మతులు ఎన్ని చెప్పినా మంకుబుద్ధి మానదు

matulu enni cheppina mankubuddhi manadu

Translation

However much advice you give her, she will not mend her stubbornness.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is incorrigibly stubborn or set in their ways. It implies that even if you give great advice or try to reform someone, their inherent nature or stubbornness (manku buddhi) prevents them from changing their behavior.

Related Phrases

A man's mind is a blunt mind, a woman's mind is a subtle/sharp mind.

This proverb contrasts the psychological natures of men and women. It suggests that men tend to be more straightforward, rough, or simple-minded (motu), whereas women possess a more complex, strategic, or far-reaching intelligence (apara buddhi). It is often used to comment on how women can see through situations or plan more effectively than men.

However much you talk, I won't give up eating with my maternal uncle. Said by a woman who had been brought up from childhood by her uncle. Force of habit. Continuance becomes usage. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe a person who listens to all advice or criticism but refuses to change their behavior or give up a specific benefit they are enjoying. It highlights stubbornness or a calculated refusal to let go of an advantage despite what others say.

The mother-in-law gave good counsel to her daughter-in-law and went astray herself.

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person advises others on morality and ethics but fails to follow those same principles themselves. It highlights the irony of someone acting as a teacher or moral compass while secretly engaging in the very activities they condemn.

Although Cupid himself were the husband of a bad woman, she would not give up her evil practices.

This proverb implies that people with inherently bad or stubborn characters will not change their ways, regardless of how good their circumstances or partners are. It is used to describe individuals who persist in their negative traits despite receiving the best possible treatment.

Advice given [ will be forgotten ]; and stale food tied up [ in a bundle ] will not keep. Advice whispered in the ear is worth a jeer.

This proverb suggests that wisdom or advice provided by others is often temporary and easily forgotten, much like packed food that eventually runs out or spoils. It emphasizes that true realization and lasting change must come from within oneself rather than relying on external instructions.

No matter how many wise words are said, a stubborn mind will not change.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is incorrigibly stubborn or set in their ways. Despite receiving sound advice, moral instruction, or logical reasoning from others, such individuals refuse to abandon their foolish or obstinate behavior. It highlights that character traits are often deeply ingrained and difficult to alter through external influence.

A woman's sense is wrong sense.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to suggest that women think differently or more deeply than men, often implying that they come up with clever solutions later or have a unique perspective that isn't immediately obvious. While historically sometimes used dismissively, it is also used to acknowledge a woman's intuitive or strategic thinking.

Lit. in the back of the head.

Neither a word whispered in the ear nor a word shouted aloud will be worthy of listening.

This expression suggests that communication lacks credibility or value when it is done in extremes. Whispering implies secrecy or manipulation, while shouting implies force or lack of reason. It is used to emphasize that truth and wisdom are best shared through open, calm, and moderate dialogue.

Like trying to advise or teach a wooden log.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one tries to give advice or instructions to an extremely stubborn, thick-headed, or unresponsive person. It implies that any effort to change their mind or educate them is a complete waste of time, as they are as lifeless and unyielding as a piece of wood.

Even if the husband is Manmadha (the God of love), a deceptive woman will not give up her stubborn/wicked nature.

This proverb suggests that a person's inherent character or negative traits do not change regardless of how fortunate their circumstances are or how perfect their partner is. It is used to describe someone who remains manipulative or stubborn despite being treated exceptionally well.