Traditional proverbs of Ukraine in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
Слово не горобець, вилетить — не спіймаєш.
“A word is not a sparrow — once it flies out, you won't catch it.”
Think before you speak, because once said, words cannot be taken back.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition (recorded in M. Nomys, 'Українські приказки, прислів'я і таке інше', 1864)
Без праці не витягнеш і рибку зі ставка.
“Without effort you cannot even pull a fish out of the pond.”
Nothing worthwhile is achieved without hard work.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Не кажи гоп, поки не перескочиш.
“Do not say 'hop' until you have jumped over.”
Do not boast about success until the task is actually finished.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Тиха вода греблю рве.
“Quiet water breaks the dam.”
Calm, unassuming people or forces can produce the most powerful results.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Язик до Києва доведе.
“The tongue will lead you all the way to Kyiv.”
If you are not afraid to ask, you can find your way anywhere.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Друзі пізнаються в біді.
“Friends are known in times of trouble.”
True friendship is proven during hardship, not in easy times.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Не все те золото, що блищить.
“Not all that glitters is gold.”
Outward appearance can be deceptive; value is not always what it seems.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Вовка ноги годують.
“The wolf is fed by its legs.”
You must be active and move about to earn your living — nothing comes to the idle.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Хто не працює, той не їсть.
“He who does not work, does not eat.”
Sustenance and reward must be earned through labor.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition