Ireland Proverbs (10)

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

Ní neart go cur le chéile.

“There is no strength without unity.”

People accomplish far more by working together than alone.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Tús maith leath na hoibre.

“A good start is half the work.”

Beginning a task well makes completing it much easier.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin.

“There is no fireside like your own fireside.”

There is no place as comforting as one's own home.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.

“It is in the shelter of each other that people live.”

Human beings survive and thrive through mutual dependence and care.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte.

“Health is better than wealth.”

Good health is worth more than any material riches.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.

“Praise the youth and they will flourish.”

Encouragement helps young people grow and reach their potential.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste.

“Broken Irish is better than clever English.”

Making an honest effort in one's own language matters more than fluency in another.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón.

“Often a person's mouth broke their nose.”

Careless or rash words can bring trouble upon the speaker.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

An rud is annamh is iontach.

“What is seldom is wonderful.”

Rare things are valued precisely because they are uncommon.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition

Bíonn siúlach scéalach.

“Travellers have tales to tell.”

Those who travel and experience the world gather stories and knowledge to share.

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Source: Traditional Irish seanfhocal, public-domain oral tradition