saying
word
/ˈseɪɪŋ/
SAY-ing
/sˈeɪɪŋ/
SAY-ing
Definition
A short, well-known phrase that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly paired with verbs like 'goes', 'speaks', or 'runs' (e.g., 'There's a saying'). Not to be confused with 'proverb', though very similar; 'saying' is more informal and broad.
Spanish: dicho - refránPortuguese (BR): dicho - provérbioPortuguese (PT): dito - provérbioChinese (Simplified): 谚语 - 说法Chinese (Traditional): 諺語 - 說法Hindi: कहावतArabic: قول مأثور - مثلBengali: প্রবচন - উক্তিRussian: пословица - поговоркаJapanese: ことわざ - 格言Vietnamese: câu nói - thành ngữKorean: 속담 - 격언Turkish: deyiş - sözUrdu: کہاوت - مقولہIndonesian: pepatah - ungkapan
Example Sentences
My grandmother often says an old saying about patience.
basic
There is a famous saying that 'time is money.'
basic
She gave me a helpful saying to remember.
basic
You know the saying, 'what goes around comes around'—it really makes you think.
natural
There's a popular saying among friends: 'better late than never.'
natural
Don't forget the saying: always look on the bright side of life.
natural