{"id":24774,"date":"2023-07-19T17:24:03","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T21:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/?p=24774"},"modified":"2026-01-30T18:45:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T23:45:26","slug":"50-famous-russian-sayings-and-proverbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/50-famous-russian-sayings-and-proverbs\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Famous Russian Sayings and Proverbs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Get ready to add a touch of Russian wisdom to your wardrobe with these 50 Russian sayings and proverbs. We’ve scoured the annals of Russian culture to bring you an eclectic mix of playful sayings and timeless proverbs that will make you smile and spark some fun conversations. These sayings will let you show off your excellent custom products while embracing the wit and passion of the Russian language and insight. Find your perfect proverb and make a bold statement with custom t-shirts<\/a>, hats<\/a>, backpacks<\/a>, activewear<\/a>, and so much more!<\/p>\n

Russian Sayings About Life<\/a><\/p>\n

Funny Russian Sayings<\/a><\/p>\n

Russian Sayings About Love<\/a><\/p>\n

Old Russian Proverbs<\/a><\/p>\n

Russian Proverbs About Happiness<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Russian Sayings About Life<\/h2>\n

1.<\/span> \u041f\u0435\u0440\u0432\u044b\u0439 \u0431\u043b\u0438\u043d\u2014\u043a\u043e\u043c\u043e\u043c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Pervyy blin\u2014komom.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: The first pancake is lumpy.<\/span><\/p>\n

This tasty saying is like saying, \u201cPractice makes perfect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2.<\/span> \u0420\u0430\u0431\u043e\u0442\u0430 \u043d\u0435 \u0432\u043e\u043b\u043a\u2014\u0432 \u043b\u0435\u0441 \u043d\u0435 \u0443\u0431\u0435\u0436\u0438\u0442. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Rabota ne volk\u2014v les ne ubezhit.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Work isn\u2019t a wolf\u2014it won\u2019t run away into the forest.<\/span><\/p>\n

This idiom is like saying, \u201cWork will still be waiting for you tomorrow.\u201d  <\/span><\/p>\n

3. <\/span>\u041a\u043e\u0442 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u043b\u0430\u043a\u0430\u043b. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Kot naplakal.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: The cat has cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cat tears aren\u2019t something we see very often, so this saying refers to very little of something. It\u2019s often used in the context of money. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. \u0412\u0435\u043a<\/em><\/span> \u0436\u0438\u0432\u0438\u2014\u0432\u0435\u043a \u0443\u0447\u0438\u0441\u044c. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Vek zhivi\u2014vek uchis’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Live for a century, learn for a century.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb is similar to the English saying, \u201cLive and learn.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

5. \u0421\u043b\u043e\u0432\u043e<\/em><\/span> \u043d\u0435 \u0432\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0431\u0435\u0439: \u0432\u044b\u043b\u0435\u0442\u0438\u0442 \u2014 \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u0439\u043c\u0430\u0435\u0448\u044c. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Slovo ne vorobey: vyletit \u2014 ne poymayesh\u2019.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: A word is not a sparrow: once it flies out, you won\u2019t catch it.<\/span><\/p>\n

This illustrative proverb is similar to \u201cWhat\u2019s said can\u2019t be unsaid.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

6. \u043d\u0435\u0442<\/em><\/span> \u0445\u0443\u0434\u0430 \u0431\u0435\u0437 \u0434\u043e\u0431\u0440\u0430. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Net khuda bez dobra.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: There\u2019s no bad without the good.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb shares the same sentiment as \u201cEvery cloud has a silver lining.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

7. \u0434\u0432\u0443\u043c\u044f<\/em><\/span> \u0437\u0430\u0439\u0446\u0430\u043c\u0438 \u043f\u043e\u0433\u043e\u043d\u0438\u0448\u044c\u0441\u044f, \u043d\u0438 \u043e\u0434\u043d\u043e\u0433\u043e \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u0439\u043c\u0430\u0435\u0448\u044c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Za dvumya zaytsami pogonish’sya, ni odnogo ne poymaesh’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: If you chase two hares, you will not catch either.<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is similar to \u201cYou can\u2019t have your cake and eat it too.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

