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Popular Peruvian Proverbs: Peruvian proverbs often provide insights into life, relationships, and the human experience, offering guidance and lessons learned from the past. For example, popular Peruvian proverbs like “If I listen, I have the advantage, if I speak, others have it” highlight the importance of listening and understanding. Each proverb originating from the Peruvian culture involves a piece of knowledge that resonates with the challenges and joys of everyday life making them relevant not only in Peru but also in various cultures around the world.
This Blog Includes:
- What is Peruvian culture?
- Popular Peruvian Proverbs with Meaning and Example
- From the tree of silence hands the fruit of tranquillity
- Gold, when beaten, shines
- Little by little one walks far
- When the road is long, even slippers feel tight
- Lawyer for the rich, scourge of the poor
- If I listen I have the advantage, if I speak others have it
- It is better to prevent than to cure
- Only he who carries it knows how much the cross weighs
- Favour your own first, then others
- Youth is Intoxication without wine; old age is wine without intoxication
- 5 Famous Peruvian Quotes
- I am a free man. I feel as light as a feather.
- I think that literature has the important effect of creating free, independent, critical citizens who cannot be manipulated.
- Since it is impossible to know what’s really happening, we Peruvians lie, invent, dream and take refuge in illusion.
- Yes, I’m proud to be indigenous. I’m half-Quechua-Huachipaeri from Peru.
- Envy for a friend is like the taste of a sour pumpkin
- FAQs
Also Read: 100+ Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples
What is Peruvian culture?
Peruvian culture is a blend of beliefs, customs, and practices that shape the daily lives of Peruvians. Family and community are central to Peruvian life with many families living together and supporting one another. The culture is expressed through vibrant music and dance such as Andean music featuring flutes and panpipes, and traditional dances like huayno.
Art and crafts, including weaving and pottery. Peruvian cuisine is also notable combining indigenous ingredients like potatoes and corn. Overall, Peruvian culture is characterised by its diversity, hospitality, and a deep connection to history and tradition.
Also Read: 39+ Easy Proverbs in English to Improve Communication
Popular Peruvian Proverbs with Meaning and Example
Peruvian proverbs often reflect cultural values, life lessons, and the importance of community. They are commonly used in conversations to convey deeper meanings simply. Here are some of the most popular Peruvian proverbs, along with their meanings and examples:
From the tree of silence hands the fruit of tranquillity
Meaning: “From the tree of silence hands the fruit of tranquillity” has a metaphorical meaning. It suggests that silence can lead to peace and calmness much like a tree that produces fruit.
Example: When I take time to meditate in silence, I often find that the tree of silence, hands the fruit of tranquillity, helping me feel more relaxed and centred.
Gold, when beaten, shines
Meaning: “Gold, when beaten, shines” refers to the property of gold that, when it is hammered or flattened, becomes more lustrous and reflective. This highlights the idea that gold not only maintains its value and beauty when manipulated but may even enhance its appearance through the process of being worked on.
Example: Just like gold shines brighter when beaten, hard work can bring out the best in us.”
Little by little one walks far
Meaning: The phrase “little by little one walks far” means that by making small, consistent efforts over time, you can achieve significant progress or reach a big goal. It emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence in accomplishing tasks.
Example: If you study a little by little every day, you will understand the material better and do well on your exams. Remember, little by little one walks far.
When the road is long, even slippers feel tight
Meaning: “When the road is long, even slippers feel tight” is a Peruvian proverb that conveys the idea that when faced with a long or difficult journey, even the simplest comforts can become burdensome.
Example: After walking for hours on the hot pavement, I realized that when the road is long, even slippers feel tight; I had to take a break to rest my feet.
Lawyer for the rich, scourge of the poor
Meaning: “Lawyer for the rich, the scourge of the poor” describes a lawyer or legal system that primarily serves wealthy clients while neglecting or even harming the interests of poorer individuals.
Example: In a society where there’s one law for the rich and another for the poor, the lawyer for the rich becomes a scourge of the poor, using their resources to manipulate the legal system to their advantage while leaving the less fortunate to fend for themselves.
If I listen I have the advantage, if I speak others have it
Meaning: The phrase “If I listen, I have the advantage; if I speak, others have it” suggests that there are benefits to both listening and speaking, but the advantage shifts depending on which one you do.
