Jitdaṃ kapeel.

“Seeking knowledge guarantees wisdom.”

Actively pursuing knowledge and skill, rather than waiting passively, is what leads a person to true wisdom and competence.

Jede ak eo.

“Look up to the frigate bird.”

A call to follow and respect the guidance of the traditional chief (iroij), much as a sailor tracks the frigate bird for direction at sea.

Aḷḷañ im ṃōñā ḷọñ.

“Stare and eat flies.”

Said of someone who idles about with mouth open and eyes wandering, gaining nothing but flies — a warning against aimless idleness and inattention.

Lañ eo ebuñut eok.

“The sky will fall on you — you cannot escape.”

No one can escape fate or the consequences of their own actions; what is destined will eventually catch up with a person.

Jeblaak in wa enāj bar jeblaak, jeblaak in armej eban bar jeblaak.

“The ship that leaves will return, but the person who leaves will never return.”

A voyage always brings a traveler home again, but death is a departure with no return — a reflection on mortality and the finality of loss.

Jined ilo kōbo, jemād im jemān ro jet.

“Our mothers forever; our fathers, and the fathers of others.”

Honors the matrilineal foundation of Marshallese society, in which land rights, clan identity, and lineage descend permanently through the mother's line.