8. \u041d\u0435<\/em><\/span> \u0440\u0443\u0431\u0438 \u0441\u0443\u043a, \u043d\u0430 \u043a\u043e\u0442\u043e\u0440\u043e\u043c \u0441\u0438\u0434\u0438\u0448\u044c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Ne rubi sukh, na kotorom sidish’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Don’t cut the branch you’re sitting on.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb would be like saying, \u201cDon\u2019t bite the hand that feeds you.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

9. \u0422\u0438\u0448\u0435<\/em><\/span> \u0435\u0434\u0435\u0448\u044c, \u0434\u0430\u043b\u044c\u0448\u0435 \u0431\u0443\u0434\u0435\u0448\u044c<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/h3>\n

(Tishe edesh’, dal’she budesh’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: The quieter you go, the further you’ll get.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this saying is slightly different, its English equivalent would be, “Slow and steady wins the race.”<\/span><\/p>\n

10. \u041d\u0430<\/em><\/span> \u0432\u043a\u0443\u0441 \u0438 \u0446\u0432\u0435\u0442 \u0442\u043e\u0432\u0430\u0440\u0438\u0449\u0435\u0439 \u043d\u0435\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Na vkus i tsvet tovarishchey net.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Every man to his own taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is equivalent to “Different strokes for different folks.”<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>Funny Russian Sayings<\/h2>\n

11. \u042f<\/em><\/span> \u0442\u0435\u0431\u0435 \u043f\u043e\u043a\u0430\u0436\u0443, \u0433\u0434\u0435 \u0440\u0430\u043a\u0438 \u0437\u0438\u043c\u0443\u044e\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(YA tebe pokazhu gde raki zimuyut.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: I will show you where lobsters (crawfish) spend the winter. <\/span><\/p>\n

On the surface, this may sound harmless, but it\u2019s actually like saying, \u201cI\u2019ll teach you a lesson,\u201d or the mildly threatening, \u201cI\u2019ll give you something to remember me by.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

12. \u041a\u043e\u0437\u0435<\/em><\/span> \u0431\u043e\u044f\u043d, \u0430 \u043e\u0432\u0446\u0435 \u0431\u0430\u044f\u043d.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Koze boyan, a ovtse bayan.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: What’s new to a goat is old news to a sheep.<\/span><\/p>\n

This fun farm-themed saying is similar to \u201cOne man\u2019s trash is another man\u2019s treasure.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

13. \u0414\u0430\u0442\u044c<\/em><\/span> \u0437\u0443\u0431. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(<\/span><\/i>dat\u2019 zub.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: To give a tooth. <\/span><\/p>\n

While it may not be obvious, this idiom is similar to the English idiom, \u201cCross my heart.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

14. \u0418<\/em><\/span> \u0435\u0436\u0443 \u043f\u043e\u043d\u044f\u0442\u043d\u043e. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(i izhu panyatna.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Even a hedgehog can understand (this).<\/span><\/p>\n

No offense to hedgehogs, but this saying is similar to, \u201cIt\u2019s a no-brainer\u201d or \u201cThis isn\u2019t rocket science.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

15. \u0412<\/em><\/span> \u0448\u043e\u043a\u043e\u043b\u0430\u0434\u0435. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(v shekalade.)  <\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: (Everything is) in chocolate. <\/span><\/p>\n

This idiom is a delicious English equivalent to \u201cbe set for life.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

16. \u0412<\/em><\/span> \u0441\u0435\u043c\u044c\u0435 \u043d\u0435 \u0431\u0435\u0437 \u0443\u0440\u043e\u0434\u0430. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(v sim\u2019ye ni bez uroda.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: There\u2019s an ugly person in every family.<\/span><\/p>\n

