Albanian proverbs

Proverbs from all Albanian speaking parts of the world.

A

 * Asnjëri nuk mund ti shërbejë dy zotërinj.
 * English equivalent: Nobody can serve two masters
 * "One cannot serve two conflicting causes simultaneously. If this is attempted neither will be served properly."

C

 * Çdo njeri ndërton fatin e vet.
 * English equivalent: Every man is the smith of his own fortune.

F

 * Fillimi i mbarë është gjysma e punës.
 * English equivalent: Well begun, is half done.
 * "Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A – beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:

I

 * Iku macja, lozin minjtë.
 * English equivalent: When the cat is away, the mice will play.
 * "In the absence of the person in authority those under his control will often neglect the duties/rules imposed on them."

K

 * Kur s'ke punë luaj derën.
 * When you have no work, wiggle the door.


 * Kush ka turp, vdes për bukë.
 * Whoever is shy, will die (suffer) from hunger.

M

 * Mali me mal nuk piqen, njeriu me njeriun piqen.
 * English equivalent: A mountain never meets a mountain, but a man meets a man.
 * "There are some things/events that are impossible, like an encounter of mountains, but there is always a chance for people to meet. or One can always find a possibility for revenge."


 * Matë tre herë, prit një herë.
 * English equivalent: Measure thrice, cut once.
 * "We should always act only after due consideration. A hasty action may involve an improper consideration of important aspects."


 * Më mirë syri sesa nami.
 * English equivalent: Better lose your eye rather than your honour
 * "The honour is the most important thing one has. You can be blind and still live, but how can you live without honour and respect? Then, society will judge you and you can not handle it."


 * Molla nuk bie larg mollës.
 * English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the apple tree.
 * "Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents."


 * Mos hidh zjarr në kashtë.
 * English equivalent: Don't add fuel to the fire.
 * "We should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark."

N

 * Në njërin vesh (më) hyn, në tjetrin (më) del.
 * English equivalent: Advice most needed are the least heeded.
 * "For various reasons a good advice or a genuine warning is often disregarded or considered of no importance."

P

 * Peshku i madh ha të voglin.
 * English equivalent: Men are like fish; the great ones devour the small.
 * "Small organizations or insignificant people tend to be swallowed up or destroyed by those that are greater and more powerful."


 * Punën e sotme mos e lër për nesër.
 * English equivalent: Never put off till tomorrow what can be done today. Or  There's no time like the present.
 * "It may be more difficult or sometimes even impossible to do something later, which can be done easily now. or One can have time later for something else if a job is done now.
 * Hungarian Equivalent: Amit ma megtehetsz, ne halaszd holnapra.

S

 * Sa rron, aq mëson - Sa të rrosh, do të mësosh
 * English equivalent: We learn as long as we live.
 * Hungarian Equivalent: Jó pap holtig tanul.


 * Si i ati dhe i biri.
 * English equivalent: Like father, like son.
 * "Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."


 * Si e ëma dhe a bija.
 * English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
 * "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."

T

 * Trimi i mirë me shokë shumë.
 * English equivalent: No man is an island.
 * "No one can act alone. We all need other's help."

U

 * Ustau çatinë e vet e le të pikojë.
 * English equivalent: The shoemaker goes barefoot.
 * "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."