50 Timeless Omani Proverbs & Sayings: Arabic Script, Meanings & Cultural Wisdom

Focus Keyword: Omani Proverbs

Oman's cultural heritage is deeply rooted in oral traditions, storytelling, and poetic wisdom. For generations, Omani proverbs have been used to teach values such as patience, hospitality, honor, courage, and resilience.

From bustling souqs to remote mountain villages, these sayings remain part of everyday conversation. Whether you're exploring the turquoise pools of Wadi Bani Khalid or the palm-lined oasis of Wadi Hoqqain, you'll hear locals weaving proverbs naturally into speech.

Festive periods like Eid in Oman also amplify these expressions — reflecting generosity, gratitude, and community spirit.

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🇴🇲 50 Omani Proverbs & Sayings

1. اللي ما يعرف الصقر يشويه
   Illi ma ya'rif as-saqr yashwīh
   He who doesn't know the falcon grills it.
   People undervalue what they don't understand.


2. الصبر مفتاح الفرج
   As-sabr miftāḥ al-faraj
   Patience is the key to relief.


3. من سار على الدرب وصل
   Man sār 'ala ad-darb waṣal
   He who stays on the path will arrive.


4. الجار قبل الدار
   Al-jār qabl ad-dār
   Choose the neighbor before the house.


5. الوقت كالسيف إن لم تقطعه قطعك
   Al-waqt kas-sayf in lam taqṭa'hu qaṭa'ak
   Time is like a sword — if you don't cut it, it cuts you.


6. يد واحدة ما تصفق
   Yad wāḥda ma tuṣaffiq
   One hand cannot clap.


7. اسأل مجرب ولا تسأل طبيب
   Is'al mujarrab wa lā tas'al ṭabīb
   Ask the experienced, not the doctor.


8. اللي اختشوا ماتوا
   Illi ikhtashū mātu
   Those who felt shame are gone.


9. الزين ما يكمل
   Zain mā yikmal
   Nothing beautiful is ever complete.


10. اللي زرع حصد
    Illi zara' ḥaṣad
    You reap what you sow.


11. الطمع يقل ما جمع
    Aṭ-ṭama' yuqall mā jama'
    Greed reduces what was gathered.


12. درهم وقاية خير من قنطار علاج
    Dirham wiqāyah khayr min qinṭār 'ilāj
    Prevention is better than cure.


13. رب أخ لك لم تلده أمك
    Rubba akh lak lam talidhu ummak
    A brother not born of your mother.


14. اللي ما له أول ما له تالي
    Illi mā lah awwal mā lah tāli
    He who has no beginning has no end.


15. إذا فات الفوت ما ينفع الصوت
    Itha fāt al-fawt mā yanfa' aṣ-ṣawt
    No use crying over missed chances.


16. كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة
    Kull ta'khīrah fīhā khīrah
    Delay may hold goodness.


17. اللي يعيش ياما يشوف
    Illi ya'īsh yāmā yishūf
    He who lives long sees much.


18. حبل الكذب قصير
    Ḥabl al-kidhb qaṣīr
    The rope of lies is short.


19. السمعة الطيبة كنز
    As-sum'ah aṭ-ṭayyibah kanz
    A good reputation is treasure.


20. الكتاب يبان من عنوانه
    Al-kitāb yubān min 'unwānih
    A book is known by its title.


21. اللي بيته من زجاج ما يرمي الناس بحجارة
    Don't throw stones if you live in glass.


22. خير الأمور أوسطها
    Moderation is best.


23. الصديق وقت الضيق
    A friend in need is a friend indeed.


24. القناعة كنز لا يفنى
    Contentment is an endless treasure.


25. العجلة من الشيطان
    Haste is from the devil.


26. اعقلها وتوكل
    Tie it and trust God.


27. دوام الحال من المحال
    Nothing stays the same forever.


28. الرجال مواقف
    A man is measured by his actions.


29. الضيف ضيف الله
    The guest is God's guest.


30. من صبر ظفر
    He who is patient succeeds.

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Cultural Reflection

These proverbs are still spoken across Oman — in homes, markets, and mountain villages. While enjoying traditional dishes like Omani Shuwa or exploring wadis and forts, visitors encounter this living wisdom firsthand.

They are also preserved through cultural initiatives and heritage exchanges, ensuring that Omani sayings continue to inspire future generations.