While not quite as symbolic, this saying is similar to the English idiom, \u201cThere\u2019s a black sheep in every flock,\u201d or \u201cThere\u2019s always one bad apple.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

17. \u0413<\/em>\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0440\u044f\u0442,<\/span> \u0447\u0442\u043e \u043a\u0443\u0440 \u0434\u043e\u044f\u0442. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(gavaryat, chto kur doyat.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: They say they milk chickens.<\/span><\/p>\n

This one doesn\u2019t have as close of an English equivalent, but the idea is not to believe everything you hear.  <\/span><\/p>\n

18<\/span>. \u0414\u0435\u043b\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0438\u0437 \u043c\u0443\u0445\u0438 \u0441\u043b\u043e\u043d\u0430.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Dyelat\u2019 iz mukhi slona.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: To make an elephant out of a fly.<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is essentially like saying, \u201cDon\u2019t make a mountain out of a molehill.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

19.<\/span> \u041a\u043e\u0433\u0434\u0430 \u0440\u0430\u043a \u043d\u0430 \u0433\u043e\u0440\u0435 \u0441\u0432\u0438\u0441\u0442\u043d\u0435\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Kogda rak na gore svistnyet.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: When the lobster whistles on the mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another interesting lobster-themed saying, this saying is similar to the English idiom, \u201cWhen pigs fly.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Russian Sayings About Love <\/b><\/h2>\n

20<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c \u0437\u043b\u0430, \u043f\u043e\u043b\u044e\u0431\u0438\u0448\u044c \u0438 \u043a\u043e\u0437\u043b\u0430.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ zla, polyubish’ i kozla.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love is so cruel you could fall in love with a goat.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a much more illustrative version of the commonly heard, \u201cLove is blind.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

21.<\/span> \u0417\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0435\u0442\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0434 \u0441\u043b\u0430\u0434\u043e\u043a.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Zapretnyy plod sladok.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: The forbidden fruit is sweet.<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of love, this saying refers to wanting who you can\u2019t have. <\/span><\/p>\n

22.<\/span> \u0422\u044b \u043b\u0443\u0447 \u0441\u043e\u043b\u043d\u0446\u0430 \u0432 \u043f\u0430\u0441\u043c\u0443\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0434\u0435\u043d\u044c! <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Ty luch solntsa v pasmurnyy den’!)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: You are a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day!<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is familiar to English speakers and lets people know you brighten their days. <\/span><\/p>\n

23<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c – \u043a\u0430\u043a \u043b\u043e\u0434\u043a\u0430\u2014\u043d\u0430 \u043e\u0434\u043d\u043e\u043c \u0432\u0435\u0441\u043b\u0435 \u043d\u0435 \u0443\u043f\u043b\u044b\u0432\u0435\u0448\u044c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ – kak lodka: na odnom vesle ne uplyvesh.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love is like a boat\u2014you can’t sail away on one oar.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb uses the metaphor of being at sea to explain that a relationship takes two. <\/span><\/p>\n

24<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c – \u044d\u0442\u043e \u043a\u0430\u043a \u0432\u0438\u043d\u043e, \u0441 \u0433\u043e\u0434\u0430\u043c\u0438 \u043e\u043d\u0430 \u043a\u0440\u0435\u043f\u0447\u0430\u0435\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ – eto kak vino, s godami ona krepchayet.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love is like wine\u2014it becomes stronger with age.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb puts love in the context of \u201caging like a fine wine.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

25<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c \u0433\u043b\u0430\u0437\u0430\u043c\u0438 \u043d\u0435 \u0432\u0438\u0434\u043d\u043e, \u0430 \u043e\u043d\u0430 \u0435\u0441\u0442\u044c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ glazami ne vidno, a ona yest’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love is not seen with the eyes, but it exists.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb tells us that love is everywhere, even though we may not see it. <\/span><\/p>\n

26<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c \u043d\u0435 \u0437\u043d\u0430\u0435\u0442 \u0437\u0430\u043a\u043e\u043d\u0430.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ ne znayet zakona.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love knows no law.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb would be equivalent to the English saying, \u201cLove knows no bounds.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

