A collection of Amami proverbs

A collection of Amami proverbs

In Amami, lessons cultivated in daily life have been orally passed down to children and grandchildren. Though the proverbs differ little by little from place to place in expression and pronounce, many of them are still applicable to the present day. Let me introduce some of them.

The traditional languages and dialects of the regions spoken in the Amami and Ryukyu Islands were described as "UNESCO Atlas World’s Languages in Danger" in February 2009.

Mun nu Shirihate ya Nen

Meaning: You never knew everything as long as you live.

Warabe no saki to Munzukuri Nu Saki ya Wakaran

Meaning: Children’s future and crop production are unpredictable. Do not judge from the current situation.

Dukusa Du Takara

Meaning: It is health that is the source of happiness.

Hana nareba Nioi Edaburi ya Iranu Narihuri ya Iranu Chu ya Koro

Meaning: Flowers are better with elegant fragrance than the shaped branches.

Muji ya Yamaukage Chu ya Shikenukage

Meaning: Water is thanks to the trees in the mountains, and trees are thanks to the water. Human cannot live alone. Be grateful that you are given wisdom and power from many people, and think what you can be of help.

Ya narega Soto nare

Meaning: Daily home discipline and habits are exposed outside as they are. Discipline yourself properly at home.

Koro Mochinare ya Basho nu Ha nu Hirosa Matsu nu Ha nu Semasan Koro Motsuna

Meaning: Hold your heart as wide as a Basho leaf. Do not be as narrow as a pine needle.

Itta Kotoba wa Nomikomu Kotoha Dekinai

Meaning: You cannot take back words that are spoken once. When you talk, stand yourself in his/her shoes.