Proverbs
Older speakers often close a point with a short proverb that sums it up.
How It Works
People bring in a proverb to end an argument or to teach a lesson gently. The wording is fixed, so do not change the verb or the order.
| Proverb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| जइसन करनी, तइसन भरनी | You get what you give |
| नाच न जानै, आँगन टेढ़ | Blaming the tools for a lack of skill |
| अधजल गगरी छलकत जाय | People who know little make the most noise |
| कोस-कोस पर बदलै पानी, चार कोस पर बानी | Water changes every few miles, and speech every few more |
Notice forms like जानै, बदलै and जाय. They are older present forms, not the everyday -त forms. These sayings are known across north India, and they are written here in Awadhi forms. The exact wording differs from village to village, so a speaker may know a slightly different version.
Use proverbs sparingly. One at the right moment sounds wise; many sound stiff.
Examples (4)
- जइसन करनी, तइसन भरनी।
As you act, so you receive.
The two halves match in shape and sound.
- नाच न जानै, आँगन टेढ़।
A poor dancer blames the yard for being crooked.
जानै is an older present form kept in the proverb.
- अधजल गगरी छलकत जाय।
A half-full pot splashes all the way.
The proverb is about people who know little and talk loudly.
- कोस-कोस पर बदलै पानी, चार कोस पर बानी।
The water changes every few miles, and the speech every few more.
The proverb is about how speech varies by place.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The example proverb is a two-part pair built with -सन words.
Related Patterns
Practice Proverbs in Bubblegum
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