పూజ కన్నా బుద్ధి, మాటల కన్నా మనసు ప్రధానం
puja kanna buddhi, matala kanna manasu pradhanam
Character is more important than worship, and intent is more important than words
This expression emphasizes that internal purity and sincerity are superior to outward rituals or eloquent speech. It suggests that one's conscience and true intentions define their character more than formal religious acts or mere promises.
Related Phrases
మొగబుద్ధి మోటుబుద్ది, ఆడుబుద్ది అపరబుద్ధి.
mogabuddhi motubuddi, adubuddi aparabuddhi.
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.
మాట కటిక, మనసు మెతక
mata katika, manasu metaka
Word is harsh, heart is soft
This expression is used to describe a person who speaks bluntly or harshly on the outside but is actually kind-hearted and compassionate on the inside. It is similar to the English idiom 'His bark is worse than his bite.'
రాజు కన్నా చిన్న, మంత్రి కన్నా పెద్ద.
raju kanna chinna, mantri kanna pedda.
Smaller than the king, but bigger than the minister.
This expression is used to describe a middle-ground position or an intermediary status where one is subordinate to the top authority but holds power over others. It is often used as a riddle answer for 'the finger' (the middle finger is next to the forefinger) or in a social context to describe middle management or individuals who are stuck between two different levels of hierarchy.
పూజ కన్నా బుద్ధి, మాట కన్నా మనసు ప్రధానం
puja kanna buddhi, mata kanna manasu pradhanam
Character is more important than worship; intent is more important than words.
This proverb emphasizes that inner purity and genuine intentions are far more significant than outward religious rituals or superficial speech. It is used to remind people that having a clean heart and a good conscience defines a person's true nature better than mere displays of piety or eloquence.
చెప్పే మాటలకన్నా, తప్పని మాటలు నయం
cheppe matalakanna, tappani matalu nayam
Actions that don't fail are better than words that are merely spoken.
This expression emphasizes that keeping one's word or performing a duty reliably is far superior to making grand promises or giving empty advice. It highlights the importance of integrity and action over mere eloquence.
చెప్పిన మాటలకన్నా తప్పుడు మాటలు నయం
cheppina matalakanna tappudu matalu nayam
Lies are better than backbiting.
This expression is used to suggest that it is better to hear something blunt or even incorrect rather than being given false promises or misleading information that is never fulfilled. It emphasizes the frustration of broken commitments.
కులంకన్నా గుణం ప్రధానం
kulankanna gunam pradhanam
Character is more important than caste
This proverb emphasizes that a person's character, virtues, and behavior are far more significant than their social status, lineage, or the community they were born into. It is used to advocate for meritocracy and moral integrity over inherited identity.
మొగబుద్ది మోటుబుద్ది, ఆడబుద్ది అవరబుద్ధి
mogabuddi motubuddi, adabuddi avarabuddhi
Man's intellect is crude, woman's intellect is subtle/deeper.
This proverb highlights a traditional observation about gendered thinking styles. It suggests that men tend to have a blunt or straightforward approach (motu), whereas women possess a more refined, intricate, or farsighted perspective (avara). It is used to contrast the simplicity of a man's logic with the complexity and depth of a woman's intuition.
కులముకన్న నెన్న కలిమి ప్రధానంబు
kulamukanna nenna kalimi pradhanambu
Wealth is more important than lineage/caste.
This proverb suggests that in the practical world, a person's financial status and prosperity are often given more importance and respect than their family background or caste. It is used to highlight the power of wealth in social standings.
చితికిన మనసు అతకదు
chitikina manasu atakadu
A broken heart cannot be mended.
This expression is used to describe a situation where trust is shattered or deep emotional hurt is caused. Just as a crushed object cannot be restored to its original state, once a person's heart or spirit is broken by betrayal or severe disappointment, the relationship or their mental peace can never truly be the same again.