The words of France

France — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of France, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Little by little, the bird builds its nest.”

Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The habit does not make the monk.”

L'habit ne fait pas le moine.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who lives shall see.”

Qui vivra verra.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“After the rain, fine weather.”

Après la pluie, le beau temps.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One must not sell the bear's skin before killing it.”

Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.

Source: Traditional French proverb, popularized by Jean de La Fontaine's fable 'L'Ours et les Deux Compagnons' (1678)

“Better late than never.”

Mieux vaut tard que jamais.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The walls have ears.”

Les murs ont des oreilles.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A scalded cat fears cold water.”

Chat échaudé craint l'eau froide.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Appetite comes with eating.”

L'appétit vient en mangeant.

Source: Traditional French proverb, cited in François Rabelais 'Gargantua' (1534)

“To want is to be able.”

Vouloir, c'est pouvoir.

Source: Traditional French proverb, public-domain oral tradition