Proverbs are a living fount of wisdom that reflect the laws of human life, a special national mentality, originality of tastes and preferences in life. Here you can read some of Russia’s people proverbs and sayings.

Mordovian  (European part of Russia) proverbs:

Keep bread for food, keep money for troubles.

A loafer is always without money

When the whole family together a soul is on its spot.

Where friendship is being forged there is a happiness.

If you will fall down a tree you cannot pull it back.

Mansi (Northern part of central Russia) sayings:

Were you brought up by a sunlight? ( this proverb is said to children when they do not listen to their parents).

The work is done by feet not by a tongue (it means that don’t  talk much about the work which is to be done by actions).

If you will seek the lost day in the past you will lose the present day (it means do not live in grievances).

A good voiced crane is heard by seven marshes.

Dagestan republic is located in North Caucasus area. Dagestan is the most multinational republic of Russia. State languages ​​of the Republic of Dagestan are Russian and the languages ​​of the peoples of Dagestan.  Only 14 languages of them ​​are written and the rest are non-literate. Dagestan peoples speak ​​four major language groups. Here we present you some of Dagestan people’s proverbs and sayings.

Dargin proverbs:

Greatest wealth is like an evil disease.

A wingless will never fly.

Good name is better than treasures.

Be moderate in eating, but not in the working.

If you will work together - you will work easy.

Lak proverbs:

If you are rich do not boast , if you are poor do not despair.

A camel carries but a mouse spends.

Brothers friendship stronger than a stone wall.

If you are late for an hour during a harvest  - it will take you a year to catch for a lost time.

Time does not make an enemy for a friend.

Lezgin proverbs:

Satin and calico are not in the same price.

Poor man's fate is not a disgrace.

There are no nights or rains without the end.

Even a mouse is like a lion in its hole.

All that came with winds will be blown by the winds.

proverbs are translated into English from the book "Страна высоких вдохновений", издательство Художественная литература, Москва, 2009