中西方谚语对比

励志文章点击： 2019-05-21

中西方谚语对比篇一

从中西方谚语中探索中西方文化的差别

摘要

谚语是意义完整的固定句子，是一种重要的语言形式。在不同文化的谚语中，相同的物体和行为往往被赋予不一样的含义和思想感情。本文研究的目的便是通过研究英汉谚语来探索中西方文化的差异。文章首先从谚语的构成方面比较了英汉谚语的差异，然后从中西方人们的居住环境、人文思想、道德观念、宗教信仰和风俗习惯五个方面对英汉谚语进行比较和分析，并总结出中西文化在这些方面的差异。通过本文对英汉谚语的研究和总结，我们将学习到两种谚语的不同文化内涵，更重要的是，这有助于我们更加正确地使用英汉谚语。因此，研究中西方谚语之间的文化差异具有重大的理论和现实意义。

关键词：谚语；中西方文化；差异

Abstract

Proverb is a complete sentence，and it is an important form of language. In the different proverbs that from different culture, the same things and the same behavior show represent different means and different feelings. The paper is aimed to explore the cultural differences between Chinese and Western proverbs. Firstly, the author analysis the differences from their unique characteristics, then summarizes the differences of living environment, humanistic idea, moral views, religious beliefs and social customs between Chinese culture and Western one by comparing and analyzing Chinese proverbs and English ones. Through the study and summary of this paper we will learn the different cultural connotation from different culture. What’s more, we will use Chinese and Western proverbs more easily and more accurately. So it is no exaggeration to say that a comparison between English and Chinese proverbs is of great practical and theoretical significance.

Key words: Proverbs; Western and Chinese culture; differences

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who helped me during the writing of this thesis. I gratefully acknowledge the help of my supervisor, Xia Li, who has offered me valuable suggestions in the academic studies. Without her encouragement, insightful criticism and gracious guidance, the completion of this thesis would not have been possible.

I also owe a special debt of gratitude to all the teachers in Foreign Languages School, from whose devoted teaching and enlightening lectures I have benefited a lot and academically prepared for the thesis.

I should finally like to express my gratitude to my beloved parents who have always been helping me out of difficulties and supporting without a word of complaint.

Outline

Ⅰ. Introduction

Ⅱ. The Characteristics and Impact of Proverbs

A. The Unique Characteristics of Proverbs

1. Form of Characters

2. Sentence Pattern

3. Rhetorical Devices

B. The Position and Role of Proverbs in the Real Life

Ⅲ. The cultural differences of Chinese and Western Proverbs

A. Proverbs of Living Environment

B. Proverbs of Humanistic Idea

C. Proverbs of Moral Views

1. The Attitude Towards Reputation

2. The View of Love

3. Filial Duty

4. The Attitude Towards Woman

D. Proverbs of Religious Beliefs

1. God and no God

2. The Idea of Equality and Grade

E. Proverbs of Custom

Ⅳ.Conclusion

Cultural Differences between Chinese and English Proverbs

Ⅰ. Introduction

During the etymology, proverb is defined as a settled saying accompanied with the long history. In the modern version of the Dictionary, proverbs indicated these briefly, popular and meaningful sentences which are popular in folk among traditional social of China. In western, many English dictionaries have the analogous definition which is popular short saying with words of advice or warning. There are many proverbs in our daily life and be used very popular during our daily life.

“Genius wit and spirit of a nation are discovered by their proverbs.”said by Bacon, a well-known British writer. Every nation has abundant proverbs in their own native language, which were using reflect their life experience, thoughts and feelings.

Ⅱ. The Characteristics and Impact of Proverbs

A. The Unique Characteristics of Proverbs

As a quintessence of native language, proverbs have many unique characteristic which different from other language forms. Next we will introduce its characteristics through the three aspects include characters form, sentence pattern structure and rhetorical device.

