Sezyèm Leson: Hidden Meanings in Haitian Proverbs Flashcards
pawòl granmoun
sayings of the elders
Dèyè mòn gen mòn.
Behind mountains there are mountains.
There is more to this than meets the eye. There are hidden truths yet to be revealed.
Chita tande, mache wè.
Sit and hear, walk and see.
Listen to advice but experience for yourself.
Pito ou mache sou “pinga” pou ou pa pile “si m’ te konnen.”
Better to walk on “don’t” than to step in “if I’d only known.”
(Caution now prevents regret later.)
Sòt pa touye, men li fè ou swe.
Stupid doesn’t kill you, but it makes you sweat.
When you don’t do something correctly the first time you will work more by doing it again.
Sèvis ranvwaye ranje moun toutouni.
A postponed ceremony accommodates the naked person.
Putting off helps those who are not prepared.
Si ou renmen grenn anndan, ou dwe renmen po a tou.
If you like the nut, you ought to like the shell.
Don’t complain about working for something you want.
Chen gen kat pat; se yon sèl chemen li fè.
The dog has four paws, but it only takes one path.
One thing at a time.
Lè y’ap plimen poul kodenn pa ri.
When the chicken is being plucked, the turkey doesn’t laugh.
Don’t laugh at others’ misfortune, for it could happen to you, too.
Pou yon tab kanpe fòk li gen kat pye menm longè.
For a table to stand, it must have four legs the same length.
(To work well together everyone must work equally.)
Anvan tiraj tout nimewo bèl.
Before the drawing all numbers look good.
False hope. All options look good but that is not the case.
Pa kontrarye danje si twou poko fouye pou antere malè.
Don’t annoy danger if misfortune’s grave is not yet dug.
If you look for trouble, you might find it.
Pousyè pa leve san van.
Dust doesn’t rise without wind.
Trouble doesn’t start without instigation.
Kabrit bwè, mouton sou.
Goats drink, sheep get drunk.
Avoid that lifestyle. You are better than that. It will hurt you more.
M’ pap soti nan zòrey pou m’ al nan talon.
I’m not going to leave the ear to go on the heel.
I already have access to someone more important.
