Marathi Proverbs (म्हणी) and What They Mean

The Marathi word for a proverb is म्हण (mhaṇ), plural म्हणी. They are lively, often humorous, and used constantly in speech.

Well-known proverbs

Marathi	Literal meaning	Message
थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे.	drop by drop, a lake gathers	small efforts add up
अति तेथे माती.	where there is excess, there is dirt	too much of anything is harmful
नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे.	can't dance, says the courtyard is crooked	a bad workman blames his tools
आयत्या बिळात नागोबा.	the cobra in a ready-made burrow	someone who enjoys what others built
उतावळा नवरा, गुडघ्याला बाशिंग.	the impatient groom with a wedding crown on his knee	being too hasty

Notes

• थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे encourages patience and saving: small drops eventually fill a lake.
• अति तेथे माती warns against excess.
• नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे mocks blaming circumstances for one's own lack of skill.
• आयत्या बिळात नागोबा describes someone who takes advantage of others' work.

The rhythm of proverbs

Marathi proverbs often use rhythm or repetition, as in थेंबे थेंबे, which makes them easy to remember.

Using proverbs

Marathi speakers use proverbs to make a point with humour or wisdom. A well-chosen proverb at the right moment shows strong command of the language.