మూడేళ్ళనాటి గుణం నూరేళ్ళ వరకూ ఉంటుందట.
mudellanati gunam nurella varaku untundata.
A habit formed at the age of three will last for a hundred years.
This proverb emphasizes that character traits and habits developed in early childhood are deeply ingrained and likely to persist throughout a person's entire life. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Old habits die hard' or 'The child is father of the man.'
Related Phrases
నోరు ఉంటే ఊరు ఉంటుంది
noru unte uru untundi
If you have a mouth, you have a village.
This proverb emphasizes that if one has effective communication skills or the ability to speak up, they can survive and thrive anywhere. It highlights that being vocal and persuasive helps a person find support, resources, and a place in society.
వచ్చేదెల్లా రాని, పొయ్యేదెల్లా పోని.
vachchedella rani, poyyedella poni.
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.
శ్వాస ఉన్నంత వరకూ ఆశ ఉంటుంది
shvasa unnanta varaku asha untundi
As long as there is breath, there will be hope
This expression signifies that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It is used to encourage perseverance and optimism even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that possibilities for change or success exist until the very end.
అయిదేళ్ళ ఆడపిల్ల అయినా, మూడేళ్ళ మొగపిల్లవాడికి లోకువే.
ayidella adapilla ayina, mudella mogapillavadiki lokuve.
Even if she is a five-year-old girl, she is considered inferior to a three-year-old boy.
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 In modern usage, it is often cited when discussing social inequalities or criticizing outdated societal norms.
నైజగుణం పుడకలతోగాని పోదు
naijagunam pudakalatogani podu
One's inherent nature does not leave until the funeral sticks.
This proverb suggests that a person's basic character or deep-seated habits are unchangeable throughout their lifetime. It implies that certain traits are so ingrained that they only vanish when a person dies (symbolized by the 'pudakalu' or twigs/sticks used in funeral pyres). It is used when observing someone who refuses to change their bad behavior despite many opportunities.
దినదిన గండం, నూరేళ్ళాయుష్షు
dinadina gandam, nurellayushshu
A daily danger, but a hundred-year lifespan.
This expression describes a situation where someone faces constant, life-threatening risks or severe challenges every single day, yet somehow manages to survive and continue living for a long time. It is used to characterize a life full of perpetual uncertainty or a job/situation that is dangerously unstable despite its longevity.
చచ్చిననాటి దుఃఖం మరునాడు ఉంటుందా
chachchinanati duhkham marunadu untunda
Does the grief of the day of death stay the same the next day?
This proverb highlights the transient nature of human emotions, particularly sorrow. It suggests that time heals all wounds and that the intensity of grief or anger naturally diminishes as time passes. It is used to console someone or to point out that life goes on despite great losses.
ఉయ్యాలలో పిల్లను ఉంచి ఊరంతా వెతికినట్టు
uyyalalo pillanu unchi uranta vetikinattu
Putting a child in a cradle and looking for it all over the village. He looks for his ass and sits on its back. (French.)
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is searching for something everywhere, when it is actually right with them or in a very obvious place. It highlights human absent-mindedness or the irony of overlooking the obvious while looking for complex solutions.
ఆరునెల్లకు చస్తాడనగా అసలు గుణం మారుతుందట
arunellaku chastadanaga asalu gunam marutundata
They say the true nature changes six months before one's death.
This expression is used to describe a sudden, unexpected change in a person's behavior or character, especially when someone who has been consistently bad or difficult starts acting virtuous. It implies that such a drastic shift in personality is so rare that it only happens as a sign of nearing the end of life.
కూసి కూసి గుంటనక్క గోదెల్లి చచ్చిందట
kusi kusi guntanakka godelli chachchindata
After howling and howling, the fox supposedly died of exhaustion.
This proverb is used to describe someone who talks excessively, brags, or complains pointlessly until they eventually wear themselves out or fail due to their own unnecessary actions. It highlights the futility of over-exertion in a useless endeavor.