22 great Hindi proverbs, sayings and idioms – and their meanings

Hindi is a beautiful language that is spoken by millions of people all over the world. It has a rich culture and history that is reflected in its proverbs, sayings and idioms. In this blog post, we will discuss 22 of the most popular Hindi proverbs, sayings and idioms – and their meanings. We hope you enjoy them!

1. Bandar kya jaane adrak ka swaad

Translation: How can a monkey appreciate the taste of ginger?

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe someone who does not understand or appreciate something that is beyond their understanding.

Example: “I don’t think he understands the true value of this painting, he’s just a monkey who doesn’t know the taste of ginger.”

2. Barso se pyaar karti hoon, teri baaton mein doob jaati hoon

Translation: I have loved you for years, and I drown in your words.

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe how someone feels when they are in love. They feel overwhelmed and consumed by their love for the other person.

Example: “Ever since I met her, I’ve been madly in love with her. Her words just consume me and I can’t help but drown in them.”

3. Bhaag milkha bhaag

Translation: Run Milkha run!

Meaning: This proverb is used to encourage someone to do their best and give it their all.

Example: “You can do it! Just run like Milkha ran and you’ll be successful.”

4. Bade logon ka khyaal achcha hai, kamre mein choti bachchiyon ka khyaal na ho

Translation: It’s good for big people to think, so that the thoughts of small children don’t enter their minds.

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe how important it is for people to think about themselves and their own well-being. If they don’t, then negative thoughts and concerns will take over.

Example: “It’s good for big people to think, so that the thoughts of small children don’t enter their minds.”

5. Kuch to log kahenge

Translation: People will say something

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that people will always have something to say, no matter what the situation is.

Example: “I know he’s going through a tough time, but people are still going to say something.”

6. Tumhaari khushi meri khushi

Translation: Your happiness is my happiness

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the feeling of joy that one experiences when they see the person they love happy.

Example: “I was so happy when I saw you smile. Your happiness is my happiness.”

7. Kabhi kabhi toot jaati hai dil, phir bikhar jaata hai

Translation: Sometimes the heart breaks, and then it shatters.

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the feeling of heartbreak and pain that one experiences after a loved one leaves them.

Example: “I never thought I’d be able to survive after he left me. My heart was shattered into pieces.”

8. Aankhon se door ho jaana, aankhon se aana

Translation: To go away from eyes, come back to eyes

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that people can’t stay away from what they love for long. They will always find their way back.

Example: “I know she left me, but I can’t stay away from her for long. She’s always in my thoughts and I’ll always come back to her.”

9. Jab tak samajh nahin aa raha hai, tab tak bolna mat

Translation: Don’t speak until you understand

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the importance of understanding a situation before speaking. One should never speak without knowing what they’re talking about.

Example: “I know you’re angry, but please calm down and think about what you’re going to say first. You can’t just go ahead and say whatever you want without thinking.”

10. Aapke ghar aaye, khushion ka saman layer

Translation: I brought happiness to your home

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that the speaker has done something good for the person who they are addressing. They have made them happy in some way or another.

Example: “I know things have been tough lately, but don’t worry. The good times will come again soon.”

11. Khuda ka khazaana hai aur hum dekhte hain

Translation: God’s treasure is something that we see

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that everything that happens in life is a part of God’s plan. We may not understand it now, but eventually we will.

Example: “I know things are tough right now, but trust me, it’s all part of God’s plan. We may not understand it now, but we will later.”

12. Pyaar mein doob jaana

Translation: To drown in love

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the feeling of being in love. One feels consumed and overwhelmed by their love for the other person.

Example: “Ever since I met her, I’ve been madly in love with her. Her words just consume me and I can’t help but drown in them.”

13. Paagal kahin ka

Translation: Crazy somewhere else

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe someone who is crazy or insane, but not where they are currently located. They are crazy somewhere else.

Example: “He’s a nice guy, but he’s a little crazy. He’s just not normal.”

14. Har ek baat pe kehte hain

Translation: Everybody says something on every matter

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that everyone has an opinion and they are not afraid to share it. No matter what the topic is, people will have something to say about it.

Example: “I know we’re all upset about her death, but everybody is saying different things and it’s getting really confusing.”

15. Sacha pyaar mein dard hota hai

Translation: In true love, there is pain

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that when someone is in love, they will experience pain. This is because love is not always easy and it can be quite difficult at times.

Example: “I know he loves me, but the fact that he’s never home really hurts me. I guess true love does come with pain.”

16. Iss duniya mein aur kuch hai nahin

Translation: In this world, there’s nothing else

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that in this world, there’s nothing else besides what we see. There’s no other life after death or anything like that.

Example: “I know things are tough right now, but don’t worry. This world is all we have and once we’re gone, that’s it.”

17. Kuch bhi ho jaaye, par yaad aane wale ko kabhi mat bhoolna

Translation: No matter what happens, never forget those who have always been there for you

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the importance of keeping in touch with the people who are close to you. Even if you don’t see them often, make sure you never forget about them.

Example: “I know we haven’t talked in a while, but please don’t forget about me. I’ll always be there for you.”

18. Dosti ka rishta ikhtiyaar se nahin banata

Translation: Friendship can’t be forced

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that friendship is something that happens naturally. It can’t be forced or created artificially.

Example: “I know you’re my friend, but I don’t feel like being friends with you right now.”

19. Bina soche samjhe aankh ka kajal nahin lagata

Translation: Without thinking, applying eyeliner isn’t possible

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the importance of thinking before acting. One can’t just go ahead and do something without considering the consequences first.

Example: “I know you’re angry, but please calm down and think about what you’re going to say first. You can’t just go ahead and say whatever you want without thinking.”

20. Tum kya jaano, hum kya jaane

Translation: You don’t know what I know

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that the speaker knows something that the other person doesn’t know. It’s often used to make the other person feel inferior or unintelligent.

Example: “I know you think you’re smart, but you don’t know everything. There are some things that I know about which you are completely unaware.”

21. Jab tak chahein, tab tak kaam karenge

Translation: We’ll do our work until we die

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the dedication and commitment that the speaker has to their work. They are willing to do whatever it takes to finish the job and they will never give up.

Example: “I know this project is really tough, but I’m not going to quit. I’ll keep working on it until I die.”

22. Kabhi khushi kabhie gham

Translation: Sometimes happiness, sometimes sadness

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that life is full of ups and downs. We will experience both happiness and sadness throughout our lives.

Example: “I know things have been tough lately, but don’t worry. The good times will come again soon.”

23. Rishta nahin hua you ikhtiyaar see, toh kya hua

Translation: If the relationship wasn’t created artificially, then what’s the point?

Meaning: This proverb is used to describe the fact that if something isn’t earned or worked for, then it’s not worth anything. If someone doesn’t put in any effort into a relationship, then it won’t last long.

Example: “I know you didn’t have to work hard for our friendship, but I appreciate that you did. That’s why our friendship means so much to me.”