27<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c \u043d\u0435\u0447\u0430\u044f\u043d\u043d\u043e \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442, \u0430 \u0443\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442 \u043d\u0435\u043e\u0436\u0438\u0434\u0430\u043d\u043d\u043e.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ nechayanno prikhodit, a ukhodit neozhidanno.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love comes unexpectedly but departs surprisingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb tells us how love can catch us by surprise. <\/span><\/p>\n

28<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c \u043a \u0441\u0435\u043c\u044c\u0435 – \u0433\u043b\u0430\u0432\u043d\u043e\u0435 \u0441\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ k sem’ye – glavnoye schast’ye.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Love for family is the greatest happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Family is hugely important in Russian culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

29<\/span>. \u041b\u044e\u0431\u043e\u0432\u044c \u043a \u0441\u0435\u0440\u0434\u0446\u0443 \u043d\u0435 \u043f\u0440\u0438\u0448\u044c\u0435\u0448\u044c<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/h3>\n

(Lyubov’ k serdtse ne prish’yosh.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: You can’t sew love to the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb is equivalent to saying, \u201cLove can\u2019t be forced.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Old Russian Proverbs<\/h2>\n

30<\/span>. \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043a\u043e\u0301\u0432 \u0431\u043e\u044f\u0301\u0442\u044c\u0441\u044f \u2014 \u0432 \u043b\u0435\u0441 \u043d\u0435 \u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0301\u0442\u044c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Volko\u0301v boya\u0301t’sya \u2014 v les ne khodi\u0301t’)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: If you\u2019re scared of wolves, don\u2019t go in the woods<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb came from a time when Russians would still venture into the woods for food. It can be like saying, \u201cIf you can\u2019t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

31<\/span>. \u0415\u0441\u043b\u0438 \u0432\u044b \u0441\u043e\u0431\u0438\u0440\u0430\u0435\u0442\u0435\u0441\u044c \u043d\u0430\u0437\u044b\u0432\u0430\u0442\u044c \u0441\u0435\u0431\u044f \u043c\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043d\u044b\u043c \u0433\u0440\u0438\u0431\u043e\u043c, \u043b\u0435\u0437\u044c\u0442\u0435 \u0432 \u043a\u043e\u0440\u0437\u0438\u043d\u0443!<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Yesli vy sobirayetes’ nazyvat’ sebya molochnym gribom, lez’te v korzinu!)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: If you are going to call yourself a milk-mushroom, get in the basket!<\/span><\/p>\n

This expression would be the English equivalent to \u201cPut your money where your mouth is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

32<\/span>. \u0412 \u0442\u0438\u0445\u043e\u0439 \u043b\u0430\u0433\u0443\u043d\u0435 \u043e\u0431\u0438\u0442\u0430\u044e\u0442 \u0447\u0435\u0440\u0442\u0438. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(V tikhoy lagune obitayut cherti.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: In a quiet lagoon, devils dwell. <\/span><\/p>\n

This evocative proverb would be equivalent to the English idiom, \u201cStill waters run deep.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

33<\/span>. \u0411\u0435\u0437 \u0443\u0441\u0438\u043b\u0438\u0439 \u0438 \u0440\u044b\u0431\u043a\u0443 \u0438\u0437 \u043f\u0440\u0443\u0434\u0430 \u043d\u0435 \u0432\u044b\u0442\u0430\u0449\u0438\u0448\u044c. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Bez usiliy i rybku iz pruda ne vytashchish’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Without effort, you won\u2019t even pull a fish out of a pond.<\/span><\/p>\n

This fishing-themed proverb would be like saying, \u201cNo pain, no gain.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

34<\/span>. \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043a\u0430 \u043d\u043e\u0433\u0438 \u043a\u043e\u0440\u043c\u044f\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Volka nogi koryat.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: A wolf is fed by its legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb reminds us that we have to work for what we want. <\/span><\/p>\n