1. Form of Characters

Proverb is summarizes of labor practice of the masses, it has a heavy flavor of life. The English and Chinese proverbs have regular sentence pattern and shapely syllable, it selects the words is very refined. Proverbs can express luxuriant idea content with highly condensed language. It has highly ability of generalizing, which aimed at reflect a profound moral vividly. It displayed mainly follow the three points: First of all, proverbs always using small amount of words and flat structure to compress the abundant content. These sentences, which are dapper, crisp and

中西方谚语对比篇二

浅谈中西方谚语的文化差异

浅谈中西方谚语的文化差异

学生：罗玲指导老师：谷一明

摘要：谚语是语言文化的瑰宝，它以其深刻、简练的语言浓缩了各民族的历史文化，反映了劳动人民的生活实践经验。透过谚语的窗口来窥探中西方文化中的风俗习惯、宗教文化及思维方式的差异，令人更深刻的感悟到谚语传递的文化蕴含。本文着重从谚语折射出的对生存环境、风俗习惯、宗教信仰和道德观念四方面来探讨中西方文化的差异。通过对中西方谚语的对比研究折射出的文化差异，展现了中西方文化差异带来的异域风情！

关键词：谚语；中西方；文化差异；

Cultural Differences between English and Chinese Proverbs

Abstract: Proverbs are a treasure of language culture, with its profound and concise language condensing history and culture of various nationalities. Most reflect the practical experience of working people's life. Through the proverbial window to spy the differences of Western and Chinese social customs and habits religion, and way of thinking, people come to perceive more profound cultural implication passed on by proverbs. This article focuses on the living environment, customs, religious beliefs and moral conception reflected by the proverbs, in these four aspects to explore differences between Western Chinese culture.Through the comparative study of Chinese and Western proverbs, this demonstrates the exotic differences between Chinese and Western culture.

Key words: proverbs;west and east; cultural differences;

Contents

Introduction

Part I The definition,classifications and features of proverbs

1.1 The definition of proverbs

1.2 The classifications of proverbs

1.3 The features of proverbs

1.3.1The particular syntactic structure

Part II The functions of proverbs

2.1 The phatic communication

2.2 Cultivation of mind and formation of behavior

2.3 Perception of the nature

2.3.1 Experience of observing weather

2.3.2 Awareness of creature’s survival and reproduction

2.4 Summarizing the experience of life

2.4.1 appropriate way of interpersonal relationship

2.4.2 experience obtained from work

Part III Cultural Difference between Western and Chinese proverbs

3.1 Different way of life

3.1.1 The majority of English proverbs concerning sailing,fishing

3.1.2 Chinese proverb associated more with agricultural production

3.1.3 Geography determines the way of life

3.2 Proverbs demonstrate the different customs

3.2.1 Different culture of pets

3.2.2 The valuation of etiquette

3.2.1.4 Chinese value friendship

3.2.1.5 Westerners are self-centered

3.3 Proverbs reflects the differences of religious belief

3.3.1 Most westerners believe in Christian

3.3.1.1 God is the supreme god

3.3.1.2 Advocation of equality

3.3.2 Chinese largely believe in buddhism,taonism,confucianism

3.3.2.1 Atheism,believe in the power of abstraction

3.3.2.2 Hierarchical,class-oriented from person to person

3.4 Proverbs embodies the differences of the moral conception

3.4.1 The different value of the public reputation

3.4.3 Ongoing discrimination against chinese women

3.4.4 western women are of high status

Conclusion

Bibliography

中西方谚语对比篇三

中西谚语对照

中西谚语对照

来源：文国网 2007年09月30日 [ 词霸划词已启用]

关键词：我来评论进入社区

Lit为直译

Fig为西班牙同意义或者类似意义的谚语

1. 开卷有益

Lit. Es siempre provechoso abrir cualquier libro.{中西方谚语对比}.

Fig. Libro cerrado, no saca letrado.

2. 尺有所长，寸有所短。

Lit. Un chi (medida de longitud china equivalente a un tercio de metro) puede resultar corto, y un cun (un décimo de chi), largo.

