Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs

Filipino Proverbs are saying pass from one generation to another, when, how and who started it, nobody can tell. It teaches lesson derived from practical wisdom learned from everyday experiences and keen observation of life. .

Filipino proverbs are glimpses of Pinoy's everyday life and culture, it illuminate the character of the Filipino, values and philosophy. It serves as a guide to living, it gives advice and encouragement and a reminder for young and old folks and for all of us... even we are thousand of miles away from our home land. Filipino proverbs have universal wisdom, not to mention the wit and humor contained therein that add spice to the Filipino language.

Here are some examples of Salawikain with English translation

• Ang matapat na kaibigan, tunay na maaasahan. - - -You will know a true friend in time of need.
• Naghangad ng kagitna, isang salop ang nawala. - - - He who takes a lot of risks loses more than he can gain.
• Pulutin ang mabuti, ang masama ay iwaksi. - - - Emulate what is good, ignore what is bad.
• Walang lumura sa langit na di sa kanyang mukha nagbalik. - - - Nobody who spits upward does not spit on his face.
• Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo. - - - Of what use is the grass when the horse is already dead.
• Maraming salita, kulang sa gawa. A man that talks too much accomplishes little.
• Madaling sabihin, mahirap gawain. Easier said than done.

• Ubos-ubos biyaya, pagkatapos nakatunganga. --Spend lavishly and you end up with nothing.
• Habang may buhay, may pag-asa. - - - While there is life, there is hope.
• Ang lalagyang walang laman ay maingay. - - - An empty container makes a lot of noise.
• Ang lakas ay daig ng paraan. - - - Strength is defeated by strategy.
• Ang mabigat ay gumagaan, kung pinagtutulungan. - - - Anything that is heavy can be light if we put our resources together.
• Lahat ng gubat ay may ahas. - - - In every forest , there is a snake.
• Bago ka bumati ng sa ibang uling, uling mo muna ang iyong pahirin. - - -Before you point out others people's shortcomings, correct your own first.
• Walang salang hindi pinagbabayaran. --No crime is left unpunished.
• Wala kang masasabunot sa kalbo.---- (You cannot pull any hair from the bald.) You cannot get blood from the stone.
• Pananalita'y pilak, ngunit ang katahimikan 'y ginto. --- Speech is silver but silence is gold.