35<\/span>. \u0412 \u0447\u0443\u0436\u043e\u0439 \u043c\u043e\u043d\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044b\u0440\u044c \u0441\u043e \u0441\u0432\u043e\u0438\u043c \u0443\u0441\u0442\u0430\u0432\u043e\u043c \u043d\u0435 \u0445\u043e\u0434\u044f\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(V chuzhoy monastyr’ so svoim ustavom ne khodyat.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Don’t bring your own rules into someone else’s monastery. <\/span><\/p>\n

This older proverb is equivalent to the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”<\/span><\/p>\n

36<\/span>. \u0423\u0442\u0440\u043e \u0432\u0435\u0447\u0435\u0440\u0430 \u043c\u0443\u0434\u0440\u0435\u043d\u0435\u0435.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Utro vechera mudrenee.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: The morning is wiser than the evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the morning itself may not be wiser, <\/span>we<\/span><\/i> are often wiser after we \u201csleep on it.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

37<\/span>. \u0413\u043b\u0430\u0437\u0430 \u0431\u043e\u044f\u0442\u0441\u044f, \u0430 \u0440\u0443\u043a\u0438 \u0434\u0435\u043b\u0430\u044e\u0442.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Glaza boyatsya, a ruki delayut.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Eyes fear, but hands do.<\/span><\/p>\n

This idiom would be equivalent to the English saying, \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to get your hands dirty.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

38<\/span>. \u0427\u0443\u0436\u0430\u044f \u0434\u0443\u0448\u0430 \u2013 \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0435\u043c\u043a\u0438.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Chuzhaya dusha \u2013 potemki.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Another person’s soul is darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb is similar to saying that you never really know someone\u2019s true intentions. <\/span><\/p>\n

39<\/span>. \u0414\u0440\u0443\u0433 \u043f\u043e\u0437\u043d\u0430\u0435\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0432 \u0431\u0435\u0434\u0435.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Drug poznayetsya v bede.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: A friend is known in times of trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

As it goes in many cultures, true friends are there when you need them.  <\/span><\/p>\n

40<\/span>. \u041c\u043d\u043e\u0301\u0433\u043e \u0431\u0443\u0301\u0434\u0435\u0448\u044c \u0437\u043d\u0430\u0442\u044c, \u0441\u043a\u043e\u0301\u0440\u043e \u0441\u043e\u0441\u0442\u0430\u0301\u0440\u0438\u0448\u044c\u0441\u044f<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/h3>\n

(Mno\u0301go bu\u0301desh’ znat’, sko\u0301ro sosta\u0301rish’sya.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: If you know too much, you would get old very quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is perhaps a more subtle way of saying, \u201cCuriosity killed the cat.\u201d <\/span>
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Russian Proverbs About Happiness<\/h2>\n

41<\/span>. \u0427\u0442\u043e \u0438\u043c\u0435\u0435\u043c – \u043d\u0435 \u0445\u0440\u0430\u043d\u0438\u043c, \u043f\u043e\u0442\u0435\u0440\u044f\u0432\u0448\u0438 – \u043f\u043b\u0430\u0447\u0435\u043c. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Chto imeem – ne khranim, poteryavshi – plachem.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: We don’t cherish what we have; we cry when we lose it.<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is similar to the English saying, \u201cYou don\u2019t know what you\u2019ve got \u2018til it\u2019s gone.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

42<\/span>. \u0421\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435 \u043d\u0435 \u0432 \u0434\u0435\u043d\u044c\u0433\u0430\u0445. <\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Schast’ye ne v den’gakh.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Happiness is not in money.<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is equivalent to \u201cMoney can\u2019t buy happiness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

43<\/span>. \u0421\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435 – \u0431\u044b\u0442\u044c \u0441\u0430\u043c\u0438\u043c \u0441\u043e\u0431\u043e\u0439.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Schast’ye – byt’ samim soboy.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Happiness is being yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb speaks to the importance of being your authentic self and not following the crowd. <\/span><\/p>\n

