Делу время, потехе час
With accent marks:
Де́лу вре́мя, поте́хе час.
Translation:
Time for business, an hour for fun.
Meaning:
This is the expression of the Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich (1629 - 1676) written by him in a book dedicated to falconry.
Meaning: most of the time shoud be dedicated to business (work) and duties, and less time - to entertainment.
It is usually said as a reminder to a person who, having fun, forgets about his duties.
Other Russian proverbs
-
Another's soul is darkness.
-
When I eat I am deaf and mute.
-
A fisherman sees a fisherman from afar.
-
A bird is visible by its flight.
-
Яблоко от яблони недалеко падает
The apple never falls far from the tree.
-
Заставь дурака богу молиться – он и лоб расшибёт
Make a fool pray to God - he will break his forehead.
-
За двумя зайцами погонишься – ни одного не поймаешь
If you are chasing two hares at once, you won’t catch a single one.
-
Everything has its time.
Subscribe and receive notifications about new Russian proverbs in your inbox