Some people say that proverbs are the accumulated wisdom of a culture. Indeed, most Greek proverbs can be used in a wide variety of situations and can really make a difference when used at the right moment. Greek proverbs also incorporate many cultural elements, so studying them is a great way to dive deeper into the Greek culture and expand your vocabulary.

In this blog post, we’ll present you with the most popular Greek proverbs, along with their translations and meanings. Feel free to use them while chatting with your Greek friends—it’s sure to impress them!

Table of Contents

1. Animal-Related Greek Proverbs
2. Greek Proverbs About Time
3. Greek Proverbs About Education & Language
4. Greek Proverbs About Caution
5. Miscellaneous Greek Proverbs
6. Conclusion

1. Animal-Related Greek Proverbs

Sometimes, we can see aspects of our own lives reflected in the animal world. Here are a few popular Greek proverbs featuring animals—can you relate to any of these? 

Greek Proverb	Είπε ο γάιδαρος τον πετεινό κεφάλα.
Romanization	Ípe o gáidaros ton petíno kefála.
Translation	“The donkey called the rooster big-headed.”
Notes	The word πετεινός (petinós) is a synonym of κόκορας (kókoras), both meaning “rooster.” Nowadays, it’s more common to use the latter.
Context of Usage	This proverb is often said between friends in a humorous context, when the one is mocking the other about a characteristic that the two share.

Greek Proverb	Όταν λείπει η γάτα, χορεύουν τα ποντίκια.
Romanization	Ótan lípi i gáta, horévun ta podíkia.
Translation	“When the cat’s away, the mice dance.”
Notes	In Greek, it’s common to use the word λείπω (lípo) as an equivalent of “to be away.” Literally, in other cases, it may also be translated as “to miss” or “to be missed.”
Context of Usage	Imagine taking care of a younger sibling for a while when your parents are away. When the child realizes that the parents are gone, (s)he starts to do all the “forbidden” things, such as eating a lot of chocolate or being extremely loud. In cases like this, you could use the proverb.

Greek Proverb	Η καμήλα δεν βλέπει την καμπούρα της.
Romanization	I kamíla den vlépi tin kabúra tis.
Translation	“The camel can’t see its own hump.”
Context of Usage	You might use this saying when someone is harshly criticizing someone else, without thinking of their own disadvantages or faults.

Greek Proverb	Εγώ το είπα στον σκύλο μου και ο σκύλος στην ουρά του.
Romanization	Egó to ípa ston skílo mu ke o skílos stin urá tu.
Translation	“I said this to my dog and my dog said it to its tail.”
Context of Usage	Someone could say this when your mother asks you to do something, and you then make someone else do it instead.

Greek Proverb	Όσα δεν φτάνει η αλεπού, τα κάνει κρεμαστάρια.
Romanization	Ósa den ftáni i alepú, ta káni kremastária.
Translation	“What the fox cannot reach, it turns them into hangers.”
Context of Usage	This proverb refers to a situation where someone tends to derogate someone else’s achievements because, deep down inside, they know they can’t achieve the same things. This phrase is most commonly used in an ironic tone.

Greek Proverb	Ένας κούκος δεν φέρνει την άνοιξη.
Romanization	Énas kúkos den férni tin ánixi.
Translation	“A cuckoo bird does not bring the spring.”
Context of Usage	This proverb might be used when someone sees a positive indication of something and quickly believes that the end result will also be positive.

➤ Learn more about animals’ names in Greek by studying our relevant vocabulary list or our video on Common Animals in the Park. 

2. Greek Proverbs About Time

Our lives are encompassed by time, and this fact has drawn much speculation from great thinkers and entire societies the world over. Below are some common Greek-language proverbs on the topic of time. 

Greek Proverb	Ο χρόνος είναι ο καλύτερος γιατρός.
Romanization	O hrónos íne o kalíteros yatrós.
Translation	“Time is the best doctor.”
Context of Usage	When a friend of yours gets hurt or breaks up with their partner, you could say this phrase to make him or her feel better.

Greek Proverb	Το καλό πράγμα αργεί να γίνει.
Romanization	To kaló prágma aryí na gíni.
Translation	“The good thing takes time to happen.”
Context of Usage	You might use this proverb when a friend of yours grows disappointed about the progress of his plans. It would be an encouraging way to say that everything will be great in the long run.

Greek Proverb	Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ.
Romanization	Kálio argá pará poté.
Translation	“Better late than never.”
Notes	The word κάλλιο (kálio) is a rarely used informal version of the adverb καλύτερα (kalítera), both meaning “better.”
Context of Usage	Let’s say your mother decides to go back to school in order to follow her dreams. It’s obviously better to do something later in life than to not do anything at all.

