What better way to know more about Estonia and its way of life than through its Estonian proverbs, right? Not only do these sayings promote the country’s culture, but it also encourages you to really dive deeper into your principles and the things that you also believe in! If you want to know more, read below!
A Quick Guide To Estonian Proverbs
If you are planning a trip to Estonia and want to have a brief idea of how the people are and what things they believe in the most, reading the proverbs and the sayings of the nation can be of great help. This provides an overview of how they are as people, their principles, Estonian traditions and rituals, and their values.
1. Kes ei tööta, see ei söö
Literal translation: Who doesn’t work, doesn’t eat
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Meaning: If a person does not work, he will not survive
Although it is okay to take a break from time to time, it doesn’t mean that you should not exert effort for the things you want to achieve and the places you want to go to – not just to survive. Do note that work is encouraged, but not to the point where you reach burnout and a breakdown!
2. Ära hõiska enne õhtut
Literal translation: Don’t rejoice before the evening
Meaning: Don’t get too ahead of yourself
This is the perfect proverb to have patience in whatever you do and always stay grounded: to trust the process. More often than not, as humans, we tend to get ahead of ourselves and celebrate without weighing the whole situation. Though it is valid, it doesn’t mean that you also lose sight of what matters and what is more important.
3. Igal oinal oma mihklipäev
Literal translation: Every tup has his St. Michael’s day
Meaning: Everything must come to an end
It will eventually end and pass, whether it may be a good thing or a bad thing. For example, you might be enjoying your stay in one of the cities in Estonia, but your travel itinerary must end soon. But you enjoyed the journey right?
This is one of the most realistic proverbs that constantly reminds you that whatever stage of your life you may be in, all will be alright.
4. Aja raiskamine on enda eest varastamine
Literal translation: Wasting time is stealing from oneself
Meaning: You are putting yourself in a bad position if you also waste your time.
Stop wasting time! When you do, you will lose opportunities, but you will also deprive yourself of reaching your full potential. Admittedly, resting is okay. But being also smart with your time is something that you should prioritize and constantly think about. Such investment will also allow you to reap something good out of it. For Estonians, it is important to be mindful of your schedules. So looking ahead at the days and months in Estonia should be your priority.
5. Oma silm on kuningas
Literal translation: Own eye is king
Meaning: Your vision is powerful
May this proverb remind you that what you have envisioned yourself to have and what you want to be will find its way to your life so long as you focus and be committed to having it. The beauty of this proverb is how it encourages people to own up to their visions and what they see themselves to be. With it, one can have a fun life and a very fulfilled one at that.
6. Rääkimine hõbe, vaikimine kuld
Literal translation: Speaking silver, silence gold
Meaning: Sometimes, it is way better and admirable when you choose silence.
This is one proverb that also reminds us to choose our battles wisely. Often we are very adamant in defending ourselves without thinking that maybe choosing peace and quiet is the best option. Such proverb from Estonia also depicts the way of life that they have too.
7. Kes otsib, see leiab
Literal translation: He who seeks shall find
Meaning: If a person continually seeks ways and pursues what he wants, he will find and have something good out of it.
If there is a will, there is a way. This proverb reminds us that when someone is keen on achieving something, that person will eventually find something out of it. If such a person is seeking solutions for the problems he is having, as long as the commitment is there to solve it, one will be able to find a resolution. If you’re looking to venture out for work opportunities, you should memorize the job titles in Estonian first so as not to be confused during the interview.
8. Anna head ja saa head
Literal translation: Give good and get good.
Meaning: The type of treatment you give will also be the treatment you will receive.
If you are mistreating someone, you will also receive the same treatment. On the other hand, when you treat someone well, they will also treat you well! This is one of the sayings that teach people to be wiser with how they treat other people and not fear any act of kindness because such an act will always be acknowledged.
9. Valel on lühikesed jalad
Literal translation: A lie has short legs
Meaning: Lies will always go noticed
This proverb means that when someone lies, it will always be outrun by the truth, and such a lie will not go unnoticed. And so, if you are talking falsely, you should know that it ought to be discovered one way or another.
10. Kõik ei ole kuld, mis hiilgab
Literal translation: All that glitters is not gold
Meaning: What you see is not what it is
This is the perfect proverb to remind you that not everything you see is what it is. May it is from people or certain things, one cannot be so sure about everything, for it can just be a lie. Be careful!
These are just a couple of sayings from Estonia. These sayings make us wiser, forgive our past selves, and attain genuine happiness. May these proverbs help you reap the best outcomes and be smart with your choices as an individual.
Not only that, but may these words of wisdom also encourage you to learn more Estonian with the Ling App!
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