Ten Greek Proverbs that have stood the test of time.
A collection of one-liners that matter.
If you aren’t familiar with proverbs, they are nuggets of wordplay, jam-packed with generational wisdom. They are created and passed down through the ages. The ones that continuously ring true, survive.
In Greek, proverbs are called Παροιμίες (Parimies). I want to equip you with a few of these ancient quotes — to have on your quests into the new year.
As are the morals of Aesop’s Fables, these bite-sized lessons are relevant and useful in any day and age.
Tip: Copy the Greek lines below into Google Translate to hear the pronunciation. (Look ma, I wrote an interactive article!)
1. Πάν Μέτρον Άριστον.
Translation: Moderation in Everything
This phrase is said to have been coined by Kleovoulos o Lindios sometime in the 6th century B.C. For that reason, it may be the oldest proverb in our list.
It serves as a reminder to take the middle path in life, and that excess can be harmful. Tempting as it may seem, eating an entire jar of Nutella (in one sitting) goes against this Stoic philosophy.
2. Το Έξυπνο Πουλί Απ´την Μήτι Πιάνετε.
Translation: The smart bird gets caught by the beak.
Those who are too smart for their own good may end up having their plans unexpectedly foiled — a good lesson for all.
3. Ὀποιος δεν έχει νου, έχει πόδια.
Translation: Whoever does not have their brain/mind has their legs.
For those of you that always run out of the house without your keys — what you have missed with your lack of focus, you will make up by having to double back.
Avoid doing things twice by being as mindful as possible.
4. Γάτα στο σακί, ποντικούς δεν πιάνει.
Translation: A cat in a bag catches no mice.
No one, other than yourself, is at fault if you don’t do what you’re supposed to. If you neglect your to-do list or responsibilities, like a trapped cat, you won’t be able to catch your metaphoric mice. No slacking in 2020!
5. Γλώσσα παπούτσι, μυαλό κουκούτσι.
Translation: Tongue like a shoe, brain like a pit [of a fruit].
As one of my high school teachers once told me, “Think before you speak but do not speak all that you have thought.” Let’s be mindful of others in the new year (and always).
6. Η καμήλα δε βλέπει την καμπούρα της.
Translation: The camel doesn’t look at its hump.
Sometimes people are quick to judge others and criticize their faults without looking at our own. Don’t fall into this behavior going forward.
7. Τα πολλά λόγια είναι φτώχια.
Translation: Many words is poverty.
This piece of advice speaks of the importance of action. Empty words hold little value when compared to the results of doing. If there is one thing that will change the course of your life, it’s pure action.
“Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.”
― Mark Twain
8. Σπίτι μου σπιτάκι μου, σπιτοκαλυβάκι μου.
Translation: My home, my little home, a small house/hut of my own.
Known to us as Home Sweet Home, this phrase is meant to mark the joy of having a place to call your own. Attempt to make your living space a tranquil haven in 2020.
9. Η γλώσσα κόκαλα δεν έχει, αλλά κόκαλα τσακίζει.
Translation: The tongue has no bones, but it can crush bones.
This proverb serves as a reminder of how hurtful language can be. Do your best to be kind in the new decade — it can make a world of a difference.
10. Ο ΑΛΟΣ Ο ΚΑΠΕΤΑΝΙΟΣ ΣΤΗ ΦΟΥΡΤΟΥΝΑ ΦΑΙΝΕΤΑΙ
Translation: A good captain proves themselves in a storm.
You can tell when someone is good at what they do when under pressure. Get through your new year like a weathered sailor. Stay collected and enjoy the waves.
Here is a beautifully illustrated list of more Greek proverbs.
Thanks for reading!
Let’s keep in touch. I’ll let you know when I publish new articles. I promise!
