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Kurdish Proverbs

The wit and wisdom of Kurdish sayings — each proverb with its translation and meaning.

Neger li newala nebin xeyala
Do not wander the valleys if you wish to avoid nightmares.
Nivişta bê tişt, xwedyê xwe kuşt
The free amulet killed its owner.
Nizanin,dor dakavi bar kudo.
No one knows in front of whom the stick will fall.
Pîrê bawer ne dikir mêr bike, mêr kir ija mal xeşytek dixwazi
The old woman never thought she would marry; now that she has, she wants children too.
Pisîk ne li male mişk Evdirrehman e
When the cat is away, the mouse becomes Abdurrahman.
Pisîkê malê, li kîçikê malê natirse
The house cat does not fear the house dog.
Pîvaz, çi sor çi sipî
An onion is an onion, whether red or white.
Qantir na zê, xwê şîn na yê
A mule does not give birth, and salt does not sprout.
Qedrê gulê çi zane, kelbes divê kerê reş
What does a black donkey know of a rose's value? It prefers thistles.
Qencîya herî mezin zanîn e
Knowledge is the greatest good.