Example: In meetings, I try to listen more because if I listen, I have the advantage; but if I speak too much, others gain it.
It is better to prevent than to cure
Meaning: “It is better to prevent than to cure” suggests that it is more effective and beneficial to stop a problem before it happens rather than trying to fix it after it has occurred. Prevention saves time, effort, and resources, and often leads to better outcomes.
Example: Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly is a good way to stay healthy because it is better to prevent than to cure.
Only he who carries it knows how much the cross weighs
Meaning: “Only he who carries it knows how much the cross weighs” expresses the idea that only someone who is experiencing a burden or challenge can truly understand its weight or significance.
Example: Maria always seemed happy, but only she knew how much pressure she was under at work. “Only he who carries it knows how much the cross weighs,” she thought.
Favour your own first, then others
Meaning: In this context, “favour” means to give preference or priority to something. The sentence is advising to take care of your own needs and interests before considering others.
Example: When giving out the snacks, Lisa remembered to favour her own first, then others, making sure her little brother got his share before handing them out to her friends.
Youth is Intoxication without wine; old age is wine without intoxication
Meaning: “Youth is intoxication without wine; old age is wine without intoxication” represents a deep observation about the contrasting experiences of youth and old age.
Example: When I was young, I felt like I could conquer the world; every day was filled with new adventures and joy. Now that I’m older, I appreciate the wisdom I’ve gained, but I sometimes miss the thrill of those youthful days. As they say, ‘Youth is intoxication without wine; old age is wine without intoxication.
Read more about Proverbs in different cultures:
5 Famous Peruvian Quotes
Famous Peruvian quotes reflect the unique views and experiences of the people from this vibrant country. They often capture the essence of life, love, and humour, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Peru. Overall, the below quotes not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons and reflections on life in Peru.
I am a free man. I feel as light as a feather.
Meaning: “I am a free man. I feel as light as a feather.” expresses a sense of liberation and happiness. It suggests that the speaker feels unburdened, carefree, and joyful as if they have no worries or restrictions holding them back.
I think that literature has the important effect of creating free, independent, critical citizens who cannot be manipulated.
Meaning: “I think that literature has the important effect of creating free, independent, critical citizens who cannot be manipulated” means that reading and studying literature helps people develop critical thinking skills and independence of mind.
Since it is impossible to know what’s really happening, we Peruvians lie, invent, dream and take refuge in illusion.
Meaning: “Since it is impossible to know what’s really happening, we Peruvians lie, invent, dream and take refuge in illusion” suggests that because life can be confusing and uncertain, people in Peru often create their own stories or fantasies to cope with reality.
Yes, I’m proud to be indigenous. I’m half-Quechua-Huachipaeri from Peru.
Meaning: “Yes, I’m proud to be Indigenous. I’m half-Quechua-Huachipaeri from Peru” expresses a strong sense of cultural identity and pride in one’s heritage. Proud to be indigenous This conveys a sense of honour and respect for one’s roots and cultural background specifically referring to the original inhabitants of a region. Half-Quechua-Huachipaeri indicates that the speaker has mixed heritage belonging to two indigenous groups in Peru: the Quechua, known for their rich history and connection to the Andes and the Huachipaeri, an indigenous group from the Amazon region.
Envy for a friend is like the taste of a sour pumpkin
Meaning: “Envy for a friend is like the taste of a sour pumpkin” expresses the idea that feeling envious of a friend is unpleasant and unfulfilling. Just as a sour pumpkin has a bitter taste that is not enjoyable, envy can sour friendships and lead to negative feelings.
Explore more proverbs and idioms here:
FAQs
If no one could get wealthy in Peru, then no one could become poor either.
Here are some of the most popular Peruvian proverbs:
From the tree of silence hands the fruit of tranquillity
Youth is Intoxication without wine; old age is wine without intoxication
Lawyer for the rich, scourge of the poor
Some of the most well-known proverbs in English are “Knowledge is power.” “Practice makes perfect.” and “A stitch in time saves nine.”
This was all about the Popular Peruvian Proverbs. Hopefully, you understood the meaning and usage of such proverbs. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to grammar and language.
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