అయిదేళ్ళ ఆడపిల్ల అయినా, మూడేళ్ళ మొగపిల్లవాడికి లోకువే.

ayidella adapilla ayina, mudella mogapillavadiki lokuve.

Translation

Even if she is a five-year-old girl, she is considered inferior to a three-year-old boy.

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting historical gender biases and patriarchal structures. It suggests that regardless of age or physical superiority, a female was traditionally expected to be subordinate to a male. In modern usage, it is often cited when discussing social inequalities or criticizing outdated societal norms.

Related Phrases

When the one who caught it said it was a Pariga fish, the one who didn't catch it said it was a Matta fish.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has no involvement or knowledge in a matter tries to contradict or argue with the person who actually did the work or has firsthand experience. It highlights the tendency of people to offer unwanted and uninformed opinions.

Let what is to come come, and what is past be past. Let bygones be bygones.

This expression is used to convey a sense of stoicism, fearlessness, or resignation toward the future. It implies that one is ready to face any consequences, whether they be gains or losses, and is often said when taking a bold risk or accepting an inevitable situation.

Even if born premature, a male child is better.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical societal preferences. It means that even a son with flaws or weaknesses is often valued more than other alternatives due to patriarchal lineage and support systems. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is used to suggest that a preferred outcome, even if imperfect or slightly deficient, is still better than an alternative.

The sixth-born daughter is a Goddess Lakshmi to her in-laws' house

This is a traditional Telugu saying which suggests that a woman who is the sixth child in her birth family brings immense prosperity, luck, and wealth to her husband's family after marriage. It is used to highlight the auspiciousness of such a bride.

A tiger-cub is a tiger-cub, a kid is a kid.

This proverb is used to describe the inherent nature, lineage, or capabilities of a person. It suggests that one's true character or potential is determined by their origin and cannot be changed, emphasizing that a strong person will remain strong and a weak person will remain weak regardless of the circumstances.

Cat after kind.

No matter how strong or great a man is, he is subordinate to a woman.

This expression suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or outward power, he ultimately has a vulnerability or softness towards the women in his life (like a mother, wife, or daughter). It is often used to highlight the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over even the most formidable men.

Whatever is held turns into gold, whatever is touched turns into a pearl.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely lucky or highly successful in every endeavor they undertake. It is similar to the English expression 'The Midas Touch.' It implies that everything the person involves themselves in results in prosperity and success.

A house with boys and a forest with flame-of-the-forest trees are beautiful.

This traditional saying highlights that a household is vibrant and lively when there are children playing, just as a forest looks beautiful and bright when Moduga (Butea monosperma) flowers bloom. It is used to describe the joy and bustle children bring to a family.

When she went in a rush, she gave birth to a girl child.

This proverb is used to mock someone who acts with extreme impatience or haste, only to end up with a result that is either ordinary or contrary to their expectations. It highlights that rushing doesn't guarantee a superior or desired outcome.

No matter how strong or powerful a husband is, he is still subordinate or susceptible to his wife.

This proverb suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or power in the outside world, he is often easily influenced or managed by his wife at home. It highlights the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over their spouses.