You can learn a lot about Finnish values, humor, and the Finnish worldview from simply studying classic Finnish proverbs. Proverbs often reveal what people cherish, fear, and how life experiences are interpreted. This is also the case with many of the famous Finnish proverbs in this article.
For Finnish learners, these nine well-known proverbs are a goldmine since they help learners sound more like natives 🙂 The proverbs we have selected proverbs are not obscure by any means but ones that you will actually hear and read in Finland today.
So let’s get started, here is our list of nine famous Finnish proverbs commonly used in Finland:
”Ei kukaan ole seppä syntyessään”
Translation: “No one is born a smith.”
Meaning: Skills and expertise are acquired through practice and hard work, not innate from birth.
“Ei ole koiraa karvoihin katsominen”
Translation: “A dog is not judged by its fur.”
Meaning: Don’t judge by appearances; the true value or character of something (or someone) is not always visible from the outside.
“Parempi pyy pivossa kuin kymmenen oksalla”
Translation: “Better a hazel grouse in the hand than ten on the branch.”
Meaning: It’s better to have a small but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one that may come to nothing.
“Hiljaa hyvä tulee”
Translation: “The good (stuff/thing) comes slowly/quietly”
Meaning: Good things come to those who wait; quality and careful work take time.
“Rehellisyys maan perii”
Translation: “Honesty will inherit the earth”
Meaning: Ultimately, integrity and truthfulness will lead to lasting success and reward.
“Kell’ onni on, se onnen kätkeköön”
Translation: “He who has happiness should hide it.”
Meaning: It’s often wise to keep your good fortune private to avoid jealousy or changing your luck.
“Ei nimi miestä pahenna, ellei mies nimeä”
Translation: “A name does not disgrace a man if the man does not disgrace the name.”
Meaning: A person’s actions define their reputation, not their name.
“Tyhjät tynnyrit kolisevat eniten”
Translation: “Empty barrels make the loudest noise.”
Meaning: Those with the least knowledge or experience often speak the most and the loudest.
“Ei savua ilman tulta”
Translation: “There’s no smoke without fire.”
Meaning: If there are rumors or signs of something, there is probably some truth or reality behind them.
“Joka vanhoja muistelee, sitä tikulla silmään”
Translation: “He who dwells on the past should be poked in the eye with a stick.”
Meaning: It’s not productive to dwell excessively on past mistakes or events; focus on the present and future.
Which of these proverbs is you favorite and why? Leave us a comment below.
In ewerything is right and wrong.