Proverbs are traditional sayings that offer advice or express a basic truth based on common sense. Every culture has its own proverbs, and many times, the English proverb has a direct equivalent in your native language. Let's look at some of the most common English proverbs and what they mean.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Cultural Equivalent
In Khmer: ចូលស្ទឹងតាមបទ ចូលស្រុកតាមទេស (Enter a river, follow its bends; enter a country, follow its customs).
In French: À Rome, fais comme les Romains.
In Chinese: 入乡随俗 (Enter a village, follow the customs).
"Don't judge a book by its cover."
Cultural Equivalent
In Khmer: កុំវាយតម្លៃមនុស្សតាមសំបកក្រៅ (Don't evaluate people by their outer shell).
In Spanish: Las apariencias engañan (Appearances deceive).
"Actions speak louder than words."
Cultural Equivalent
In Khmer: ធ្វើប្រសើរជាងនិយាយ (Doing is better than speaking).
In Russian: Не по словам судят, а по делам (They judge not by words, but by deeds).