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
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Poor people are inventive.
-
A well-fed man does not understand a starving one.
-
Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
-
Не так страшен чёрт, как его малюют
The demon is not as scary as he is depicted.
-
You see your friends in the times of trouble.
-
Eggs don't teach the chicken.
-
Patience and labor will grind everything.
-
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
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