మానవులుండరు గానీ, మాటలు ఉండిపోతవి

manavulundaru gani, matalu undipotavi

Translation

Humans do not remain, but words stay behind

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that while human life is temporary and physical presence fades, the words spoken and promises made by a person leave a lasting legacy. It is often used to remind someone that their reputation depends on their speech and that people are remembered by their words long after they are gone.

Related Phrases

Are you going for the festival ( lit. holy days ) or for the feast ?

This expression is used to question someone's true motives or priorities. It highlights a situation where a person claims to be attending an event for its primary purpose (like a religious festival) but is actually more interested in secondary benefits or personal gains (like the free food).

If someone scolds, the words go into the air; if you eat, the food goes inside.

This proverb is used to encourage someone to ignore verbal abuse or insults. It suggests that harsh words are intangible and vanish like the wind without causing physical harm, whereas food provides actual nourishment. It is often said to someone who is upset by criticism or scolding, advising them to stay resilient and focus on their own well-being instead of dwelling on others' words.

An officer has ears, but no eyes.

This expression means that people in power or authority often act based on what they hear (rumors, complaints, or reports from subordinates) rather than observing the truth with their own eyes. It is used to caution that leaders can be easily misled by biased information because they do not verify the facts personally.

Even a person who is about to behead someone is allowed three requests.

This proverb highlights that even in the most dire or final situations, a person should be given a fair chance to speak or be heard. It is used to suggest that everyone deserves basic respect, due process, or a final opportunity to explain themselves before a decision is finalized.

There is no woman who cannot cook rice and no man who cannot weave a cot.

This traditional proverb highlights the basic, essential life skills that were historically expected of every individual based on their role in the household. It suggests that certain fundamental tasks are so universal that one cannot claim ignorance of them; it is often used to emphasize that everyone should at least know the basics of their responsibilities.

The hardships of famine days will not remain, but the words spoken during those hardships will.

This proverb emphasizes that while physical or financial difficulties are temporary and will eventually pass, the harsh words, insults, or lack of support experienced during those times are remembered forever. It serves as a reminder to be kind and mindful of one's speech even during stressful or lean periods.

Men remain not, but words last.

This expression highlights the permanence of one's reputation and legacy. While human life is transient and people eventually pass away, the words they spoke, the promises they made, or the impact of their speech endure long after they are gone. It is often used to remind someone to speak wisely or to honor the memory/words of the deceased.

In speech there is elegance, in speech there is power (a blow), and in speech there is directness.

This expression highlights the multifaceted power of words. It suggests that human speech can be used to convey sophistication (neetu), to deliver a sharp or stinging impact (potu), or to be honest and straightforward (sooti). It is often used to remind people that how we talk can charm, hurt, or clarify depending on the intent.

The time of the day passes, but the word spoken remains.

This proverb emphasizes the lasting impact of words compared to the temporary nature of time. While moments pass and hardships are forgotten, a promise made or a hurtful word spoken stays in people's memories forever. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their speech and to honor their commitments.

The abuse which is heaped on me goes to the winds, but the food which I eat goes within.

This expression is used to advise someone to be thick-skinned or indifferent to verbal abuse or insults. It suggests that harsh words have no physical form and vanish into the air without causing harm, whereas food provides actual nourishment. It is often said to encourage someone not to take criticism to heart as long as their basic needs are met.

A mean sycophant.