Greek Proverb	Όποιος δεν θέλει να ζυμώσει, δέκα μέρες κοσκινίζει.
Romanization	Ópios den théli na zimósi, déka méres koskinízi.
Translation	“Whoever does not want to knead, sifts for ten days.”
Context of Usage	You might say this to motivate a friend of yours who’s procrastinating to take action.

Greek Proverb	Αγάλι-αγάλι γίνεται η αγουρίδα μέλι.
Romanization	Agáli-agáli yínete i agourída méli.
Translation	“The unripe grape becomes sweet like honey slowly-slowly.”
Notes	The phrase αγάλι-αγάλι (agáli-agáli) means “slowly-slowly.”
Context of Usage	This proverb would be encouraging to say to a friend who’s disappointed with the progress of their plans. It would reassure them that they will achieve their goals.

Greek Proverb	Μάτια που δεν βλέπονται γρήγορα λησμονιούνται.
Romanization	Mátia pu den vlépode grígora lismoniúde.
Translation	“Eyes that don’t see each other frequently are soon forgotten.”
Notes	The verb λησμονώ (lizmonó) is not that common and we could say that it hasn’t got an exact equivalent in English. It’s something between “to forget (someone or something)” and “to fade into oblivion.”
Context of Usage	Imagine if you used to hang out with a friend every day, but as soon as one of you goes abroad for a long period, you don’t even text or think of each other much.

➤ Memorizing these time-related proverbs will be an impressive feat, but don’t stop there. Learn how to tell the time in Greek today!

3. Greek Proverbs About Education & Language

Education and learning have long been an integral part of Greek life, with formal schooling dating back to Ancient Greece. Here are just a few Greek proverbs and sayings on the topic! 

Greek Proverb	Η γλώσσα κόκαλα δεν έχει και κόκαλα τσακίζει.
Romanization	I glósa kókala den éhi ke kókala tsakízi.
Translation	“The tongue has no bones but it crushes bones.”
Notes	In Greek, we usually say σπάω κόκαλα (spáo kókala), meaning “to break bones.” This is a special occasion where the verb τσακίζω (tsakízo) is used instead.
Context of Usage	This is often said when someone says really hurtful words to another person.

Greek Proverb	Τα πολλά λόγια είναι φτώχεια.
Romanization	Ta polá lógia íne ftóhia.
Translation	“Many words are poverty.” (“Silence is golden.”)
Notes	Literally, the word φτώχεια (ftóhia) means “poverty.” Greeks appreciate getting the message across with as few words as possible.
Context of Usage	You might say this when someone keeps babbling without getting to the point.

Greek Proverb	Άνθρωπος αγράμματος, ξύλο απελέκητο.
Romanization	Ánthropos agrámatos, xílo apelékito.
Translation	“Illiterate man, row wood.”
Context of Usage	This saying is used to describe someone who is ignorant due to lack of education. It’s considered an insult, so use it carefully.

Greek Proverb	Δάσκαλε που δίδασκες και νόμο δεν εκράττεις.
Romanization	Dáskale pu dídaskes ke nómo den ekrátis.
Translation	“Oh, teacher that you taught but you don’t implement your teachings.”
Notes	The verb εκράττεις (ekrátis) is an older form of the verb κρατώ (krató), meaning “to hold” or “to keep.”
Context of Usage	You could use this saying when a friend of yours does not implement his own advice.

4. Greek Proverbs About Caution

While it’s good to look for the best in people and to make the most of every situation, it’s also crucial to practice caution and common sense. Below are a few common Greek proverbs used to advise caution. 

Greek Proverb	Ο διάβολος έχει πολλά ποδάρια.
Romanization	O diávolos éhi polá podária.
Translation	“The devil has many legs.”
Notes	This phrase aims to highlight that evil can take many forms.
Context of Usage	When a friend of yours has just faced a difficult situation and thinks that it’s totally over, you could advise him to keep alert by using this phrase.

Greek Proverb	Όπου ακούς πολλά κεράσια, κράτα μικρό καλάθι.
Romanization	Ópu akús polá kerásia, kráta mikró kaláthi.
Translation	“When you hear about many cherries, hold a small basket.”
Context of Usage	When a friend of yours gets overly excited about an event or an opportunity, you might want to tell him to be more cautious and not to expect too much.

Greek Proverb	Όποιος βιάζεται σκοντάφτει.
Romanization	Ópios viázete skondáfti.
Translation	“Whoever is in a hurry stumbles.”
Context of Usage	When a friend of yours is doing something in a hurry that requires concentration and attention to detail, you might use this proverb to warn them that the end result will not be good.

