What yiayia used to say.
Proverbs about home, family, patience and friendship: the kind of Greek many of us first heard from a grandparent, often without a translation.
Across the Greek diaspora, proverbs are often the Greek that survives longest in a family: a line at the kitchen table, a warning before an exam, a joke about a house “without a Yiannis”. This page gathers sayings about home and family life and explains them properly.
Which proverbs your own family used depends on the region, the island and the generation, so we do not claim that every yiayia said these. What we can do is give the exact Greek, how it sounds, the literal words and how it is used today.
Remember a saying from home that is not here? Send it in Greek, Greeklish or English through our contribution form.
Άμα δεν παινέψεις το σπίτι σου, θα πέσει να σε πλακώσει
If you don’t praise your own house, it will fall and crush you. Everyone has reason to show the good side of their own home or work, without exaggerating.
Κάθε σπίτι έχει τον καημό του
Every house has its own sorrow. Every family or person faces difficulties that are not always visible from outside.
Σπίτι χωρίς Γιάννη, προκοπή δεν κάνει
A house without a Yiannis never prospers. A home, or any group, struggles without its key person. “Yiannis” works as the archetypal, very common Greek man’s name, not as a reference to a particular person.
Αγάλι αγάλι γίνεται η αγουρίδα μέλι
Slowly, slowly the unripe grape becomes honey. Patience and gradual ripening usually lead to a better result than haste.
Των φρονίμων τα παιδιά πριν πεινάσουν μαγειρεύουν
The children of the prudent cook before they get hungry. Preparing before the need arises prevents problems.
Η γλώσσα κόκαλα δεν έχει και κόκαλα τσακίζει
The tongue has no bones, yet it breaks bones. Words can cause deep emotional harm.
Ο καλός φίλος στην ανάγκη φαίνεται
A good friend shows in times of need. True friendship is proven above all when difficulties arise.
Ρωτώντας πας στην Πόλη
By asking, you get to the City. By asking questions and seeking guidance you can reach even a difficult goal.
Τα εν οίκω μη εν δήμω
What is in the house, not in the town square. Private family matters do not always need to become a subject of public discussion.
Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ
Better late than never. It is better to get something done late than not to do it at all. Greek and English use the very same words here.