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These Afrikaans (Afrikaans) proverbs speak to who a person truly is — integrity, pride, humility and conduct. Here are 6 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Afrikaans usage.
Al dra 'n aap 'n goue ring, hy is en bly 'n lelike ding.
Literally: “Even if a monkey wears a golden ring, it is and remains an ugly thing.”
Meaning: Outward finery cannot disguise an inferior or ugly nature; fine clothes do not change what someone truly is.
'n Jakkals verloor wel sy hare, maar nie sy streke nie.
Literally: “A jackal does lose its hair, but not its tricks.”
Meaning: People may grow older or change outwardly, but their ingrained cunning or bad habits remain.
Eie roem stink.
Literally: “One's own praise stinks.”
Meaning: Boasting about yourself is distasteful; self-praise is no recommendation.
Mooi vergaan, maar deug bly staan.
Literally: “Beauty perishes, but virtue remains standing.”
Meaning: Physical beauty fades, but good character endures.
Ledigheid is die duiwel se oorkussing.
Literally: “Idleness is the devil's pillow.”
Meaning: Having nothing to do leads to mischief or wrongdoing.
Belofte maak skuld.
Literally: “A promise makes debt.”
Meaning: A promise creates an obligation that must be honoured.