Vietnam Proverbs (10)

Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây

“When eating the fruit, remember who planted the tree.”

Always be grateful to those whose earlier labor made your present benefit possible.

Uống nước nhớ nguồn

“When drinking water, remember its source.”

Never forget the origins of your good fortune or the people who came before you.

Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim

“With enough effort grinding iron, one day it becomes a needle.”

Patient, persistent effort will eventually accomplish even the hardest task.

Lá lành đùm lá rách

“The whole leaf wraps the torn leaf.”

Those who are well-off should protect and help those who are suffering.

Một cây làm chẳng nên non, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao

“One tree makes no hill; three trees together make a high mountain.”

Unity and collective effort achieve what no individual can do alone.

Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì sáng

“Near ink you turn black; near the lamp you turn bright.”

The company you keep shapes your character for better or worse.

Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn

“Travel a day's road and learn a basketful of wisdom.”

Experience and travel teach far more than staying in one place.

Không thầy đố mày làm nên

“Without a teacher, how can you make anything of yourself?”

Success depends on the guidance of teachers and mentors.

Thương người như thể thương thân

“Love others as you love your own body.”

Treat and care for other people with the same compassion you give yourself.

Bầu ơi thương lấy bí cùng, tuy rằng khác giống nhưng chung một giàn

“O gourd, love the squash; though of different kinds, you share one trellis.”

People of different backgrounds who share one land should love and support one another.