Previously on Nuts ~ Tocat del Bolet we posted the most important Catalan Sayings and Proverbs translated to English. A saying is a short, pithy, commonly known expression which generally offers advice or wisdom, and contains truth or value. As everybody knows, Scotland is a beautiful country full of history and folk wisdom. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some delightful Scottish proverbs:
Like father, like son
Scottish Gaelic: Am mac mar an t-athair.
Catalan: De tal pare, tal fill.
Nobody can serve two masters
Scottish Gaelic: Chan urrainn do dhuine ‘sambith seirbhis a dhéanamh do dhà mhaighstir.
Catalan: Ningú pot servir a dos senyors. (literally, Nobody can serve two lords).
A leopard can’t change its spots
Scottish Gaelic: an car a bha san t-seana mhaide ‘s duilich a thoirt às (literally, the twist which is in the old stick is difficult to take out).
Catalan: Cabra avesada a saltar, fa de mal desvesar (literally, A goat used to jump is difficult to unveil).
Every cloud has a silver lining
Scottish Gaelic: tha a’ ghrian air cùlaibh gach sgothan (literally, The sun is behind each boat).
Catalan: Es tanca una porta i s’obre una finestra (literally, a door closes and a window opens) or No hi ha mal que per bé no vingui (literally, there is no evil that does not come for a good purpose).
He who loses his language loses his world
Scottish Gaelic: Am fear a chailleas a chanain caillidh e a shaoghal.
Translation into Catalan: Qui perd el seu idioma, perd el seu món.
It is the milk of the goat foaming and warm, that gave the strength to the past generations of people
Scottish Gaelic: Bainne nan gobhar fo chobhar ’s e blàth, ’s e chuireadh an spionnadh sna daoine a bha
Catalan: És la llet escumosa i calenta de la cabra, la que va donar força a les anteriors generacions.
Do you know any other Scottish proverbs? Tell us! We look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Big fish eat little fish
Scottish Gaelic: A’ bhiast as mutha ag ithe na beiste as lugha.
Catalan: el peix gran es menja el petit.
Although…
What’s meant to happen will happen
Scottish: Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye!
Catalan: El que hagi de passar, passarà.
Many a little makes a mickle
Scottish: Mony a mickle maks a muckle! (Saving a small amount soon builds up to a large amount)
Catalan: De mica en mica s’omple la pica.
Don’t try to teach someone something they already know
Scottish: Dinnae teach yer Granny tae suck eggs!
Catalan: No vulguis ensenyar res a algú que ja en sap.
Thank you for your visit. Nuts ~ Tocat del Bolet is a blog that aims to promote and share Catalan language and culture throughout its most typical expressions, in a fun and informative way.
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