Finland Proverbs (10)

Traditional proverbs of Finland in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.

Ei kukaan ole seppä syntyessään.

“No one is a blacksmith when they are born.”

Skill and mastery come through practice and effort, not from birth.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Joka kuuseen kurkottaa, se katajaan kapsahtaa.

“He who reaches for the spruce falls onto the juniper.”

Overreaching or being too greedy leads to a worse outcome than staying within your means.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Aamu on iltaa viisaampi.

“The morning is wiser than the evening.”

It is wiser to sleep on a difficult decision and reconsider it with a fresh mind the next day.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ei ole koiraa karvoihin katsominen.

“A dog should not be judged by its fur.”

Do not judge people or things by their outward appearance.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Kyllä routa porsaan kotiin ajaa.

“The frost will drive the piglet home.”

Hardship and difficult times will eventually bring a wanderer back home or force a stubborn person to yield.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Vahinko ei tule kello kaulassa.

“Misfortune does not come with a bell around its neck.”

Accidents and misfortunes strike without warning, so one should always be prepared.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Minkä taakseen jättää, sen edestään löytää.

“What you leave behind you, you will find in front of you.”

Unfinished tasks or neglected duties will come back to confront you later.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ei oppi ojaan kaada.

“Learning never throws you into a ditch.”

Knowledge and education are never a burden; they can only help you.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Rakkaudesta se hevonenkin potkii.

“Even the horse kicks out of love.”

Rough or harsh treatment can sometimes be an expression of affection.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Työ tekijäänsä kiittää.

“Work praises its maker.”

A well-done job speaks for itself and reflects the quality of the person who did it.

fi-tradition

Source: Traditional Finnish proverb, public-domain oral tradition