Greek Proverb	Όταν καείς από τον χυλό, φυσάς και το γιαούρτι.
Romanization	Ótan kaís apó ton hiló, fysás ke to yaúrti.
Translation	“When you get burned by porridge, you also blow the yogurt.”
Context of Usage	This proverb is used to describe someone who has already faced some difficult situations and gotten hurt. Now, when a seemingly good situation arises, that person will continue to act cautious to avoid being hurt again.

5. Miscellaneous Greek Proverbs

Greek Proverb	Έξω από τον χορό πολλά τραγούδια λέγονται.
Romanization	Éxo apó ton horó polá tragúdia légode.
Translation	“Outside the dance-circle many songs are sung.”
Notes	This phrase is inspired by Greek celebrations, which often include group dancing in a circle.
Context of Usage	You might say this phrase after someone gives advice on a difficult situation they’ve never experienced.

➤ Interested in Greek music? Take a look at the Top 10 Greek Songs. 

Greek Proverb	Οι πολλές γνώμες βουλιάζουν το καράβι.
Romanization	I polés gnómes vuliázun to karávi.
Translation	“Too many opinions sink the boat.”
Context of Usage	This saying refers to a group of people who are trying to make a decision, but each person has a different opinion. It’s usually said by someone who undertakes to find the option that’s best for everyone.

Greek Proverb	Σπίτι μου, σπιτάκι μου και σπιτοκαλυβάκι μου.
Romanization	Spíti mu, spitáki mu ke spitokaliváki mu.
Translation	“My home, my sweet home, my sweet hut.”
Notes	This phrase is equivalent to the English phrase, “Home, sweet home.”
Context of Usage	Coming home after a long time away will definitely make you want to say this phrase.

➤ Wondering how to describe your home’s interior in Greek? Take a look at our relevant vocabulary list for some useful words! 

Greek Proverb	Αγαπά ο Θεός τον κλέφτη, αγαπά και τον νοικοκύρη.
Romanization	Agapá o Theós ton kléfti, agapá ke ton nikokíri.
Translation	“God loves the thief, but He also loves the homeowner.”
Notes	This proverb aims to highlight that evil might take over temporarily, but good reigns in the end.
Context of Usage	Next time you’re referring to someone who does not act appropriately, you could use this phrase to express that he’ll get discovered or punished eventually.

Greek Proverb	Από αγκάθι βγαίνει ρόδο και από ρόδο αγκάθι.
Romanization	Apó angáthi vyéni ródo ke apó ródo angáthi.
Translation	“A rose comes out of a thorn and a thorn comes out of a rose.”
Notes	This phrase presents the general truth that a person should not be characterized as good or bad based on their parents’ character.
Context of Usage	This would be an apt phrase to use when a very talented child is born to not-so-talented parents, or vice-versa.

Greek Proverb	Κράτα με να σε κρατώ να ανεβούμε το βουνό.
Romanization	Kráta me na se krató na anevúme to vunó.
Translation	“Hold my hand and I’ll hold yours so we can climb the mountain.”
Notes	This proverb is here to remind us that cooperation results in greater achievements.
Context of Usage	You could say this when you have a very difficult group assignment, but you want to encourage your partners.

Greek Proverb	Μπρος γκρεμός και πίσω ρέμα.
Romanization	Bros gremós ke píso réma.
Translation	“Cliff in front and stream behind.”
Notes	The word μπρος (bros) is an informal, shortened version of the word εμπρός (embrós), meaning “in the front.”
Context of Usage	You could say this when you feel trapped in a dilemma and the choices you have available seem to be equally bad.

Greek Proverb	Το μήλο κάτω από τη μηλιά θα πέσει.
Romanization	To mílo káto apó ti miliá tha pési.
Translation	“The apple will fall right below the apple tree.”
Context of Usage	When a child has inherited a skill or a bad habit from their parents, you could use this phrase in order to state that it was to be expected.

➤ Speaking of apples, here are the names of more Fruits and Vegetables in Greek! 

Greek Proverb	Η καλή μέρα από το πρωί φαίνεται.
Romanization	I kalí méra apó to proí fénete.
Translation	“You can tell a good day from the morning.”
Context of Usage	Pessimists often say this phrase when something bad happens early in the morning, believing that more bad things will come later in the day. This use denotes sarcasm, but it could also be used in a non-sarcastic way when something good happens.

Greek Proverb	Έγιναν από δυο χωριά χωριάτες.
Romanization	Éyinan apó dio horiá horiátes.
Translation	“They became villagers from two different villages.”
Context of Usage	This saying refers to two people who have quarrelled so much that they don’t talk to each other anymore. It’s also used simply to underline the intensity of an argument.

6. Conclusion

Now you have at your fingertips some of the most popular Greek proverbs to memorize. By studying them, you’ll gain more fluency as well as a better understanding of Greek culture as a whole.

Do you know any other Greek proverbs? Which one is your favorite? 

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