Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Konkani Proverb No. 64

Pottache bukek, kazreachim follam.

Lit. Trans.: For satisfy a hungry stomach, bitter fruit will suffice.

Meaning: In times of difficulty, one can make do with anything at hand.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb No. 63

Proverb in Konkani: "Apnnem moronk zai, apnnem sorgar vochonk zai.

Lit. Trans.: If one wishes to go to heaven, one has to die himself.

Application: If you wish to get things done properly to your own satisfaction, then you have to do them yourself.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverb No. 62

Konkani:  Ek aikonchem burgeachem, dusrem aikonchem zanteachem. 

Lit. trans.: Hear one thing from the child, and another from the older person.

Application: Take everyone's opinion, treat all equally.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverb No. 60

Chintlelem goddlelem zalear, melelim ghora etelim aslim.

Lit trans.: If only thoughts turned to reality, the dead would have come home.

Application: Don't rely on thoughts alone, think and work realistically.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverb No. 59

Xireak Khuim loz nam.

A person blowing his nose in a public place has no shame. 

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb No.56.

'Oi' muntlear patok, 'Naim' muntlear patok.

Lit. trans: If I say 'Yes', it's a sin. If I say 'No' its also a sin.

Application: This is a situation where whatever you say, it is construed in a negative way.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Konkani Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb No.55

Addli podd, khal'li podd.

Meaning: Bought food by the measure, ate by the measure.

Application: Living from hand to mouth in the face of adversity.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb No. 54

Sunneachi xempddi vankddi tor ti nouen gathlear ubi zainam.

Lit. Trans: If you put a dog's tail into a pipe, it does not become straight.

Meaning: Old habits die hard.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb No. 53

Armu gheun zokta munnosor bokem gelem uddon.

Lit. Trans: When one takes a long time to aim and shoot, the stork has flown away.

Application: One has to be quick in one's judgement and ideas before things take a different turn. 

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb: Choddti kaddlear deunti meuta.

Meaning : If we climb up a slope, getting down will be easier, as every upward slope has a downward slope.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Konkani Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb:  Kullek ubi davonk xinkounk zainam.

Lit. trans.: A crab cannot be taught to run in a straight line.

Meaning: Old habits die hard.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb:  Undrachea dolleanim mazor xinv kosso dista.

Lit. Trans. :  In the eyes of a mouse, a cat appears or looks like a lion.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverb 48

Proverb: Damao ganvant khuim goddo rupian meuta.

Liter. Trans. :  In Daman a horse can be bought for a rupee.

Application: To evaluate or put a price on something unattainable or beyond one's reach or capability. To estimate, praise or wish for something that is very far away. Daman, a former Portuguese enclave is far away to the North from Goa.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Goan Proverb 47

Proverb: Panelichea nibaan muskak udok.

Lit. translation: The creeper gets water, but the Moringa (drumstic) tree also benefits.

Meaning and application: In Goa the drumstick tree growing for years mainly along the perimeter of the backyard fence rarely receives water other than rain. No one pays any heed or attention to it, but the vegetable growing next to it receives more care, attention and water. In the bargain the drumstick tree benefits for the watered soil next to it. It applies to humans whereby advantage of something is taken when it is in fact meant for someone else.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb 46.

Proverb:  Munxeak paktte lailear to suknnem zainam.

Lit. Trans.: If you attach wings to a human being, he does not become a bird.

Meaning and application: To pretend to be someone that one is not. To do something when it is obvious that one's pretensions are clearly visible.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb 45.

Proverb :  Bhim toxem Foll.

Lit. Trans.: Like seed, like fruit.

Meaning and application: Reap what you sow.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb 42

Proverb: Mojea kannank vainguim bandunk sodhtai?

Lit. Trans.: Are you trying to tie brinjals (aubergines) to my ears?

Meaning and aplication: Are you trying to fool me? Are you trying to pull a fast one on me? Do you think I am a fool to fall for your tricks.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb: Zogzogta tem soglench bangar nhoi!

Lit. Trans.: Something that shines is not all gold. 

English proverb: All that shines is not gold.

Application: Things should not always be taken at face value.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb: Mog asslear unn vhode ghanttar pautat.

Lit. Trans.: If there is love, hot puffs can reach over mountains.

Meaning and application: If there is a will there is a way.

Or if we love someone, or love something that we do in our lives, we can do what at fidst seems impossible.

Goan Proverbs & Sayings

Proverb: Soth Sanglear Dukh Lagta.

Lit Translation: When truth is told, it hurts.

Actual Meaning: Truth hurts.