Would you like to know the meaning of the expression “buying a horse before seeing it” – Dekhar age ghora kena (দেখার আগে ঘোড়া কেনা।)? This is a Bengali proverb that refers to making a decision or taking action without fully understanding or assessing the situation first. Like this one, Bengali has many sayings that are used in our daily life. Bengali proverbs embody the spirit of Bengali society, which provides us with tools to improve our understanding of the mindset of its people.
Bengali proverbs are not just simple idioms; they are also humorous and informative, making them a valuable addition to our language knowledge. Therefore, in this blog, we will explore three famous Bengali proverbs and multiple related terms. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
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Cultural Importance Of Bengali Proverbs
Proverbs are valuable cultural resources that reflect the understanding, perception, and approach to life’s issues in a particular community. They are an integral part of Bengali culture, covering simple aspects of life such as hard work, truth, humility, and determination. These sayings are traditional, with a touch of realism.
They help pass on the wisdom of previous generations by presenting their ideas and attitudes. With their humor and practicality, they can still be applied in the modern world and remain relevant in our constantly evolving society.
3 Classic Bengali Proverbs To Start Your Day
Here are three timeless Bengali proverbs to inspire and motivate you as you start your day, each carrying its own message of resilience, patience, and wisdom. Now, let’s explore each proverb one by one:
The Sun Rises Just For Your Nose
Bengali: Tomar Naak Er Agaye Surjo Uthe (তোমার নাকের আগে সূর্য উঠে।)
This proverb is generally used to poke at people who believe they are the center of attention. It serves as a warning against self-conceit— it reminds us of the destructive effects of pride in oneself. This proverb can be a friendly reminder to stay humble and think of other people’s opinions.
I remember my mom saying this proverb to my dad almost daily during my childhood. He would act as if the sun rose just for him whenever all the family members gathered at our house during Durga Puja.
Example:
- He wants to do everything early, but the attitude of ‘the sun rises just for your nose’ won’t work – Se shobkichu age korte chay, kintu ‘tomar nak er age surjo uthe’ emon monobhob kaje asbe an. (সে সবকিছু আগে করতে চায়, কিন্তু ‘তোমার নাকের আগে সূর্য উঠে’ এমন মনোভাব কাজে আসবে না।)
Life Means Movement; Without It, Everything Will Stop
Bengali: Jibon Mane Chalate Hobe, Na Hole Bandh Hobe (জীবন মানে চলতে হবে, না হলে বন্ধ হবে।
This proverb highlights the importance of change and transformation in life. Life is a constant fight for survival and progress, so we must stay positive. The moment you give up, especially in a relationship, you risk slowing down or even coming to a complete halt. It may not always be easy, but striving to move forward is always constructive, both for the individual and their work.
When I was a child, there was a day when my friend didn’t go outside to play, and I felt upset because the day seemed completely dull. Then, my mother told me, ‘Life means movement; everything will stop without it.’ Understanding this, I went back to playing because the joy of life comes from keeping things moving.
Example:
- Suman, life means movement; without it, everything will stop. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make decisions for your career – Suman, jibon mane cholte hobe, na hole shob kichu bondho hoye jabe. Tomar career jonno jhuki nite ebong shiddhanto nite voy peyona. (সুমন, জীবন মানে চলতে হবে, না হলে সব কিছু বন্ধ হয়ে যাবে। তোমার ক্যারিয়ার জন্য ঝুঁকি নিতে এবং সিদ্ধান্ত নিতে ভয় পেও না।
Thirteen Festivals In Twelve Months
Bengali: Baro Mashe Tero Parbon (বারো মাসে তেরো পার্বণ।)
This proverb means that life for Bengali people is full of events. It reflects the spirit of celebration in Bengali culture, where there is a belief that there is no such thing as a bad excuse to celebrate. From religious festivals to cultural fairs, feasts, and even family gatherings, the year is filled with occasions centered around joy and happiness.
During my childhood, I used to celebrate thirteen festivals each year. I was fond of the celebrations, and my mother often said, ‘Thirteen festivals in twelve months’ because there was always another festival in our lives.
Example:
- Neetu said, in our community, we have thirteen festivals in twelve months – Neetu bollo, amader samaje baro mase teroṭa utsob hoy (নীতু বলল, আমাদের সমাজে বারো মাসে তেরোটা উৎসব হয়।)
11+ Vocabulary Related To Bengali Proverbs
Here is a list of 11+ Bengali words related to proverbs and their literal meaning:
How Do You Say “Proverbs” In Bengali?
The word “proverbs” is translated as Prabad (প্রবাদ) in Bengali.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bengali Proverbs
1. How Are Bengali Proverbs Different From Idioms?
While idioms are just words or phrases that add a twist to language, proverbs teach a practical lesson. A Bengali idiom can paint a humorous picture of an event, while a proverb provides life guidance.
2. Why Are Bengali Proverbs Still Relevant Today?
The Bengali proverbs are still relevant because they are full of wisdom and are about solving problems. For example, they encourage hard work, truthfulness, and generosity.
3. What Role Do Elders Play In Sharing Bengali Proverbs?
Bengali elders play a key role in transferring proverbial wisdom from one generation to the next.
Their role is to maintain family bonds and help the younger generation learn the best aspects of Bengali culture. By passing down these proverbs, elders represent the essence of Bengali society in the contemporary world.
Wrapping Up
Bengali proverbs reflect the culture, values, and humor of Bengal. They teach us valuable lessons about humility, resilience, and the joy of life. From understanding the dangers of excessive pride to embracing life’s constant movement and celebrating the richness of traditions, these proverbs guide us in navigating life with insight and positivity.
The next time you have the chance to interact with your Bengali friends, try starting the conversation with a Bengali proverb. This will show your appreciation of their culture and interest in learning more than just vocabulary. And if you want to learn more, even more, check out our previous blogs. From them, you will learn about Bengali food, grammar, some Bengali slang words, and much more.
