The words of Russia

Russia — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

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

“Without effort, you can't even pull a fish out of a pond.”

Без труда не выловишь и рыбку из пруда.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The slower you go, the further you'll get.”

Тише едешь — дальше будешь.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Measure seven times, cut once.”

Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“If you're afraid of wolves, don't go into the forest.”

Волков бояться — в лес не ходить.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“What you sow, so shall you reap.”

Что посеешь, то и пожнёшь.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Don't have a hundred rubles, but have a hundred friends.”

Не имей сто рублей, а имей сто друзей.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The morning is wiser than the evening.”

Утро вечера мудренее.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Being a guest is good, but home is better.”

В гостях хорошо, а дома лучше.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A friend is known in trouble.”

Друг познаётся в беде.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“All that glitters is not gold.”

Не всё то золото, что блестит.

Source: Traditional Russian proverb, public-domain oral tradition