The 45 most popular Russian Proverbs and Sayings

Russia is a great country, not only because of its size but also because of its history and culture. It is undoubtedly a nation with a unique and recognizable personality throughout the world. His philosophy reflected in proverbs and sayings, give a good account of it.

This compilation with the best known Russian sayings, is full of wisdom for life. They are a way of transmitting teachings in a simple way and have been passed down from generation to generation, that is why they will never go out of style.

• Recommended article: "The 70 most important Spanish Proverbs (and meaning)"

Most popular Russian proverbs and sayings (and their meaning)

All over the world proverbs are a way of transmitting life lessons. The cultural seed of each town is expressed through these ancient and popular formulas. They are also a way of explaining phenomena of all kinds, although they mainly have to do with coexistence, values ​​and social norms.

Russian proverbs and sayings are a reflection of the culture of this European country

. We have selected 45 of the most popular. Surely if you are visiting this region of the planet you have already heard several of these that we list below.

1. Misfortunes never come alone.

This saying is somewhat pessimistic and somewhat realistic, it refers to the fact that when something bad happens, usually, many other bad things happen later.

2. For a poor naked man, preparing for a trip means girdling himself.

This saying is used to refer to someone with few economic resources.

3. Without a cat, the mouse is free.

If the authority is not there, the subordinates do what they want.

4. Take care of your clothes since they are new, take care of your honor since you are young.

This Russian proverb teaches about the importance of taking care of every step we take from an early age.

5. Pray to God, but keep your sanity.

It is the equivalent of the Spanish saying: "To God begging and with the mallet giving."

6. Better a hererillo in the hand than a crane in the sky.

It will always be preferable to be certain of only one thing, even if it is small.

7. Uninvited guest is worse than a Tartar.

You have to be cautious when arriving and staying for a visit at someone's home.

8. Eat bread and salt, but blurt out the truth.

You always have to be honest, whatever happens.

9. What you will sow, you will reap.

Without a doubt a proverb full of truth and certainty.

10. Without effort you cannot get the fish out of the pond.

All work requires an effort to achieve the purpose.

11. When masters quarrel, their servants are creaking.

This proverb was used a lot when talking about warlike conflicts between governments and kingdoms.

12. Granny says two things: she can rain or snow or neither.

Nothing is certain or certain in this life.

13. It is easier for the mare when the woman gets out of the carriage.

If everyone cooperates, the job is done and it gets easier.

14. The appetite comes during the meal.

Things have to be done and the results will emerge.

15. The "maybe" and the "somehow" won't do any good.

There is no need to worry about things that did not happen or that we do not know if they will happen.

16. The other people's monastery does not interfere with its rules.

It refers to the fact that we must abide by the rules of the places where we go.

17. Trust but verify.

You have to be confident, but don't go overconfident.

18. If you sit a pig at the table, he puts his legs on the table.

You cannot expect things outside the nature of people.

19. A pig finds filth.

The skills, defects and qualities of people always lead them to find the same situations.

20. God protects those who protect themselves.

This proverb is a lesson that if we want to be protected by our divinity, we must do it ourselves and take our precautions.

21. It is easier for the mare when the woman gets out of the carriage.

If we work as a team, we finish faster and better.

22. Missing the past is like running after the wind.

There is no point in longing for things that are in the past.

23. Pray, but don't stop rowing towards shore.

You have to have faith, but at the same time you have to act.

24. A kind word is better than a big cake.

The best gift is the kindness of people.

25. The wolf is not afraid of the sheepdog but his collar of nails.

People's appearance and attitudes are what keep the rest away.

26. The heart is a child: it expects what it wants.

Although we go in the opposite direction, our heart always remains faithful to our purest desires.

27. Marrying young is too early and marrying old is too late.

There is no ideal time to get things done.

28. Your mother will cry for you until the end of her days, your sister until she puts on her wedding ring, your widow until the morning dew.

This proverb is an exaltation of the unconditional love of mothers for their children.

29. Every man who gets rich in a year should have been hanged twelve months before.

Sudden wealth is always suspect.

30. She does not die twice but she escapes death once.

A Russian saying about the value of death and life.

31. Never try to teach a pig to sing. You will waste your time and screw up the pig.

You have to have the expertise to understand when a goal is useless and will not pay off.

32. A big "thank you" doesn't fit in your pocket.

Appreciation should never be hidden.

33. If you walk fast you reach misfortune; If you go slowly, misfortune reaches you.

You have to keep a balance.

34. It is not the law that scares, but the judge.

Justice is blind, but those who exercise it are not.

35. The tears that fall are bitter, but those that do not fall are even more so.

If crying is usually sad, not expressing our feelings can be even worse.

36. The heroes who know how to sacrifice best are the ones who know how to kill best.

People who are good at something also know how to defend themselves.

37. The further you walk through the forest, the more firewood you will find.

If we want to achieve something, we have to try harder and harder.

38. After the storm, the wind will blow in your favor.

This proverb is full of hope and optimism, she warns us that after some grief, something good for us will come.

39. Telling the truth is like writing well, you learn by practicing.

We have to be honest even if it is hard for us to do so.

40. The hands work, but the head feeds.

Physical work is not more important than intellectual work.

41. A man is saved from a shipwreck on the high seas and drowns on the beach.

When your destiny is such, you cannot avoid it.

42. The origins themselves are an indelible mark.

Our roots mark us for life.

43. No one has ever been hanged with money in their pocket.

This proverb talks about the corruption that money generates.

44. You don't die twice if you don't escape death once.

One of the most popular Russian proverbs among its population.

45. Stagnant water soon becomes impure.

Not being in action not only leaves us without growth, it also makes us sick.