10 Martinican Creole Proverbs Everyone Should Know

Creole culture is rich in colors, flavors… and wisdom!
In Martinique, proverbs are passed down from generation to generation, often carrying life lessons filled with humor, common sense, and philosophy. Whether they speak of work, solidarity, or caution, these popular sayings are true linguistic and cultural treasures. Let’s discover together 10 of the most common Martinican Creole proverbs, along with their translations and meanings.

  1. Sé grenn diri ka plen sak
    Translation: It’s the grains of rice that fill the sack.
    Meaning: Every small effort counts. Great achievements always start with small actions.

  2. An lanmen ka lavé lot
    Translation: One hand washes the other.
    Meaning: Solidarity is essential. We all need each other to move forward.

  3. Chyen ka aboyé, mé bwa ka rété
    Translation: Dogs bark, but the tree stands firm.
    Meaning: Criticism and gossip should not distract us from our goals.

  4. Chyen paka fè chat
    Translation: Dogs don’t make cats.
    Meaning: Like father, like son / like mother, like daughter. Children often resemble their parents, for better or worse.

  5. Lé konséyé pa lé péyè
    Translation: Advisors are not the payers.
    Meaning: Be wary of advice given lightly by those who won’t face the consequences.

  6. Padon paka guéri bos
    Translation: Forgiveness doesn’t heal bumps.
    Meaning: Forgiving doesn’t always erase the scars of harm already done.

  7. A pa lé ou fen pou met manjé si difé
    Translation: You don’t put food on the fire only when you’re hungry.
    Meaning: It’s important to anticipate and not wait until the last minute to act.

  8. Bannann jonn pa ka vini vet
    Translation: Yellow bananas don’t turn green.
    Meaning: You can’t go back; some things are irreversible.

  9. Sa ki taw, la riviè paka chayé’y
    Translation: What belongs to you, the river won’t carry away.
    Meaning: What is meant for you will always come back to you, no matter what.

  10. Débrouya pa péché
    Translation: Making do is not a sin.
    Meaning: There is nothing wrong with using whatever means you have to move forward.

 

These Martinican Creole proverbs are little pearls of wisdom that reflect the lived experiences, humor, and philosophy of life of the people of Martinique. Behind each vivid expression lies a simple yet profound lesson, still relevant even in the modern age.