మగవాని బ్రతుకు చిప్పనిండ మెతుకు, ఆడదాని బ్రతుకు గంజిలో మెతుకు.

magavani bratuku chippaninda metuku, adadani bratuku ganjilo metuku.

Translation

A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.

Meaning

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

Related Phrases

A woman was told to live by keeping her mouth (shut).

This traditional expression implies that for a woman to lead a peaceful life in a household or society, she should exercise restraint in speech and avoid arguments. It is often used to suggest that patience and silence are virtues for women in domestic life.

A life without honor is disgusting; a life where a man cannot support his wife is disgusting.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of dignity and responsibility. It suggests that living without self-respect or social honor is loathsome. Additionally, it highlights the traditional social expectation that a man must be capable of providing for and protecting his wife, failing which his existence is seen as futile or disgraceful.

When asked 'Mother, how shall I survive?', the mother replied 'Survive by using your mouth (speech), my child'.

This expression highlights that communication skills and articulateness are essential for survival and success. It is used to describe situations where someone makes a living or gets things done through their power of speech, persuasion, or sometimes by being vocal and assertive about their needs.

If the grain of rice is lost, life is lost

This expression highlights the vital importance of food security and agriculture. It signifies that even a single grain of rice represents sustenance, and without food (the means of survival), one's very existence is at risk. It is often used to emphasize the value of hard work, the importance of not wasting food, or the critical nature of one's livelihood.

A single day's opportunity, a year's livelihood.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and seizing the right moment. It suggests that acting at the right time (especially in agriculture or business) can provide sustenance and stability for a long period. It is used to highlight that missing a crucial opportunity might lead to a year of hardship.

A woman's life is like a banana leaf.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

A life without a partner is like a spinning top without a string.

This proverb highlights the importance of companionship. Just as a top cannot be spun or controlled without a string, a person's life is seen as directionless, unstable, or incomplete without a life partner or soulmate to support and balance them.

A merchant's true worth is not known until his death.

This proverb is used to describe someone who maintains a very secretive or private financial status. Just as a merchant's (Shetty) true assets, debts, and accounts are only revealed to the world after they pass away and the books are closed, some people's real situation or character remains a mystery to others during their lifetime.

A life without happiness is like a betel leaf preparation without lime (chuna).

In Telugu culture, chewing betel leaves (paan) is incomplete and tasteless without 'sunnam' (lime). This proverb uses that analogy to describe a life devoid of joy or comfort as being dull, incomplete, and without essence. It is used to express the sadness of a life filled only with hardship.

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.