Asian Proverbs, Old Sayings and Quotes

Browse the most inspirational Asian proverbs, old sayings, and quotes. A civilization’s sayings can say a lot about their culture, which is the reason why they can be found in the roots of society. Created initially ages ago and were passed down from mouth to mouth, they served as cautionary tales for the children and provide learning experiences for all. The first traces of proverbs and metaphors were found in Asia, with some sayings having survived thousands of years, bringing us a brief taste of how life developed in ancient times. Thus, we present to you the most excellent and most valuable Asian proverbs.

Chinese Proverbs

• The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.
• A man grows most tired while standing still.
• When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.
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• Dig the well before you are thirsty.
• If your face is ugly, you can’t blame the mirror.
• Keep your broken arm inside your sleeve.

Japanese Proverbs

• The Fallen blossom doesn’t return to the branch.
•  If you look up, there are no limits.
• Work the fields on a beautiful day, study on a rainy day.
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• Even a fool has one talent.
• Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on fools back.
• If you wish to learn the highest truths, begin with the alphabet.

Indian Proverbs

• Advice sharpens a rusty opinion.
• Wherever you are is the entry point. – By Kabir
• Art is the truth delivered through the medium of beauty. – By Mahadevi Verma
• Keep five yards from a carriage, ten yards from a horse, and a hundred yards from an elephant; but the distance one should keep from a wicked man cannot be measured.
• In my homeland, I possess one hundred horses, yet if I go, I go on foot.
• Real wisdom is recognizing and accepting that every experience is impermanent. With this insight, you will not be overwhelmed by ups and downs. – By S.N. Goenka
• Complaining is the weak man’s weapon.
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• He who in your presence speaks kindly, but in your absence seeks to injure you, must be utterly rejected, like a bowl of poison covered with milk.
• A wise and prudent person is not thrown into confusion by reproach; but is like the flame, which, when stirred, ascends higher and higher.
• The heart of an excellent person resembles the coconut, which, though hard without, contains refreshing water and delicious food within.
• When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.

What’s an Asian Proverb?

They are a deep part of Asian culture and are sayings that have been taken out of literature, history, and the sayings of not only famous people but also common townsfolk. They serve as cautionary tales and a guiding beacon to help us perceive some aspects of society better.

What does “Proverb” Mean?

The word “proverb” derives from Latin and is an alternate word for “simple.” They are often used metaphorically and were commonly told by common folk to portray the wisdom of their ancestors. They help us change the way we view society and are deeply rooted in any civilization. Ever since ancient times, they have helped pass down insight from one generation to another and allowed people around the world to share the wisdom of a small community. In the words of Francis Beacon: “The genius, wit, and spirit of a nation are discovered in its proverbs.”