Gujarati proverbs & idioms
Classic Gujarati proverbs (kahevat)
Well-known Gujarati kahevato (proverbs) with literal translation and figurative meaning — many of them shaped by Gujarat's long trading and mercantile culture.
ઊંટના મોંમાં જીરું
ūṇṭnā mõmāṅ jīruṅ
A cumin seed in a camel's mouth
Meaning: An amount far too small to satisfy a large need — a drop in the ocean.
બોલે તેના બોર વેચાય
bōlē tēnā bōr vēchāy
He who speaks up, his berries get sold
Meaning: Those who promote themselves and speak up are the ones who succeed in business.
ધીરજનાં ફળ મીઠાં
dhīrajnāṅ phaḷ mīṭhāṅ
The fruits of patience are sweet
Meaning: Patience is eventually rewarded.
જર, જમીન અને જોરું, ત્રણે કજિયાના છોરું
jar, jamīn anē jōruṅ, traṇē kajiyānā chōruṅ
Wealth, land and wife — all three are children of conflict
Meaning: Money, property and marital matters are the root of most disputes.
કૂવામાં હોય તો હવાડામાં આવે
kūvāmāṅ hōy tō havāḍāmāṅ āvē
It only comes to the trough if it is in the well
Meaning: You can only pass on or produce what you actually possess yourself.
એક કરતાં બે ભલા
ēk karatāṅ bē bhalā
Two are better than one
Meaning: There is strength and safety in numbers or partnership.
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