Jamaican proverbs

Jamaican proverbs are more than colorful expressions — they’re distilled life lessons passed down through generations. Rooted in African wisdom and shaped by the island’s history, these sayings reflect values of hard work, perseverance, resilience, and community. Whether you’re chasing a dream, navigating a tough season, or simply trying to do right by others, there’s likely a proverb to guide your steps.

Below, we explore some of the most impactful Jamaican proverbs and the everyday wisdom they carry for those striving toward success and purpose.

Proverbs about Hard Work and Persistence:

  • If yuh waan good, yuh nose haffi run:(Success requires great effort and sacrifice. You have to put in the work to achieve your goals).
  • One one coco full basket:(Small efforts add up over time. Be patient and persistent, and you’ll eventually reach your goals).
  • Di bigga di fish, di more butta it tek: (Bigger tasks require greater effort. Don’t be afraid to put in the work to achieve something significant).

Proverbs about Resilience and Adaptability:

  • Wah nuh kill yuh, fatten yuh:(What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You can emerge stronger and wiser from difficult experiences).
  • Rain a fall, but dutty tough:(Prosperity might be happening, but some people are not feeling it. Stay strong and focused, even in challenging times).
  • Trouble nuh set like rain:(Trouble can strike at any time, so remain alert and prepared).

Proverbs about Character and Integrity:

  • You cyaan expect anything from a hog but grunt:(You can’t change people at their core, but you can influence them. Know what to expect from others based on their character).
  • Paason cyaan preach wid dutty collar, cause all yeye de pon him: (Leaders should lead by example and maintain a good reputation).
  • Tree look soun but woodpecker know wha fi duh wid i:(Even if things seem strong or stable, be aware of potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities).

Proverbs about Mindset and Attitude:

  • Di daakest paat a di night a when day suu light: (The darkest hour is just before dawn. Stay hopeful and focused, even in difficult times, because relief is often near).
  • Every mickle mek a muckle:(Small contributions can make a big difference. Every little bit counts, so keep putting in effort).
  • Wha fi yuh, cyaan be un fi yuh:(What is meant for you will always find its way to you. Trust in your path and destiny).

Proverbs on spirit of resilience, hard work, and community:

  • Walk good, yuh nuh know who follow: (Take care of yourself, because you never know who might be watching or following your example. Be mindful of your actions and their impact on others).
  • If yuh cyaan run from yuh problems, face dem head on:( Confront your challenges directly rather than avoiding them).
  • Every dog haffi get him day:(Everyone will get their chance or face the consequences of their actions).
  • Wah bless yuh, nuh curse yuh:(Be grateful for the blessings in your life and avoid letting them become a source of harm).
  • Cyaan ketch fish wid empty basket:(You need to put in effort and resources to achieve your goals).
  • If yuh don’t know de road, follow de footsteps: (Seek guidance from those with experience or knowledge).
  • Wah go ’round come ’round:(Your actions will have consequences, and you may experience the effects of your deeds).
  • If yuh sit pon yuh han, yuh belly will be empty:(Hard work and effort are necessary for success and fulfillment).