Meaning of Proverbs in General and According to Experts, Along with Characteristics - Examples

Kapanlagi.com - There are many types of proverbs. However, do KLovers know the meaning of proverbs themselves? Yes, maybe KLovers are still confused whether a sentence is a proverb or not.

In this article, we will discuss a little about proverbs, starting from the general meaning of proverbs, the meaning of proverbs according to experts, the characteristics of proverbs themselves, and how the examples are.

Therefore, according to various sources, here is the meaning of proverbs that KLovers can know. Along with the characteristics and also examples. Let's check it out KLovers.

1. Explanation About Proverbs

Explanation About Proverbs (credit: Pexels)

According to KBBI, the meaning of a proverb is a group of words or sentences that have a fixed structure, usually conveying a specific meaning (including idioms, expressions, and similes). Another understanding is that it is a concise and compact expression or sentence that contains a comparison, simile, advice, life principle, or code of conduct.

In everyday usage, the meaning of a proverb can be understood by listeners or speakers who are within the same cultural context. This expression contains implied meanings that serve as a subtle way to reprimand someone without offending them. Next, you can learn about the types of proverbs in the following explanation.

1. Proverb

A proverb is a type of proverb that contains advice. This type of proverb is usually used to counter the opponent during a debate. For example, you can see the proverb "little by little, eventually becomes a hill," which means that continuous small efforts will surely yield results.

2. Motto

A motto is a short phrase or sentence used as a guiding principle; the essence of an endeavor, and so on. Examples of proverbs can be seen in mottos, such as 'diligence is the foundation of intelligence,' 'cleanliness is the foundation of health,' 'frugality is the foundation of wealth,' and so on.

3. Simile

A simile is a type of proverb that compares a situation to something else. Its characteristic is that it takes a comparison from the surrounding nature and is preceded by words such as 'like,' 'as,' 'similar to,' and so on.

4. Satire/Adage

Satire or adage is a proverb that contains mockery, satire, and warning. Examples of satire include 'reluctant to live, unwilling to die,' 'shameful to ask is lost on the way,' 'like a crab on a rock,' and so on.

2. Understanding Proverbs According to Experts

Meaning of Proverbs (credit: Pexels)

Not only the general meaning of proverbs, but there are also meanings of proverbs according to experts, KLovers. And here are some explanations about the meanings of proverbs according to these experts.

1. Depdikbud (1993:755)

The meaning of proverbs as expressions or concise and compact sentences that contain comparisons, similes, advice, principles of life, or rules of behavior that become a local storehouse of wisdom for a society.

2. Darmaseotjipta (1984:3-4)

The meaning of proverbs as a formulation of community wisdom that shows a cautious and mindful attitude related to moral and virtuous life which is very useful for facing life and existence.

3. Kridalaksana (2009:193)

The meaning of proverbs is a simile that is a proverb that contains comparisons composed of meanings (something that is not expressed) and comparisons (something that is expressed).

4. Lukman Ali (1995:755)

Explains that what is called a proverb is a concise sentence that contains comparisons, advice, principles of life, or behavior.

5. Haruhiko in Dharmayanti (1999:10)

The meaning of proverbs as a sentence that is spread through customs in society which contains teachings and satire.

6. Abbas (1987)

The meaning of proverbs is an oral literary form that needs to be maintained in the literary world.

3. Characteristics of Proverbs

Characteristics of Proverbs (credit: Pexels)

To determine whether a sentence is a proverb, there are certain characteristics, KLovers. And here are the characteristics of proverbs for KLovers to understand better.

1. The structure remains unchanged and has fixed meanings that cannot be altered.

2. Usually used for satire or embellishing language.

3. The words used are organized, pleasing to the ear, and have meaning.

4. Created or formed based on careful observation and comparison of nature and events that occur in society.

5. Proverbs are formed with concise and beautiful language so that they will be ingrained in society for generations.

4. Examples of Proverbs

Proverb Example (credit: Pexels)

After knowing the meaning of proverbs and their characteristics, KLovers can also know examples of proverbs in Indonesian. And here are some examples of proverbs along with their meanings:

1. A dead tiger leaves its stripes, a dead elephant leaves its ivory (people who have contributed will always be remembered even though they are gone).

2. A thread a day, eventually becomes a piece of cloth (difficult work done with patience will eventually succeed).

3. There is a shrimp behind the rock (there is a hidden meaning).

4. Dogs bark, but the caravan moves on (let others talk, mock, or gossip about someone, but don't pay attention).

5. Like an egg on the tip of a horn. (A very dangerous situation, a little mistake can be fatal).

6.Like a betel nut split in two. (Two people or two things that are very similar, difficult to distinguish).

7.Like peanuts forget their skin. (Arrogant person who forgets their origins or a wealthy person who forgets their poverty).

8.Sitting equally low, standing equally high. (Equal in dignity or level).

9.There is no cracked ivory. (There is nothing without flaws).

10.The teacher urinates standing, the student urinates running. (The behavior of a student (subordinate) will always imitate the teacher or superior).

11.Rippling water indicates shallow depth. (A person who talks a lot (arrogant, etc.), usually lacks knowledge).

12. Still water carries away. (A quiet person, but knowledgeable).

13.Ant across the ocean is visible, Elephant on the eyelid is invisible. (Small mistakes of others are shown or talked about, while one's own big mistakes are not felt guilty).

14.Milk is repaid with poison. (Good deeds are repaid with evil).

15.Because of a drop of indigo, a whole pot of milk is spoiled. (Just because of a small visible mistake, the whole problem becomes chaotic and messy).

16.The peg is bigger than the post. (Expenses are greater than income).

17.Like water on a taro leaf. (A person with an inconsistent stance).

18.Wherever the land is stepped on, there the sky is upheld. (We should follow local customs).

19. Cheap in words, expensive in weight. (Very easy to promise but never fulfill).

20. Hands stretch shoulders to carry. (Those who dare to act must dare to take responsibility).

21. Quick feet, light hands (Someone who likes to help in goodness)

22. Two birds with one stone (Once walking, two tasks completed)

23. Like fire and smoke (Close and inseparable friendship)

24. Like water on taro leaves (Someone with inconsistent opinions)

25. Leaning that will collapse (An action that will bring disaster)

That is the meaning of the proverbs that KLovers can know and understand. Not only explaining proverbs, but KLovers can also know the characteristics of proverbs and also examples of the proverbs themselves.

(kpl/gen/dhm)