సంతోషం సగం బలం.
santosham sagam balam.
Being joyful is half one’s strength.
This is to suggest that one should be joyful, especially in unfavourable circumstances. That is the way to draw strength from even adverse circumstances.
Related Phrases
సగం సాలె నేత, సగం మాల నేత
sagam sale neta, sagam mala neta
Half weaver's weaving, half laborer's weaving
This proverb is used to describe work that is inconsistent, fragmented, or lacks uniformity. It refers to a task performed by people with different styles or skill levels, resulting in a product that is not seamless or professionally finished. It is often applied to situations where multiple people handle a single job without coordination, leading to a messy outcome.
మణుగు సగము, మైలా సగమే.
manugu sagamu, maila sagame.
Half purity, half impurity.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks consistency or a situation that is neither here nor there. It refers to someone who tries to follow traditional customs (purity) but fails to do so completely (impurity), resulting in a state of confusion or hypocrisy. It characterizes an inconsistent or messy approach to tasks.
ఆత్మ సంతోషానికి రోకటిబండ తంబురా.
atma santoshaniki rokatibanda tambura.
To the soul's delight, a heavy pestle is a musical instrument.
When one is truly happy or content from within, even the most mundane or crude objects (like a heavy wooden pestle) can seem like beautiful musical instruments (like a Tanpura). It describes a state of mind where external circumstances or the quality of tools do not matter as long as one is joyful and satisfied.
సంతోషానికి సాకు లేదు, ఆలోచనకు అంతు లేదు.
santoshaniki saku ledu, alochanaku antu ledu.
Happiness needs no excuse, and thoughts have no end.
This proverb suggests that one doesn't need a specific reason to be happy; it is a state of mind. Conversely, it highlights that the human mind is prone to endless worrying or overthinking, implying that while joy is spontaneous, anxiety can be a never-ending cycle if not controlled.
పంజరం అందంగా ఉంటే పక్షికి సంతోషమా?
panjaram andanga unte pakshiki santoshama?
If the cage is beautiful, is the bird happy?
This expression emphasizes that material luxury and external beauty cannot replace freedom and basic happiness. It is used to describe situations where a person might have all the physical comforts or a high-status environment, yet feels trapped or miserable because they lack liberty or emotional fulfillment.
మొలమట్టు దుఃఖములో మోకాలుమట్టు సంతోషము
molamattu duhkhamulo mokalumattu santoshamu
Up the waist in grief, up to the knees in joy.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a small amount of relief or joy amidst an overwhelming amount of grief or trouble. It highlights that the positive aspect, though present, is significantly smaller than the hardship being faced.
సగం సాలనేత, సగం మాల నేత
sagam salaneta, sagam mala neta
Half weaver's weave, half scavenger's weave
This expression refers to a task or piece of work that is done inconsistently or in a haphazard manner. It describes something that is neither here nor there, lacking a uniform standard or quality because it was handled by different people with different skill levels or methods. It is used to criticize a job that lacks perfection and coherence.
ఎద్దు బలం ఏదు బలం
eddu balam edu balam
The ox's strength is its own strength (or the strength of its owner).
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone derives their strength, power, or confidence from an external source or a superior authority. It implies that a person is acting boldly not because of their own merit, but because of the support or backing they receive from someone more powerful.
సంతోషం లేనిదే బలం లేదు, ధైర్యం లేదు.
santosham lenide balam ledu, dhairyam ledu.
Without happiness, there is neither strength nor courage.
This expression emphasizes that true physical or mental strength and bravery stem from inner joy. It is used to suggest that a person's capability and resilience are diminished when they are unhappy or depressed.
కులము వాళ్ళను చూస్తే కుక్కకు కోపం, గుఱ్ఱానికి సంతోషం
kulamu vallanu chuste kukkaku kopam, gurraniki santosham
Seeing its own kind makes a dog angry, but a horse happy.
This proverb is used to contrast different attitudes toward one's own community or peers. It suggests that while some people are jealous or hostile toward their own kind (like a dog barking at another dog), others feel joy and a sense of belonging when they see their peers (like a horse neighing happily at another horse). It is a commentary on human nature regarding professional or social rivalry versus solidarity.