Indonesian Proverbs

Indonesian Proverbs distill island wisdom from a vast archipelago once at the heart of the spice routes. They prize harmony, respect, and patience, guiding community life amid monsoons, trade, and many tongues.

Rippling water shows lack of depth.

Indonesian Proverb

Diligence is the beginning of brilliance.

Indonesian Proverb

Different fields, different grasshoppers; different seas, different fish.

Indonesian Proverb

A moth will eat the finest linen.

Indonesian Proverb

The sea becomes the shore, the shore becomes the sea.

Indonesian Proverb

Beware, the enemy lies under your blanket.

Indonesian Proverb

The shadow should be the same length as the body.

Indonesian Proverb

Goodness shouts. Evil whispers.

Indonesian Proverb

The firm tree does not fear the storm.

Indonesian Proverb

Once the rice is pudding, it's too late to reclaim the rice.

Indonesian Proverb

People seek out big shots as flies seek out the elephant's tail.

Indonesian Proverb

Before you let your voice be heard, first lick your lips.

Indonesian Proverb

Different men have different opinions; Some like apples, some onions.

Indonesian Proverb

If you enter a goat stable, bleat; if you enter a water buffalo stable, bellow.

Indonesian Proverb

Expecting something bigger, and we let go what we already have.

Indonesian Proverb

Don't stay on the dew until the sun reaches its highest.

Indonesian Proverb

If an eel is with fish, he shows his tail; if he is with snakes, he shows his head.

Indonesian Proverb

Death is the bride of life.

Indonesian Proverb

Collaboration, sharing of burden irrespective of the weight.

Indonesian Proverb

Describe, usually with regret, something that has already happenned and is irreversible.

Indonesian Proverb

Different culture means different custom.

Indonesian Proverb

Different people have different personality.

Indonesian Proverb