The words of India

India — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

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

“What use is regret now, when the birds have already eaten the crop?”

अब पछताए होत क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One who cannot dance says the courtyard is crooked.”

नाच न जाने आँगन टेढ़ा

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“As are your deeds, so is what you must bear.”

जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Distant drums sound sweet.”

दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A clap does not sound from one hand alone.”

एक हाथ से ताली नहीं बजती

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“What does a monkey know of the taste of ginger?”

बंदर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Living in the water yet at enmity with the crocodile.”

जल में रहकर मगर से बैर

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“To him, black letters are the same as a buffalo.”

काला अक्षर भैंस बराबर

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“If the end is good, all is good.”

अंत भला तो सब भला

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One's own deeds carry one across.”

अपनी करनी पार उतरनी

Source: Traditional Hindi proverb, public-domain oral tradition