44<\/span>. \u0421\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435 – \u044d\u0442\u043e \u0431\u044b\u0442\u044c \u043b\u044e\u0431\u0438\u043c\u044b\u043c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Schast’ye – eto byt’ lyubimym.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Happiness is being loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

What can bring more happiness than love? <\/span><\/p>\n

45<\/span>. \u0421\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435 \u043d\u0435 \u0432 \u043a\u0443\u0447\u0435 \u0434\u0435\u043d\u0435\u0433, \u0430 \u0432 \u0434\u043e\u0431\u0440\u043e\u043c \u0441\u0435\u0440\u0434\u0446\u0435.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Schast’ye ne v kuche deneg, a v dobrom serdtse.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Happiness is not in a pile of money but in a kind heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another similar saying to \u201cMoney can\u2019t buy happiness,\u201d this proverb speaks to the happiness we bring each other by being kind. <\/span><\/p>\n

46<\/span>. \u0420\u0430\u0434\u0443\u0439\u0441\u044f \u043c\u0430\u043b\u043e\u043c\u0443, \u0438 \u0436\u0438\u0442\u044c \u0441\u0442\u0430\u043d\u0435\u0442 \u0432\u0435\u0441\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0435.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Raduysya malomu, i zhit’ stanet vesel’ye.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Find joy in small things, and life will become happier.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb is similar to saying, \u201cEnjoy the small things\u201d or \u201cStop and smell the roses.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

47<\/span>. \u041d\u0430\u0441\u0442\u043e\u044f\u0449\u0435\u0435 \u0441\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435 – \u044d\u0442\u043e \u0437\u0434\u043e\u0440\u043e\u0432\u044c\u0435 \u0431\u043b\u0438\u0437\u043a\u0438\u0445.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Nastoyashcheye schast’ye – eto zdorov’ye blizkikh.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: True happiness is the health of loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

As stated before, family is a big part of Russian culture, so they deeply value each other\u2019s health. <\/span><\/p>\n

48<\/span>. \u0427\u0435\u043c \u043c\u0435\u043d\u044c\u0448\u0435 \u0437\u0430\u0432\u0438\u0441\u0438\u0442 \u043e\u0442 \u0434\u0440\u0443\u0433\u0438\u0445, \u0442\u0435\u043c \u0431\u043e\u043b\u044c\u0448\u0435 \u0441\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u044f.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Chem men’she zavisit ot drugikh, tem bol’she schast’ya.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: The less you depend on others, the happier you will be.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb speaks to the importance of self-reliance. <\/span><\/p>\n

49<\/span>. \u0421\u0447\u0430\u0441\u0442\u044c\u0435 – \u044d\u0442\u043e \u043d\u0430\u0445\u043e\u0434\u0438\u0442\u044c \u0443\u0434\u043e\u0432\u043e\u043b\u044c\u0441\u0442\u0432\u0438\u0435 \u0432 \u0442\u043e\u043c, \u0447\u0442\u043e \u0435\u0441\u0442\u044c.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Schast’ye – eto nakhodit’ udovol’stvie v tom, chto yest’.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Happiness is finding pleasure in what you have.<\/span><\/p>\n

This proverb speaks to the relationship between happiness and gratitude. <\/span><\/p>\n

50<\/span>. \u0423\u043b\u044b\u0431\u043d\u0438\u0441\u044c \u043c\u0438\u0440\u0443, \u0438 \u043c\u0438\u0440 \u0443\u043b\u044b\u0431\u043d\u0435\u0442\u0441\u044f \u0442\u0435\u0431\u0435.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

(Ulybnis’ miru, i mir ulybnetsya tebe.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Literal translation: Smile at the world, and the world will smile at you.<\/span><\/p>\n

This saying is a more positive spin on the English saying, \u201cSmile, and the world smiles with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n