning: If you have the capability (or life/health), opportunities and resources will follow.

आफु भलो त जगत भलो

Aafu bhalo ta jagat bhalo

Literal: If you are good, the world is good

Meaning: The world is a reflection of yourself. If you are good, you will see goodness in others.

हुने बिरुवाको चिल्लो पात

Hune biruwa ko chillo paat

Literal: A promising plant has smooth/shiny leaves

Meaning: Morning shows the day. Talented people show their promise from a young age.

काम गर्ने कालु, मकै खाने भालु

Kaam garne Kalu, makai khane bhalu

Literal: Kalu does the work, the bear eats the corn

Meaning: One person does all the hard work, but someone else gets the benefit.

आफ्नो हात जगन्नाथ

Afno haat Jagannath

Literal: My own hand is Jagannath (Lord of the World)

Meaning: Depend on yourself rather than others; self-reliance is the best path.

नाच्न नजान्ने आँगन टेढो

Nachna najanne aangan tedho

Literal: Cannot dance, blames the crooked courtyard

Meaning: A bad workman blames his tools. Making excuses for one's own lack of skill.

नमच्चिने पिङको सय झट्का

Namachhine ping ko saya jhatka

Literal: One hundred jerks for a swing that doesn't swing

Meaning: Empty vessels make the most noise. People with little talent often show off the most.

पानी माथिको ओभानो

Pani mathi ko obhano

Literal: Dry above water

Meaning: Someone who pretends to be innocent or unaffected despite being involved.

मुखमा राम राम, बगलीमा छुरा

Mukh ma Ram Ram, bagali ma chhura

Literal: 'Ram Ram' (God) on the lips, a knife in the pocket

Meaning: A hypocrite who speaks sweetly but has evil intentions.

जो चोर उसैको ठूलो स्वर

Jo chor usaiko thulo swor

Literal: The thief has the loudest voice

Meaning: The guilty party often shouts the loudest to hide their guilt.

बाँदरको हातमा नरिवल

Baadar ko haat ma nariwal

Literal: A coconut in a monkey's hand

Meaning: Giving something valuable to someone who doesn't know its value or how to use it.

बाँदरलाई अदुवाको स्वाद थाहा हुँदैन

Baandarlai aduwa ko swaad thaha hudaina

Literal: A monkey doesn't know the taste of ginger

Meaning: Someone without taste or knowledge cannot appreciate quality.

हात्ती आयो हात्ती आयो फुस्सा

Hatti aayo hatti aayo phussa

Literal: The elephant came, the elephant came, then nothing

Meaning: Much ado about nothing. Big hype or expectations with very little result.

जुन जोगी आए पनि कानै चिरेको

Jun jogi aaye pani kaanai chireko

Literal: Whichever Yogi comes, his ears are split

Meaning: All leaders or people in power are the same; nothing changes regardless of who is in charge.

हात्ती छिर्यो पुच्छर अड्कियो

Hatti chhiryo puchhar adkiyo

Literal: The elephant passed through, but the tail got stuck

Meaning: Refers to a situation where the main task is done, but a small, final part remains stuck.

नजिकको तीर्थ हेला

Najik ko tirth hella

Literal: The nearby pilgrimage site is neglected

Meaning: Familiarity breeds contempt. We often undervalue what is close to us.

आकाशको फल आँखा तरी मर

Akaash ko phal aakha tari mar

Literal: Fruit of the sky, die looking at it

Meaning: Longing for something unattainable or impossible to get.

एक हातले ताली बज्दैन

Ek hatle tali bajdaina

Literal: You cannot clap with one hand

Meaning: Conflict or cooperation requires two parties. One person isn't solely responsible.

एक थुकी सुकी, सय थुकी नदी

Ek thuki suki, saye thuki nadi

Literal: One spit dries up, a hundred spits make a river

Meaning: Unity is strength. Small contributions from many can create a big impact.

धैर्यको फल मिठो हुन्छ

Dhairya ko phal mitho hunchha

Literal: The fruit of patience is sweet

Meaning: Good things come to those who wait. Patience leads to sweet rewards.

काग कराउँदै गर्छ, पिना सुक्दै गर्छ

Kaag karaudai garcha, pina sukdai garcha

Literal: The crow caws, the oil cake dries

Meaning: Ignore the critics and keep doing your work. Barking dogs don't stop the caravan.

बिस्तारै हिंड्दा पनि टाढै पुगिन्छ

Bistarai hindda pani tadhai puginchha

Literal: Walking slowly also takes you far

Meaning: Slow and steady wins the race. Consistency is key.