Irish Proverbs About Friendship
Irish has a lot to say about company, and most of it is practical advice about who to keep near you. The proverbs assume that friendship is a working relationship. One that involves quarrels, obligations and the occasional need for solitude. Rather than a sentiment.
Two run in opposite directions and are both worth having. Ní buan cogadh na gcarad holds that a quarrel between friends does not last. Is fearr uaigneas maith ná droch-chuideachta holds that good solitude beats bad company. Between them they cover most of what anyone needs to know.
The hospitality material sits here too, because in Irish the two are the same subject. Is túisce deoch ná scéal (offer a drink before you ask for news) is a rule about how to treat someone who has come to your door.
12 sayings each with its source
- Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eileIt takes one to know one.
- An té a bhuailfeadh mo mhadra bhuailfeadh sé mé féinWhoever strikes my dog strikes me.
- Céad míle fáilteA hundred thousand welcomes.
- Fáilte roimh bhocht is nochtEverybody is welcome, whatever their circumstances.
- Go raibh maith agatThank you.
- Is fearr uaigneas maith ná droch-chuideachtaBetter good solitude than bad company.
- Is túisce deoch ná scéalOffer a drink before you ask for news.
- Ní bhíonn cóisir ar bith gan amadánThere is a fool at every party.
- Ní buan cogadh na gcaradA quarrel between friends does not last.
- Níl cara ag cumha ach cuimhneMemory is the only friend that grief has.
- Oíche mhaithGood night.
- Tarraingíonn scéal scéal eileOne story begets another.