Want to take make your Russian sound more advanced?
Russian aphorisms will make you sound like a sage.
Whether you’re an advanced Russian speaker or just find it interesting, these wise sayings will enrich your language and give insight into Russian culture.
First: what’s an aphorism?
Let me just clarify what an aphorism actually is first.
An aphorism’s basically a concise, memorable statement that expresses a general truth or observation about life.
It’s usually witty or philosophical, and an aphorism packs wisdom into just a few words. They’re used to offer advice or reflect on human nature.
A bit like a proverb, but they’re not the same.
Now, on to the Russian aphorisms.
В тихом омуте черти водятся
Translation: The still waters are inhabited by devils.
Explanation: This warns that quiet, seemingly harmless people or situations may conceal unexpected trouble or depth. Similar to “Still waters run deep.”
Тише едешь, дальше будешь
Translation: Ride slower - you will get further.
Explanation: Haste makes waste! Patience and caution in life will get you farther than rushing.
С ми́ру по ни́тке - го́лому руба́ха
Translation: One thread of the world — shirt for a naked.
Explanation: Many small contributions can solve a big problem; akin to “Many hands make light work.”
Красиво жить не запретишь
Translation: You can not forbid living beautifully.
Explanation: No one can stop someone from living life in their own elegant or joyous way.
После драки кулаками не машут
Translation: They do not swing fists when the fight is over.
Explanation: It’s pointless to argue or try to solve a problem after the moment has passed. Similar to “No use closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.”
Ни рыба, ни мясо
Translation: Neither fish nor meat.
Explanation: Something or someone that is nondescript, bland, or hard to classify.
Поживём - увидим
Translation: We will live - we will see.
Explanation: Only time will tell what happens. Used to encourage patience or acceptance of uncertainty.
Сила есть, ума не надо
Translation: If you have physical power, you do not need intelligence.
Explanation: Used ironically; brute force is sometimes used in place of intellect, often to criticize such behavior.
Лучше один раз увидеть, чем сто раз услышать
Translation: It is better to see once than to hear hundred times.
Explanation: Seeing something for yourself is much more valuable than hearing about it repeatedly. Equivalent to “Seeing is believing.”
Не имей сто рублей, а имей сто друзей
Translation: Do not have hundred rubles, rather have hundred friends.
Explanation: Friendships are more valuable than money. Networking and relationships bring success.
О вкусах не спорят
Translation: Tastes are not argued.
Explanation: Everyone has different tastes; it’s pointless to argue about preferences. Like “There’s no accounting for taste.”
Ни к селу, ни к городу
Translation: Not for village, not for town.
Explanation: Something that’s out of place or doesn’t fit in anywhere.
Пан или пропа́л
Translation: To become a master or to be gone.
Explanation: All-or-nothing, succeed or fail. Similar to “Sink or swim.”
Сделал дело - гуляй смело
Translation: Did the job - go walk boldly.
Explanation: Finish your work, and then you can relax and enjoy yourself without guilt.
Моя ха́та с кра́ю - ничего не знаю
Translation: My house is at the end of the street, so I have no idea what is going on.
Explanation: Used to express indifference, non-involvement, or staying out of trouble—“Not my business.”
Раз на раз не приходится
Translation: From time to time, it does not happen.
Explanation: Success or failure isn’t guaranteed every time. Used for unpredictable results.
Лучше синица в руке, чем журавль в небе
Translation: A tomtit in your hand is better than a crane in the sky.
Explanation: It’s better to have a small but certain advantage than to risk everything for something bigger you might not get. “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Из песни слов не выкинешь
Translation: You cannot throw a word out of a song.
Explanation: You can’t change the facts or ignore what has happened, just as you can’t alter the lyrics of a song.
Не все то золото, что блестит
Translation: Everything that glitters isn’t gold.
Explanation: Not everything that looks valuable or true on the surface actually is. Be cautious of appearances.
Без труда́ не вытащишь и рыбку из пруда́
Translation: Without effort, you can not even pull a fish out of the pond.
Explanation: You can’t achieve anything without hard work. “No pain, no gain.”
Первый блин всегда́ ко́мом
Translation: The first pancake is always lumpy.
Explanation: The first attempt at anything is rarely perfect. Try again!
У кого что болит, тот про то и говорит
Translation: You talk about the pain you have.
Explanation: People tend to talk about what worries or bothers them most.
Кто рано встаёт, тому Бог даёт
Translation: God gives to those who wake up early.
Explanation: Early risers or those who are proactive are rewarded for their efforts. “The early bird catches the worm.”
Look for contextual opportunities to use these expressions.
Also worth checking out next: see my list of Russian tongue-twisters.
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