Some Georgian Proverbs

ძალა ერთობაშია - dzala ertobashia

The national motto of Georgia, this proverb means “there is strength in unity” or “stronger together”. It is common to see this motto on signs, buildings and all around the country. It really illustrated the communal mentality of Georgian culture, with everyone living, working and sharing together. It is a motto that I have adopted for my service to remind myself that no matter what I want to do, I can’t take over everything. I have to work with others because while it might be faster alone, it will be better together.

ჩემი ენა ჩემი მტერია - Chemi ena chemi mt’eria

This is my favorite Georgian proverb. I use it all the time. It literally translates to “my tongue is my enemy” and it speaks to the power of words. So often we say things that we regret, but we can never take them back. Our tongue has betrayed us like an enemy would.

While this has a deeper meaning that really makes me think of the power of my words, I often use it in a more playful way. I speak Georgian in my home and with my community, but my language skills are not as good as they could be. I struggle especially with grammar, and many times I try to share an idea or say something unsuccessfully. It usually results in laughs all around the room as someone explains to me that I said something dirty or so incorrectly I sound like a child.

ათას უგულო მეგობარს, ერთი გულადი სჯობიაო - atas ugulo megobars, erti guladi sjobiao

“One warm-hearted friend is better than a thousand heartless friends”. This is something that is said often here in Georgia and I think it rings true. Having a small group of friends who will always support you can make your life so much better. This also speaks to the Georgian idea of family. Your family and friends are always there with a warm heart and an open ear when you have a problem or a long day. This is not a proverb I often say but it is something I hold dear to my heart.

გზა ვინც იცის, ფეხს არ წაჰკრავსო - gza vints itsis, pekhs ar ts’ahkravso

This proverb literally translates to “one who knows the road will not stumble” and there is some truth to this, but in my time in Georgia, I have learned that this is not always true. Often I fall into the trap of thinking that if I don’t know how to do it I can’t, or if I do it badly it's not worth doing at all. Since working here, I have begun to realize that most things can be done if you just spend a little time and have a little faith. While it may not be perfect, and I may stumble, its still worth walking down the road.