Jamaican Proverbs are metaphorical sayings normally based on a truth or on the general experience of humans throughout history. Jamaican Proverbs reflect African and European influences and the purpose of most of these proverbs is to teach about survival.
Below is a list of Jamaican proverbs along with their translations into Standard English and explanations.
-
- “One, one coco full basket „
- English Translation: One by one cocoa can full a basket
- Definition Do not expect to achieve success overnight.
-
- “Mi cum yah fi drink milk, mi no cum yah fi count cow „
- English Translation: I came here to drink milk, I didn’t come to count cows
- Definition This is a reminder that we should conduct business in a straightforward manner. It also means that you should deliver what you promise and not waste time talking about it.
-
- “Every hoe ha them stick a bush „
- English Translation: Every hoe has their thicket of bushes
- Definition Literally this denotes to each his own but also means that there is someone for everyone.
-
- “Wah sweet nanny goat ago run him belly „
- English Translation: What tastes good to a goat will later upset his stomach
- Definition This suggests that the things that seem fine to you now can hurt you later.
-
- “Chicken merry, hawk deh near „
- English Translation: Chicken is merry, a hawk is nearby
- Definition This implies that every silver lining has its dark clouds. Even in the happiest time one must be watchful.
-
- “Fire deh a muss muss tail, him think a cool breeze „
- English Translation: Fire is at a mouse’s tail, he thinks it’s cool breeze
- Definition This saying is used to describe someone (or a system) that is clueless. It encourages people to stop being complacent, as you will be unprepared when disaster strikes.
-
- “Mi throw mi corn but me neva call no fowl „
- English Translation: I threw my corn but I didn’t call any fowl
- Definition In short this means, you are who you show yourself to be, not who you say you are.
-
- “Sorry fi mawga dawg, mawga dawg tun roun bite you „
- English Translation: Feel sorry for a hungry dog, then he turns around and bite you
- Definition Sometimes it is the same ones we've helped who are the most ungrateful.
- Learn correct word pronunciation
- Understand grammar and structure
- Handy everyday phrases
-
- “C*ck mouth kill c*ck. „
- English Translation: A c*ck’s mouth causes its death
- Definition This implies that we need to be more careful of the things we say as our words can come back to haunt us also do not act as if you are better than others.
-
- “Wanti wanti cyah get eh, getti getti nuh want eh „
- English Translation: Those who really want something cannot get it, those who are always getting things do not want it
- Definition This suggest that some of us place very little value on things that are more important to others who are unable to get these things. Count your blessings and do not take what you have for granted.
-
- “Trouble nuh set like rain „
- English Translation: Trouble doesn’t give signs like the rain
- Definition Unlike bad weather we are often not warned when adversity is near
-
- “Time longa dan rope „
- English Translation: Time is longer than a rope
- Definition This encourages one to be patient and to work hard and wait until you time comes.
-
- “Learn fi creep before yuh walk „
- English Translation: Learn to crawl before you walk
- Definition This suggests that you learn the basics before you try to do things that are more complexed. Take things one step at a time
-
- “Every mikkle mek a mukkle „
- English Translation: Every little makes something
- Definition Refers to thriftiness. Every penny saved is a penny earned.
-
- “ See an blind, Hear an def „
- English Translation: See and blind, hear and deaf
- Definition This is similar to the phase "see no evil, hear no evil". In essence you should pay attention to your own business and not try to meddle in another person’s life.
-
- “Mi nuh come yah fi hear ass dead an cow fat „
- English Translation: I didn’t come here to hear that a horse is dead and a cow is fat
- Definition This is saying that you should get to the point and stop beating around the bush. Just say as it is
-
- “Mi old but mi no cold „
- English Translation: I am old but I am not cold
- Definition This warns us not to underestimate the value of the elderly
-
- “Duppy know who fi frighten „
- English Translation: A ghost knows whom to frighten
- Definition Basically bullies know to pick on those who are least able to defend themselves
-
- “Si mi an cum live with mi a two different thing „
- English Translation: To see me and come live with me are two different things
- Definition This is a warning for persons to be mindful of the choices that they make as sometimes appearance can be deceiving. This is similar to saying don’t judge a book by its cover.
-
- “Wen coco ripe it muss buss „
- English Translation: When a cocoa is ripe it will burst
- Definition Action speaks louder than words
Beginner's Guide to Speaking Jamaican Patois
Looking for a quick and easy way to learn Jamaican Patois? Our Beginner's Guide has everything you need to get started;
Get Your Copy
