7 Amazing Hmong Proverbs

7 Amazing Hmong proverbs

Hmong proverbs are hundreds of years old. Some of them
were created for their own sake, and others originated from the Hmong legends.
They all have the same goal of teaching for life lessons. It’s an educational way
of transmitting the wisdom over hundreds, if not, thousands of years to the
younger generation.

1.   Nyob deb txo dej txo cawv, nyob ze rho hluav taws hlawv.

People will be a lot kinder when they live far apart but show their
true colors when they are together. Sometimes, long-distance relationships are
better than having a close one.

2.   Hais ruab zoo nrov ruab tsuag, hais hauv tsev ncha saum luag.

Talk quietly, the deep jungle can echo loud into the forest. Talk quietly,
inside your own home may rebound loudly to the whole village. This teaches us
that rumor is louder than the sound of thunder really… and it can spread
quickly without borders.

3.   Lag-luam zoo thawj ntsug, pojniam zoo thawj tug.

A successful business usually happens at your first attempt. A good
marriage also usually your first. It teaches us that whatever you do, it’s best
not to fail, as your first attempt usually is your best.

4.   Xyoob loj tsis cuag ntoo, muaj zog tsis cuag muaj hmoo.

Bamboo will never grow as big as
a tree, therefore being lucky is better than being physically strong. This
teaches us that it doesn’t matter how physically strong you are, you will never
be able to beat someone with luck and you will rather be being lucky than not.

5.   Ua tau tsev thiaj pom zoo ntoo, muaj pojniam lawm mam pom hluas-nkauj zoo

People usually find better materials after they have already built
their house. Once you are married you will see more beautiful or handsome
people. This teaches us to not regret
for the choice we made in life because you’ll always see more things in life,
but nothing will be better than the one you have than the one you wish you have.

6. Ua ruam thiaj tau nyob zov luag tsev, ua ntse ces tau ua luag qhev.

Acting stupid and you will be allowed to stay home, acting smart and
you will be put to work hard to serve others. This teaches us that even if you
think you know everything, it’s best to not show off your talents.

7.   Txhawj mob yog txhawj tsam tuag, txhawj lub neej yog txhawj tsam tau txoj kev pluag.

Worry when you are sick because you fear of dying, worry while you are
living because you fear of being poor. This teaches us that everyone wants to
live and don’t want to die, but we are living, we all want a good life for
ourselves and our family.