Tagalog Proverbs with English Translation
Filipino Wisdom in Tagalog and English
This post presents a comprehensive collection of Tagalog proverbs (salawikain) with their English translations and meanings. These proverbs reflect Filipino values, wisdom, and life lessons passed down through generations.
Buhay at Pagkatao (Life & Character)
Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.
He who does not look back to where he came from will never reach his destination.
→ Remember your roots and be grateful.
Madali ang maging tao, mahirap magpakatao.
It’s easy to be human, but hard to act like one.
→ True humanity is shown through morals and kindness.
Pag may hirap, may ginhawa.
After hardship comes ease.
→ Perseverance leads to reward.
Kung walang tiyaga, walang nilaga.
Without perseverance, there is no reward.
→ Patience and effort bring success.
Matibay ang walis, palibhasa’y magkabigkis.
A broom is strong because its strands are bound together.
→ Unity brings strength.
Karunungan at Kaalaman (Wisdom & Knowledge)
Ang karunungan ay kayamanan.
Wisdom is wealth.
→ Knowledge is more valuable than riches.
Ang nakatikip na bibig ay hindi pinapasukan ng langaw.
A closed mouth has no flies entering.
→ Silence avoids trouble.
Ang taong mapagpakumbaba ay dinadakila.
The humble are exalted.
→ Humility leads to honor.
Pag-ibig at Relasyon (Love & Relationships)
Ang pag-ibig, parang alak—habang tumatagal, lalong sumasarap.
Love is like wine—the longer it lasts, the sweeter it gets.
Kung mahal mo, ipaglaban mo.
If you love, fight for it.
Ang selos ay tanda ng pag-ibig, ngunit sobra ay lason.
Jealousy is a sign of love, but too much is poison.
Pamilya at Lipunan (Family & Society)
Ang sakit ng kalingkingan, damdam ng buong katawan.
The pain of the pinky is felt by the whole body.
→ One person’s pain affects everyone.
Ang mabuting anak ay kayamanan ng magulang.
A good child is the treasure of parents.
Walang kapantay ang pagmamahal ng ina.
A mother’s love is unmatched.
Paggawa at Tagumpay (Work & Success)
Daig ng maagap ang masipag.
The prompt beats the industrious.
→ Acting early is better than acting late.
Kung may itinanim, may aanihin.
You reap what you sow.
→ Effort brings results.
Ang umaayaw sa laban ay hindi nagwawagi.
Those who quit never win.
Kabutihan at Katarungan (Morality & Justice)
Ang mabuting gawa ay nagbubunga ng kabutihan.
Good deeds yield good results.
Ang magalang na sagot ay nakapapawi ng galit.
A gentle answer turns away anger.
Walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag.
No secret remains hidden.
Kalikasan at Karunungang-Bukid (Nature & Rural Wisdom)
Ang tubig na malalim ay tahimik.
Still waters run deep.
→ Quiet people often have depth.
Ang palay ay lalong nagiging mabigat habang nagkakabunga.
The rice stalk bows lower as it bears grain.
→ True wisdom comes with humility.
These proverbs serve as reminders of Filipino values such as humility, perseverance, respect, love, and wisdom. They continue to guide daily life and moral decisions across generations.