Written by: Milica Bokšan
Serbian sayings are a true example of the rich Serbian heritage.
Most of them originated among the common people and are still passed down from generation to generation. The authors of Serbian proverbs are mostly unknown.
One of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic’s missions was to write down these sentences and thus preserve them from oblivion.
They mostly have a symbolic meaning, so let’s find out what each of the most popular Serbian sayings actually means!
#1 Serbian Sayings: Ko rano rani, dve sreće grabi.
Translation: Who rises early grabs two fortunes.
English proverb: The early bird gets the worm.
Meaning: This saying emphasizes the benefits of starting your day early. It suggests that if you woke up before others you will have more time and more opportunities to achieve your goals.
#2 Serbian Sayings: Bolje vrabac u ruci nego golub na grani.
Translation: It’s better to have a sparrow in the hand than a pigeon on the branch.
English proverb: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Meaning: This Serbian saying reminds you that it is better to hold onto a small but certain advantage than to risk it for a potentially larger one which actually isn’t really yours.
#3 Serbian Sayings: Gde ima dima, ima i vatre.
Translation: Where there’s smoke, there’s also a fire.
English proverb: If there’s a smoke, there’s a fire.
Meaning: This suggests that if there are signs of a problem or an issue, there is likely something substantial behind it.
In Serbia, people also use this Serbian saying to tell someone that if they feel weird about some boy or girl, maybe they are in love.
#4 Serbian Sayings: Nije zlato sve što sija.
Translation: Not all that shines is gold.
English proverb: Not all that glitters is gold.
Meaning: This Serbian proverb reminds us that something may seem valuable but it’s actually worthless.
No one can tell how old this saying is but it can be quite relatable to today’s digital era.
#5 Serbian Sayings: Sve se može što se hoće. / Ko hoće nađe način.
Translation: When you really want to do something, you will find a way how to do it.
English proverb: When there’s a will, there’s a way.
Meaning: Older people often use this saying to tell younger people that they didn’t try hard enough to finish something. It is used in the sense of a warning rather than advice.
Anyway, this saying means that if you really want to do something, whether it’s important for you or someone else, you will make an effort to find a way to make it happen.
#6 Serbian Sayings: Ko se poslednji smeje, najslađe se smeje.
Translation: Who laughs last, laughs the sweetest.
English proverb: He who laughs last laughs best.
Meaning: It is used to imply that you should not celebrate a victory before it really happens, because life has many twists and turns.
If someone feels successful at the moment, they may encounter an unexpected change. It can be said that this saying reminds us to control our boasting.
The ultimate success or satisfaction comes from having the final laugh or triumph, no matter the challenges faced along the way.
#7 Serbian Sayings: Ko drugome jamu kopa, sam u nju pada.
Translation: Who digs a pit for others, falls into it himself.
English proverb: What goes around, comes around.
Meaning: If someone plans to do something harmful to others, he’s likely to suffer the consequences himself.
In other words, don’t wish someone evil because it can come back.
#8 Serbian Sayings: Odelo ne čini čoveka.
Translation: The suit does not make the man.
English proverb: You can’t tell a book by its cover.
Meaning: In Serbian language, the word čovek (= man) has a connotation of kindness. It implies that čovek is someone who is worthy of respect, a true gentleman.
This Serbian saying reminds us that just because someone can dress up and look like a gentleman, it doesn’t mean that he really is.
#9 Serbian Sayings: Kad na vrbi rodi grožđe.
Translation: When grapes grow on a willow tree.
English proverbs: When pigs fly.
Meaning: This Serbian phrase signifies something that will never happen. It is especially used to describe some expectations that will never be fulfilled.
#10 Serbian Sayings: U zdravom telu zdrav duh.
Translation: In a healthy body is a healthy spirit.
English proverb: Healthy body, healthy mind.
Meaning: You’ve probably heard of the Latin proverb Mens sana in corpore sano. This Serbian equivalent means the same.
It is used as advice and means that if we regularly take care of our physical health, it will also affect our mental health.
#11 Serbian Sayings: Jedna lasta ne čini proleće.
Translation: One swallow does not mean that the spring is here.
English proverb: One swallow does not make a spring.
Meaning: Swallows are migratory birds. When the colder days begin, they move to warmer regions, and when the temperature starts to rise, they return to their habitats in Serbia.
Because of that, they are considered harbingers of spring in Serbia.
This Serbian proverb says that the fact that we saw a swallow does not mean that spring is starting, rather she lost her way. The situation is different if we see a whole flock of swallows.
Metaphorically, this proverb means that one positive sign does not mean that a situation has completely improved.
#12 Serbian Sayings: Ne trči pred rudu.
Translation: Don’t run in front of an ore.
English proverb: Don’t jump the gun.
Meaning: Similar to the previous one, this proverb means that we should not rush to conclusions or actions.
We should weigh our options and look at the situation objectively before taking action.
#13 Serbian Sayings: S kim si, takav si.
Translation: You are who you associate with.
English proverb: Tell me who you go with and I’ll tell you who you are.
Meaning: This Serbian phrase tells us that our character depends on the people we spend time with. Our characters and behavior influence each other.
#13 Serbian Sayings: Ne možeš imati i jare i pare.
Translation: You can’t have a kid (goat) and money both.
English proverb: You can’t eat your cake and have it too.
Meaning: The English version explains this Serbian proverb. It means that you can not have everything you want. Some things require sacrifices.
#14 Serbian Sayings: Nema hleba bez motike.
Translation: There’s no bread without a hoe.
English proverb: You cannot make omelets without eggs.
Meaning: This Serbian saying reminds us that if we want to achieve a goal, it is necessary to work for it.
The Longevity of Serbian Sayings
All of these Serbian sayings not only show us the wisdom of Serbs but also reflect Serbian values and attitudes.
Each of the mentioned proverbs has been passed down through generations and they are still used.
That should not surprise us, since their meanings are important and timeless.
And if you want to continue learning the Serbian language or improve your existing knowledge, you can start with Serbian online lessons!
