Leson En, Common Proverbs

Question 1

You may dislike somone, but you can’t deny his usefulness. Literally: Hate the dog, admit his teeth are white).

Answer 1

Rayi chen an di dan’l blan.

Question 2

Respect what your elders have to say. Literally: The mouth of an old person stinks but the words of his mouth don’t)

Answer 2

Bouch granmoun santi men pawol nan bouch li pa santi.

Question 3

Something bad may happen but there can be no proof (e.g. a woman cheats but isn’t pregnant). Literally: Short machete in the water doesn’t have a mark.

Answer 3

Kout manchèt nan dlo pa gen mak.

Question 4

What you don’t see can’t hurt you. Literally: What the eye doesn’t see the heart doesn’t return (feel).

Answer 4

Sa je pa wè kè pa tounen.

Question 5

You will eventually catch a cunning person in their vice. Literally: It’s on a narrow/tight path they capture a sly/elusive horse.

Answer 5

Se nan chemen jennen yo kenbe chwal nalen.