Haitian proverbs Quotes

“Merite pa mande.
• English equivalent: First deserve, then desire.”

“Bay piti pa chich.
• Translation: To give little is not [being] cheap.”

“Men anpil, chay pa lou.
• English equivalent: Many hands make light work.”

“Men anpil, chay pa lou.
• English equivalent: Many hands make light work.”

“Toupre pa lakay.
• English equivalent: A miss by an inch is a miss by a mile.”

“Dèyè mòn, gen mòn.
• English translation: Beyond mountains, more mountains”

“Piti piti zwazo fè nich li.
• English translation: Little by little the bird builds its nest.”

“Manman pa janm mode pitit li jouk nan zo.
• English translation:A mother never bites her child to the bone.”

“Mapou mouri, kabrit manje fey li.
• English translation: When the mapou (oak-like tree) dies, goats would eat its leaves.”

“Lafimen pa janm leve san dife.
• English equivalent: Where there's smoke, there's fire.
• Meaning: A rumour contains some truth.”

“Zafè kabrit pa zafè mouton.
• Translation: The goat's business is not the sheep's business.
• English equivalent: All girdles do not hang on one handle.
• Meaning: Focus on how you do your own work instead of interfering with other's work.”