Au long aller, peti fardeau pèse. One cannot have woman and benefit at the same time [Mertvago, p. 21]. The lark in hand is better than the goose that flies [Mertvago, p. 13]. 10 Useful French Proverbs For All Situations - Talk in French L'expérience est la maîtresse des fous. L'allouette en main vaut mieiux que l'oie que vole. He does the crime who profits by it [NN, p. 38-39]. But in short, he was a man of education. He who can govern a woman can govern a nation [NN, p. 62-63]. A huge chunk of our lives is spent waiting. Chacun sait (nul ne sait mieux que l'âne) où le bât (le) blesse. Each one knows where the pack wounds. “Petit a petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.” Sooner or later, you’ll eventually go: Its literal meaning: Do well and let (them) speak. Marteau d'argent ouvre porte de fer. A stitch in time saves nine [Belcour, p. 50]. Le vin est tiré, il faut le boire. Check out our full collection of love quotes. Hey, these things happen. En tout pays, il y a une lieue de mauvais chemin. No sense worrying about what they say. Dournon, Jean-Yves. The work shows the workman [Belcour, p. 3]. (laconic, or exposing things). After you’re done pulling your hair out of sheer frustration, just remember: there will always be bumps even in the smoothest roads. Scenario: You’re a practising vegan who will be moving to France soon. L'âne du commun est toujours le plus mal bâté. Chat échaudé craint l'eau froide. During the 1600s and 1700s, silver écus were made. Tout est bien qui finit bien. Cat after kind; or, A chip of(f) the old block [Belcour, p. 48]. In the small boxes, the good ointments [Mertvago, p. 24]. A Dictionary of English and French Equivalent Proverbs. An oak is not felled at one chop [Belcour, p. 33]. Benjamin Houy is a native French speaker and tea drinker with a BA degree in Applied Foreign Languages and a passion for languages. – Korean Proverb French is a soft language which is best known as one of the most romantic ones in the world. These quotes might be short but they are full of powerful ideas and messages. Besoin fait la vielle trotter (et l'endormi réveiller). First come, first served [Belcour, p. 33]. To the living we owe some consideration, to the dead we owe only the truth [NN, p. 30-31]. Sans l'argent l'honneur n'est qu'une maladie. When someone asks why, just say, “Quand le vin est tiré, il faut le boire. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. The wolf eas the ewes he is told of (or: as he counts them) [Mertvago, p. 25]. Il est bon d'avoir des amis partout. Qui se fait brebis, le loup le mange. He who would drown his dog first calls him mad [NN, p. 58-59]. The eye of the master does more than both his hands. Or worse, a string of bad marriages. You probably just bought a year-long gym membership. Now you are rocking some insane poses like you were born to do it. On a lengthy journey even a small burden weighs Learn French fast —> “A l’étroit mais entre amis” “Tight but with friends” “Chat échaudé […] Improve your French cultural literacy. 33 Really Famous French Quotes About Family and Friendship. No pain, no gain! Maybe you’ve had a string of bad relationships lately. To be cured of your longing you need only get what you wished for [NN, p. 28-29].  Cheer up, bud. Frederic Bibard is the founder of Talk in French, a company that helps french learners to practice and improve their french. Oh, life. The year that is gone is always the best [Mertvago, p. 16]. A friend in need is a friend indeed [Mertvago, p. 14]. Il faut battre le fer tandis qu'il est chaud. [Écus are old French coins. He has a fine horse that never stumbles [Mertvago, p. 28]. So maybe you’re saving up for that much-awaited trip to France. No one knows better than the ass where the pack (it) wounds [Mertvago, p. 21]. Do not judge of the contents by the label [Belcour, p. 21]. But it’s better than nothing, right? Le feu le plus couvert est le plus ardent. Chance passe science. Spoil the horn and make the spoon. Jamais chat emmitouflé ne prit souris. However, French quotes about family relations and friendship are nonetheless popular. On a lengthy journey even a small burden weighs [Mertvago, p. 13]. Il ne faut pas laisser croïtre l'herbe sur le chemin de l'amitié. French Proverbs on Wine (18 Proverbs) A glaring sunny morning, a woman that talks Latin, and a child reared on wine, never come to a good end. Oxford, 1998. But remember, all things come to those who wait. French is a sweet, sultry language that could charm the socks off of anyone's feet. But of course, this proverb would also work just as well when taken literally. Or if you’re feeling sassy and fabulous, you can just dance to Taylor Swift’s hit