వినయోక్తులు లేని యీవి వ్యర్థము.
vinayoktulu leni yivi vyarthamu.
Charity without humble words is wasteful.
This expression emphasizes that the manner in which a gift or charity is given is as important as the act itself. Giving money or help while being arrogant or disrespectful devalues the noble act. It is used to teach that true generosity must be accompanied by humility and kind speech.
Related Phrases
అర్థం లేని జీవితం వ్యర్థం.
artham leni jivitam vyartham.
A life without meaning is a waste.
This expression emphasizes that living without a sense of purpose, goals, or significance is futile. It is used to suggest that one should strive to make their life impactful or meaningful rather than just existing.
పెద్దలు లేని ఇల్లు, సిద్ధులు లేని మఠము
peddalu leni illu, siddhulu leni mathamu
A house without elders is like a monastery without enlightened souls.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of elders in a family. Just as a monastery requires experienced spiritual masters (Siddhas) to maintain discipline and guidance, a household needs the wisdom and experience of elders to function properly and maintain traditions.
అర్థము లేనివాడు నిరర్థకుడు.
arthamu lenivadu nirarthakudu.
A man without money is useless.
This proverb plays on the word 'Artha', which means both 'meaning' and 'wealth'. It suggests that in the eyes of society, a person who lacks financial resources is often treated as if their life has no value or purpose. It is used to describe the harsh reality of how poverty can lead to social insignificance.
A man without money is like a ship without sails. (Dutch.)*
వ్యర్థమైన సొమ్ము వ్యర్థుల చేరురా
vyarthamaina sommu vyarthula cherura
Wasted wealth reaches wasteful people
This expression means that money earned or spent foolishly ends up in the hands of those who do not value it. It is often used to describe how ill-gotten gains or poorly managed resources are eventually squandered by incompetent or undeserving individuals.
పూరణం లేని బూరె, వీరణం లేని పెండ్లి వ్యర్ధము.
puranam leni bure, viranam leni pendli vyardhamu.
A Bure (sweet) without stuffing and a wedding without drums are useless.
This proverb highlights that certain things are incomplete or lose their essence without their core components. Just as a 'Boore' (a traditional sweet) is tasteless without its sweet filling and a wedding feels dull without celebratory music, any task or entity lacks value if its essential elements are missing.
కాలు జారిన పిల్ల బతుకు, నోరు జారిన పెద్ద బతుకు వ్యర్థం
kalu jarina pilla batuku, noru jarina pedda batuku vyartham
The life of a child who slips (physically) and the life of an elder who slips (verbally) are wasted.
This proverb emphasizes the gravity of words spoken by mature individuals. Just as a physical fall can permanently disable a child's future, a person of status or age who speaks carelessly or fails to keep their word loses all respect and credibility in society. It highlights that responsibility and verbal integrity are the foundation of a meaningful life.
సుతులు లేని వారికి గతులు లేవు.
sutulu leni variki gatulu levu.
Those who do not have sons have no salvation.
Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.
ముడ్డి ముఖము లేని బిడ్డ, మొదలు లేని పాట.
muddi mukhamu leni bidda, modalu leni pata.
A child without face or posteriors, a song without beginning.
This expression is used to describe something that lacks structure, logic, or a clear purpose. It refers to a situation, story, or task that is disorganized, incoherent, and makes no sense from the start to the end.
తీర్థము స్వార్థము కలిసివచ్చినట్లు.
tirthamu svarthamu kalisivachchinatlu.
Like a holy pilgrimage and a personal interest coming together.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one trip or action serves two purposes: a spiritual or selfless duty and a personal or selfish gain. It is similar to the English expression 'killing two birds with one stone,' but specifically refers to achieving a personal benefit while performing a righteous or necessary task.
కన్నతల్లి కాదన్నా కట్టుకున్నది కాదన్నా బ్రతుకే వ్యర్థం
kannatalli kadanna kattukunnadi kadanna bratuke vyartham
If the mother who gave birth rejects you and the wife you married rejects you, life is a waste.
This expression highlights the significance of primary relationships in a person's life. It suggests that if one loses the love and support of both their mother (representing one's origin) and their spouse (representing one's life partner/future), their existence becomes meaningless or devoid of purpose.