Traditional proverbs of Guam in ch and English — each with its meaning and source.
Inafa'maolek
“Inafa'maolek — make it good for everyone, or it is not good at all.”
The foundational Chamorro value of interdependence: individual well-being is inseparable from the well-being of the whole community.
Source: Guampedia (University of Guam), "Inafa'maolek" entry; Chamorro Studies scholarship on core Chamorro values
Respetu
“Respetu — respect your elders, and they will guide you well.”
Respect for elders and family hierarchy is a central pillar of Chamorro social conduct.
Source: Guampedia, "Chamorro Values" entry; Guam Department of Education Chamorro Studies curriculum
Chenchule'
“Chenchule' — what is given returns, in its own season.”
A system of reciprocal gift-giving and mutual obligation that binds Chamorro families and clans together across generations.
Source: Guampedia, "Chenchule'" entry
Mamahlao
“Mamahlao — carry yourself with humility, and shame will never find you.”
A value of humility and restraint — avoiding boastfulness or bringing shame upon one's family.
Source: Guampedia, "Chamorro Values" entry
Ekungok
“Ekungok — listen twice before you speak once.”
The value of attentive listening, particularly to elders, before acting or speaking.
Mannginge'
“Mannginge' — a child who honors the hand of the elder honors the whole family.”
The traditional gesture of pressing an elder's hand to one's nose or forehead as a sign of respect and blessing.
Source: Guampedia, "Mannginge'" entry
Fandångu
“Fandångu — when the village works as one, the harvest belongs to everyone.”
The tradition of communal celebration and cooperative labor, such as house-building or harvest, shared among the whole village.
Source: Guampedia, "Fandångu" entry
Guaiya
“Guaiya — love your family as you love your own life.”
Love and devotion to family and clan as an anchor of Chamorro identity.
Adahi i tano'
“Adahi i tano' — take care of the land, for the land takes care of you.”
A call to stewardship of the land and natural resources, invoked widely in Chamorro land-rights and environmental advocacy.
Source: Guampedia and Chamorro land-rights advocacy materials, documented usage of the phrase "Adahi i Tano'"
Taotaomo'na
“Disturb not the taotaomo'na, and they will let you pass in peace.”
Respect for the spirits of the ancestors believed to dwell in the jungle and beneath banyan trees — a guiding belief in treating the land and its unseen inhabitants with caution and courtesy.
Source: Guampedia, "Taotaomo'na" entry
Mañaina
“Mañaina — honor those who came before you, and your children will honor you.”
Reverence for parents, elders, and ancestors as the source of guidance and continuity across generations.
Source: Guampedia, "Chamorro Values" entry; Chamorro-English Dictionary (Topping, Ogo, Dungca)
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