Proverbs From Around the World

About Proverbs From Around the World

Proverbs From Around the World is a free word games quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 7 easy, 6 medium, 2 hard questions. Read a wise saying from another culture and choose the everyday lesson it teaches, from Japanese and African to Spanish proverbs. A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.

A few sample questions

1. 1. The Japanese proverb "Fall seven times, stand up eight" teaches us to do what?

   Answer: Never give up, no matter how many times you fail

   This beloved Japanese proverb encourages resilience — getting back up one more time than you fall is the secret to success. It is one of Japan's most famous life mottos.

2. 2. An African proverb says: "It takes a village to raise a child." What does this mean?

   Answer: Raising children is best done by the whole community working together

   This proverb, common across many African cultures, emphasizes that the entire community shares responsibility for nurturing and guiding children. It became widely known in English after Hillary Clinton used it as a book title in 1996.

3. 3. The Spanish proverb "Tell me who you walk with, and I'll tell you who you are" warns us about what?

   Answer: How your choice of friends shapes your character

   This popular Spanish saying ("Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres") cautions that we are judged by the company we keep, and that friends strongly influence who we become.

4. 4. The Chinese proverb "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" encourages people to do what?

   Answer: Begin a large task by simply taking the first small step

   This wisdom comes from the ancient philosopher Laozi's "Tao Te Ching." It reminds us that even the greatest achievements start with one small, decisive action.

5. 5. A Russian proverb says: "Trust, but verify." What is the main lesson here?

   Answer: It is wise to have faith in others while still checking facts for yourself

   This Russian saying ("Doveryai, no proveryai") became famous in English when President Ronald Reagan used it during arms-control talks with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. It strikes a balance between faith and caution.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓This striking Italian proverb uses chess as a metaphor to teach that no matter how powerful or humble a person is during life, death is the great equalizer for us all.
• ✓This hopeful African proverb offers comfort during difficult times, assuring us that every period of trouble will eventually give way to better days — just as night always ends with sunrise.
• ✓This down-to-earth Irish saying reminds us that thinking and planning are no substitute for actually doing the work. It is a gentle push to stop hesitating and start doing.