song instead. Which is why this particular quote represent him so well. Many of them have entertainment value. Pinching a few dollars from your pay, skimming a few from your budget: just a few savings here and a little there. Receiving without giving turns the friendship [Mertvago, p. 15]. The myriad French expressions, proverbs and idioms that revolve around food and wine, for example, are indicative of a culture where gastronomy and conviviality are intertwined. Better an egg in peace than an ox in war [Mertvago, p. 23]. Perhaps your dog died or you broke up with someone you thought is “the one”. Do you have favorite French proverbs that you would like to add here? Les gens qui ont peu d'affaires sont de tres grands parleurs. Fools make fashions, wise men follow them [Belcour, p. 32]. French sayings provide insight to native French culture, society and history. Comme on fait son lit on se couche. Un homme averti en vaut deux. All is well that ends well [Mertvago, p. 23]. Let's learn 1500 convenient phrases commonly used in everyday conversational French! Bruner, Jerome. In [the] small field good corn grows [Mertvago, p. 23]. One cannot make a buzzard a sparrowhawk [Mertvago, p. 26]. ), So if someone emphatically tells you he or she will never do something EVER, keep that person in check by giving her a dose of this French saying. French quotes are a fun and interesting way to learn some French vocabulary.The quotes below are short, famous, and easy to memorize. Les conseilleurs ne sont pas les payeurs. Men who have little business are great talkers. L'arbre ne tombe pas du premier coup. Le miel est doux, mais I'abeille pique. Le vent n'entre jamais dans la maison d'un avocat. Le vieux amis et les vieux écus sont les meilleurs. À chacun selon ses oeuvres. A passionate and motivating man then. The French proverbs below are written in bold and followed by their English equivalents. As they say in French, “La vie est belle”, which literally means “Life is beautiful”. The literal meaning of this proverb: “When the wine is drawn, one must drink it.” What it means: Once the first step is taken there’s no going back. (French Proverb) A friend to my table and wine, is no good neighbour. Like a fit picture, a proverb could be worth 'a thousand words'. Proverbs are traditional sayings that are particular to a certain country. For more French phrases, get your copy of French Phrasebook below. He that asks what he should not, hears what he would not. The Normans conquered England in 1066 CE. Leroux de Lincy, Antoine Jean Victor. 3rd ed. Write your favorite ones down in a notebook and try to memorize them. All truths are not to he spoken at all times [Belcour, p. 49]. Comprehensive Bilingual Dictionary of French Proverbs. May 12, 2016 - French Quotes (Tattoo). Desperate diseases call for desperate remedies [Belcour, p. 5]. On doit des egards aux vivans; on ne doit aux morts que la verite. A woman's advice is no great thing, but he who won't take it is a fool [Mertvago, p. 19]. A burnt child dreads the fire [Belcour, p. 13]. We're taking a look at 10 French motivational quotes and their translations to get inspired and keep the motivation alive in our French journey! L'amour et la pauvreté font ensemble mauvais ménage. The cart leads the horse; the young instruct the old (on reversed governing). Translation: Love doesn’t mean gazing at each other, but looking, together, in the same direction.. Make hay when the sun shines [Belcour, p. 19]. Deux ancres son bons au navire. Qui bête va á Rome, tel en retourne. Twitter (+ 40 000 followers) He that goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing. Macaron addict. The first écu, of the 1200s, was a gold coin. There is sunshine after the storm. You gotta get to it! Entre bride et l'éperon, de toute choses gït la raison. The end of passion is the beginning of repentance. Or: L'habit ne fait pas le moine. En tout pays, il y a une lieue de mauvais chemin. But of course, this proverb would also work just as well when taken literally. Birds of a feather flock together [Belcour, p. 45]. Life goes on. Au besoin on connaï l'ami. Cambridge, Mass. Its literal meaning: “Little by little, the bird makes its nest.” What it means: Slow and steady wins the race. Au long aller, peti fardeau pèse. Find out how easy it is to ask for directions, order at a restaurant or cafe, deal with emergencies and start a polite, basic French conversation. It will come, you’ll see. Les foux font des festins, et les sages les mangent. The ass of the commun run is always most badly packsaddled [Mertvago, p. 16]. Les avares font nécessité de tout. When a fool goes to Rome, the same fool returns from there [Mertvago, p. 