నవరత్నములున్నా, నరరత్నముండవలె.
navaratnamulunna, nararatnamundavale.
Even if you possess the nine precious gems, you must have a 'human gem'.
This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.
Related Phrases
దమయంతి పెళ్ళైనా ఏకులరాట్నం తప్పలేదు
damayanti pellaina ekularatnam tappaledu
Even after marrying Damayanti, the spinning wheel couldn't be avoided.
This proverb describes a situation where despite a significant positive change or a high-status association (like marrying a queen or a legendary figure), one's hard labor or fundamental struggles remain unchanged. It is used when a person's fate or drudgery persists regardless of improved circumstances.
రత్నాలున్న గనిలోనే రాళ్ళుండేది.
ratnalunna ganilone rallundedi.
Rocks exist only in the mine that contains gems.
This expression is used to convey that greatness or value often comes with imperfections or obstacles. Just as one must sift through many rocks to find a precious gem, one must accept minor flaws or challenges in a person or situation that is otherwise excellent.
చీకట్లో జీవరత్నము
chikatlo jivaratnamu
A brilliant gem in the darkness.
This expression refers to someone or something that stands out or shines brightly in difficult, obscure, or unfavorable circumstances. It is often used to describe a person of great merit who is hidden in a crowd or a solution that brings hope during a period of crisis.
A bright exception among a bad lot.
నారే నరునకు రత్నము
nare narunaku ratnamu
A woman is a gem to a man
This expression highlights the importance and value of a woman in a man's life, suggesting that she is the most precious asset or companion he can have, similar to a jewel.
రాట్నము వస్తున్నది, బండి తీయవలసినది
ratnamu vastunnadi, bandi tiyavalasinadi
The spinning wheel is come, out the way with your cart. I ask your pardon, coach; I thought you were a wheelbarrow when I stumbled over you. (Irish.)
This expression is used to highlight a mismatch in priorities or a lack of common sense. It refers to someone making an unnecessary fuss or clearing a large path for a very small, insignificant object. It is used when someone overreacts to a minor situation or demands resources that are disproportionate to the task at hand.
భరతుడి పట్నము, రాముడి రాజ్యము.
bharatudi patnamu, ramudi rajyamu.
The city of Bharata, the kingdom of Rāma.
This expression refers to a situation where someone is the formal administrator or caretaker (Bharata) while the ultimate authority or glory belongs to someone else (Rama). It is used to describe collaborative success, selfless service, or a scenario where governance is handled on behalf of a rightful leader.
Said of any thing neglected, as Rāma's kingdom was neglected during his absence by his half brother Bharata.
మనది కాని పట్నం మహాపట్నం.
manadi kani patnam mahapatnam.
A city that is not ours is a great city.
This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.
పట్నం దగ్గరకు వచ్చి, పల్లెలో రత్నపరీక్ష చేయించినట్లు
patnam daggaraku vachchi, pallelo ratnapariksha cheyinchinatlu
Like coming near a city but getting a gemstone tested in a village.
This expression describes the folly of seeking expert services or high-quality judgment in an unqualified place when a center of excellence is easily accessible. It is used when someone ignores a superior resource nearby and chooses an inferior one instead.
జీవరత్నము ఇత్తడిని పొదిగితే, రత్నానికి ఏమి లోపము?
jivaratnamu ittadini podigite, ratnaniki emi lopamu?
What does a fine ruby suffer by being set in brass? The disgrace of putting a talented man in a mean situation attaches to the employer not to the employé.
This expression means that a person of high quality, talent, or noble character does not lose their inherent value just because they are in a poor environment or associated with something of low quality. The value of the individual remains intact regardless of their surroundings.
కాసును వెతుకగా రత్నమును గన్నరీతి.
kasunu vetukaga ratnamunu gannariti.
Like finding a gemstone while searching for a small coin.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone finds something far more valuable or significant than what they were originally looking for. It represents unexpected good fortune or serendipity during a humble pursuit.