Finnish Proverbs

These are some of the most common proverbs and idioms we use in Finnish everyday life, along with their meanings:

1. “Ei ole koiraa karvoihin katsominen.”: You shouldn’t look at a dog by its fur.

Meaning: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Appearances can be deceiving.

2. “Oma maa mansikka, muu maa mustikka.”: One’s own land is a strawberry, other land is a blueberry.

Meaning: There’s no place like home. Your own country/home is the best.

3. “Jokainen on oman onnensa seppä.”: Everyone is the blacksmith of their own fortune.

Meaning: You shape your own destiny / You are the master of your own fate.

4. “Ei savua ilman tulta.”: There’s no smoke without fire.

Meaning: Where there’s a rumour, there’s usually some truth behind it.

5. “Parempi pyy pivossa kuin kymmenen oksalla.”: Better a bird in the hand than ten on the branch.

Meaning: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Be content with what you have.

6. “Kenen leipää syöt, sen lauluja laulat.”: Whose bread you eat, those songs you sing.

Meaning: He who pays the piper calls the tune. You have to follow the rules of the one who supports you.