22]. Toutes vérités ne sont pas bonnes à dire. Every bird thinks his nest the finest [Belcour, p. 2]. Give everyone his share [Belcour, p. 1]. What is sauce [good] for the goose is sauce for the gander. (see #3 for more motivation). Or perhaps you’re training to join your first ever marathon. Philadelphia: David McKay, 1913. See more ideas about french quotes, quotes, french words. Maybe you’ve had a string of bad relationships lately. Youth is the time to study wisdom, old age the time to practise it [NN, p. 60-61]. Miserly, greedy natures make a great need of everything. There are more purchasers than experts [Mertvago, p. 11]. Où la chèvre est attachée il faut qu'elle broute. Its literal meaning: When one wants, one can. Did your travel plans go awry? The French are famous for their love for exquisite food and wine. La bourse ouvre la bouche. En petit champ croït bon blé. A chemin battu il ne croît point d'herbe. Literal meaning: “You should never say, ‘Fountain, I will never drink your water!’” What it means: Never say never. Can you make it in France—the land of foie gras, yummy cheeses, and savory meat stews—and remain a staunch advocate of veganism? Qui aime bien, châtie bien.  Cheer up, bud. National Proverbs: France. Need makes the hurdy-gurdy trot (and the deadened awake) [Mertvago, p. 22]. Waiting for that special someone to pop into your life, waiting for the long overdue promotion, waiting for the next train, waiting for your order in the fancy restaurant, waiting for the next season of your favorite TV show, waiting for a text message reply from the person you’re crushing on, waiting for him to pop the question. La Mésangàre, Pierre de. Make sure to leave a comment! L'art est de cacher l'art. Be inspired by these French Proverbs; short phrases that have been passed down for generations. Qui garde sa femme et sa maison a assez d'affaires. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. Que celui qui est sans péché lui jette la première pierre. L'argent est le nerf de la guerre. What is promised is due [Belcour, p. 13]. 50 Best French Quotes to Inspire and Delight You | TakeLessons On n'est jamais mieux servi que par soi-même: You are never better served than by yourself: Life is one hell of a roller coaster ride. Wave your finger at her face and say, “honey, Il ne faut jamais dire « Fontaine, je ne boirai pas de ton eau !”. Les premiers venus vont devant. Il vaut mieux perdre un bon mot qu'un ami. Qui chapon mange, chapon lui vient. ... 55 Powerful Short Quotes & Sayings About Life . L'aigle n'engendre pas la colombe. You can contact him on Twitter and Google +, French Negotiation Vocabulary: Useful Phrases to Negotiate Successfully, A Guide to the Different Varieties of French Used All Over the World, Basic French Vocabulary for Babies and Toddlers: Colors, Shapes, Common Objects, French Vocabulary: At the Museum or Art Gallery, Facebook (+153 000 Fans) Without gold, honour is just some malady [NN, p. 44-45]. It is not the robe (cowl) that makes the monk [NN, p. 48-49; Fpe 34]. 10 Romantic French Phrases to Help You Get the Fille or Garçon of Your Dreams Comment draguer en français | How to Flirt in French. His book The Culture of Education explains uses, particularly in the fourth chapter. Les fous inventent les modes, les sages les suivent. Qui veut noyer son chien l'accuse de la rage. Or maybe your marriage hit a snag? As you force yourself to endure every bit of aches and groans of your sore muscles, just think: Il faut casser le noyau pour avoir l’amande. What it means: There is sunshine after the storm. If you have already opened that bottle of wine, you might as well just go ahead and finish all of it. Un point fait à temps en sauve mille. Hey, these things happen. Le Dictionnaire des proverbes et dictons de France. Strech your arm no further than your sleeve. Famous French Sayings About Life. There’s no turning back now! Be sure to use these words properly so you won't end up breaking any hearts! Oxford University Press. Speake, Jennifer, ed. The French are also very fond of their animals, so mon mimi (my pussycat), ma chaton (my kitten) and mon lapin (my rabbit) are all common terms of endearment. Many consider things on top of historical developments or trends, and such estimates may be helped by appropriate proverbs. These romantic sayings will make you sound wordly and wise. This is a typical French saying, and the French do enjoy consuming moderate amounts of good wine with their meals, noon and evening alike. L'an passé est toujours le meilleur. 10 Famous French Love Poems with English Translations 1. “Aimer, ce n’est pas se regarder l’un l’autre, c’est regarder ensemble dans la même direction.”