- “Biyya hin beektu, nyaata hin argattu.”
- Translation: “If you do not know the land, you will not find food.”
- Meaning: Knowledge of your environment is crucial for survival.
- “Dhiiga dhangala’aa, harka harka.”
- Translation: “Blood does not flow without a hand.”
- Meaning: Actions have consequences; you must take responsibility for your actions.
- “Akaakuu galgala, har’aa hin yaadiin.”
- Translation: “Do not wish for tomorrow at dusk.”
- Meaning: Live in the present; do not worry excessively about the future.
- “Jaalalli gabbata, diinni hormaata.”
- Translation: “Love is the foundation, hate is the enemy.”
- Meaning: Love is essential for harmony, while hate destroys relationships.
- “Kan ganna hin qabne, maaliif yaada?”
- Translation: “He who has no cow, why does he think?”
- Meaning: One should not pursue lofty ideas without resources or means.
- “Harka wal qabattee, harka hin citne.”
- Translation: “Hands joined together do not break.”
- Meaning: Unity is strength; working together leads to success.
- “Yaa’aa fi gubbaa, tokkummaa hin qabu.”
- Translation: “The surface and the depth do not share unity.”
- Meaning: Superficial appearances can be deceiving; true understanding requires deeper insight.
- “Bishaan dhugaatii, gaara hin dhaabatu.”
- Translation: “Water does not stand still on a mountain.”
- Meaning: Life is ever-changing; we must adapt to new circumstances.
- “Waa’ee foonii, dhugaan hin dhokatu.”
- Translation: “Regarding meat, the truth does not hide.”
- Meaning: The truth will always come out, regardless of attempts to conceal it.
- “Eenyummaa dhokataa, hin argitu.”
- Translation: “Hidden identity is not visible.”
- Meaning: One’s true nature or identity cannot be hidden for long.
- “Dhiiga horii hin dhokatu.”
- Translation: “The blood of the family does not hide.”
- Meaning: Family ties are strong and cannot be easily ignored.
- “Kan abjuu argate, har’aa hin yaadiin.”
- Translation: “He who sees a dream should not worry about today.”
- Meaning: Aspirations and dreams provide hope; do not let current troubles weigh you down.
- “Sanyii gaarii, jabaachuun hin dhabu.”
- Translation: “Good seeds do not lack strength.”
- Meaning: Quality and potential are inherent in good beginnings.
- “Gara garaa, qabeenya hin qabne.”
- Translation: “The heart is rich, but lacking in wealth.”
- Meaning: True wealth is not always material; it can be emotional or spiritual.
- “Gurratti lafa, harka keessatti dhokata.”
- Translation: “What is on the ear is hidden in the hand.”
- Meaning: What is said is often different from what is done; be cautious of words.
- “Gara jabeessuu, dhugaan hin dhokatu.”
- Translation: “Strengthening the heart does not hide the truth.”
- Meaning: Being strong or brave does not mean avoiding the truth.
- “Hamma aari’u, qabeenya hin qabu.”
- Translation: “As long as there is anger, there is no wealth.”
- Meaning: Anger can lead to destruction; peace is necessary for prosperity.
- “Kan hin jaalanne, hin argatu.”
- Translation: “He who does not love, does not receive.”
- Meaning: Love and kindness are essential for building relationships and receiving support.
- “Tasa ta’ee, hin marmaartuu.”
- Translation: “It happens suddenly, do not hesitate.”
- Meaning: Be prepared for unexpected events; act swiftly when necessary.
- “Dhiiga ofii, fooni hin dhokatu.”
- Translation: “Your own blood does not hide the meat.”
- Meaning: One’s own background or heritage is always evident.
- “Gara galgala, murtoo hin qabu.”
- Translation: “At dusk, there is no decision.”
- Meaning: Important decisions should not be made in haste or when unclear.
- “Nyaata keessa, hojiin hin hafne.”
- Translation: “In food, work does not remain.”
- Meaning: Enjoying life and experiences is as important as hard work