Top 10 Filipino Proverbs That Our Parents Love To Say

Photo Credit, Joao Tzanno via Unsplash

Words of wisdom or proverbs are known as "Salawikain" or "Sawikain" in Tagalog or "sarsarita" in Ilocano. Like most proverbs the world over, most of us have probably heard all Philippine proverbs throughout our childhood- usually in the form of scolding or warnings from our parents. Most have been handed down from generation to generation contain sayings which prescribes norms, imparts a lesson or simply reflects standard norms, traditions and beliefs in our community. We're sharing some of our favorites- or at least the ones we're most familiar with and what they've come to mean. How many of these have you heard?

May pakpak ang balita, may tainga ang lupa.

News has wings, while the ground has ears.

Every culture has one of these sayings. Basically, its meant to convey that news travel fast, and nothing you do is ever a secret. There is always a variation that says bad news travels faster than good news. Whatever your take is, this proverb is usually used to warns us to act properly do the right thing always because gossipers always have their eye on you. 

Mahirap gisingin ang nagtutulug-tulugan.

It’s difficult to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.

This Filipino proverb means that if some people wish to remain ignorant of certain facts, there is certainly no waking them up from the truth.

Lahat ng gubat ay may ahas.

Every jungle has a snake.

This saying offers another nugget of wisdom about always being wary and vigilant about your environment and the people you trust. Basically, while the grass is not always greener somewhere else, the places and people you hold dear to you may not also have your best intentions in mind.

Ang taong gipit, sa patalim kumakapit.

A desperate person will cling to a knife.

Essentially, this Filipino proverb is a version of the universal saying, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” This warns us that those who are desperate will do anything to survive, even hurt themselves or anyone close to them.

Ang naglalakad nang matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.

A person who walks fast will have a deeper wound when he is pricked.

This ancient saying is actually a warning about making hasty decisions. A person who makes decisions on a whim or impulse tend to make bigger mistakes, and in turn, can hurt themselves worse than if they made a more careful decision. Basically: Moving fast makes accuracy difficult. 

Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.

A person who does not remember where he came from will never reach his destination.

It's important to remember your roots and show gratitude to those who came before you-paying homage to your ancestors and your story. Because without them, we would not be where we are today. Alternatively, we should never forget our humble beginnings no matter how big or successful we become. 

Ang sakit sa kalingkinan ay ramdan ng buong katawan.

The pain in the little finger is felt by the whole body.

This is one of the Filipino proverbs that teaches us about the importance of the whole versus the individual and why the community at large becomes at risk when one person is a risk, that the problem of a single member often extends and impacts the whole family/or community.

Ang palay ay parisan, habang nagkakalaman ay lalong nagpugpugay.

Be like a rice stalk, the more grains it bears, the lower it bows.

According to this saying, along with great power, comes great responsibility. It is a warning to be more humble as we become great. 

Ang nakatikip na bibig ay hindi pinapasukan ng langaw.

A fly will not enter a closed mouth.

A similar version of that age old adage, loose lips sinks ships. Basically, you won't get into a trouble if you're not a big mouth. 

Pag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay.

If someone throws a rock at you, throw him bread.

This one seems to be a parental favorite and takes cue from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

"If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also". This saying encourages us teaches that no matter what someone does to us, we are to look the other way and not seek revenge because God will handle it.