Tahitian Proverbs

Tahitian Proverbs carry island wisdom born of Polynesian voyaging and life between reef and mountain. They prize kinship, respect, and harmony with the ocean’s rhythms, guiding speech and conduct.

To eat with a bruise. (Tahitian Proverb)
Water only flows into rivers. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
When sleeping women wake, mountains move. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
When the dew-laden breeze of the uplands creeps swiftly down, it brings with it the fragrance of the gardenia. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
When the shark laughs with the dolphin, there is a devilish spirit at play. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
A single roll of taro top is delicious if seasoned with affection. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
Catch the bird but watch for the wave. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
Every man is the builder of his own hut. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
Goods given make quicker return than goods held. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
He is not wise who places a stones on his own roof. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
If you aim your spear at two fish, both will escape. (Tahitian Proverb)
In the end, the well being of the pono, will be in the hands of the commoner. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
It is never too late to give to those who do not have. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
Never fear the sea, fear the storm. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
That we may all our foes destroy. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
The canoe ride is pleasant when the paddler is skilled. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
The coral waxes, the palm grows, but man departs. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
The land is a chief, and a person is its lowly servant. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
The life of the land is the life of the people. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
The older a man gets, the larger the waves become. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
The well trodden path is not always the right path. (Tahitian Proverb)
You are as obstinate as potoru. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
Ignorance doesn't kill you, but it will make you sweat a lot. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb
Obstinacy is the first diversion of huahine. View proverb
Tahitian Proverb