Fig. Toda persona o cosa tiene su mérito y demétiro.

3. 少壮不努力，老大徒伤悲。

Lit. El que de joven no es acucioso, llegado a viejo en vano se lamentará.

Fig. A mocedad ociosa, vejez trabajosa.

4. 一寸光阴，一寸金。

Lit. Una pulgada de tiempo es una pulgada de oro.

Fig. El tiempo es oro.

5. 一丘之貉

Lit. Lobos de la misma camada.

Fig. Tal para cual, Pascuala con Pascual.

6. 一失足成千古恨

Lit. Un paso en falso se hace deplorar toda la vida.

Fig. Un error momentáneo llega a ser un remordimiento enterno.

7. 一叶障目,不见泰山

Lit. Una hoja ante los ojos impide ver la montaña Taishan.

Fig. No ver lo importante por tener la vista obstruida por lo trivial.

8. 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳。

Lit. Quien un día fue picado por la vibora, siente temor a una soga enroscada durante diez años.

Fig. Gato escaldado, del agua fría huye.

9. 一年之计在于春。{中西方谚语对比}.

Lit. El trabajo entero de un año depende de un buen comienzo en primavera.

La primavera es la temporada clave del año.

Fig. Abril y mayo, las llaves de todo el año.

10. 一贫如洗

Lit. Ser pobre como si hubiera sido lavado

Fig. Más pobre que las ratas; no tener dónde caerse muerto.

11. 一箭双雕。

Lit. Matar dos águilas con una sola flecha.

Fig. Matar dos pájaros de un tiro.

12. 一言既出，驷马难追。

Lit. Ni cuatro caballos galopando pueden recuperar la palabra empeñada.

Fig. La palabra y la piedra suelta no tienen vuelta.

13. 人不可貌相

Lit. A un hombre no se le puede juzgar por las apariencias.

Fig. Las apariencias engañan.

El hábito no hace al monje.

En chica casa, grande hombre cabe.

14. 麻雀虽小，五脏具全。{中西方谚语对比}.

Lit. El gorrión, a pesar de su pequeñez, tiene todas las vísceras.

Fig. Pequeño pero completo

15. 留得青山在，不怕没柴烧。

Lit. Mientras haya montes verdes, no hay por qué inquietarse por la leña.

Fig. Mientras hay vida, hay esperanza.

16. 前事不忘，后事之师。

Lit. La experiencia del pasado, si no cae en el olvido, sirve de guía para el futuro.

Fig. La experiencia es la madre de la ciencia.

17. 前人栽树，后人乘凉。

Lit. La generación anterior planta árboles y la posterior se cobija a su sombra.

Fig. Trabajar en provecho de generaciones venideras.

18. 患难识知己。

Lit. Los verdaderos amigos se conocen en la adversidad.

Fig. En luego camino y en cama angosta se conocen los amigos..

19. 前车之履，后车之鉴。

Lit. El vuelco del carro delantero puede servir de aviso al que va detrás.

Fig. El cuerdo en cabeza ajena escarmienta

20. 山中无老虎，猴子称大王。

Lit. Sin tigres en el monte, el mono es rey.

Si no hubiera tigres en el monte, el mono sería el rey.

Fig. En tierra de ciegos, el tuerto es rey.

A falta de pan, buenas son tortas.

21. 千里送鹅毛，礼轻情意重

Lit. Enviar desde la lejanía a mil li plumas de ganso, por liviano que sea el regalo, encierra afecto profundo.

中西方谚语对比篇四

中西谚语对照100句(10)

中西谚语对照100句（10）

1. Where there is a will, there is a way.

有志者，事竟成。

2. Well begun is half done.

好的开端是成功的一半。

3. East, west, home is best.

金窝、银窝，不如自己的草窝。

4. There is no royal road to learning.

学无坦途。

5. Look before you leap. First think, then act.

三思而后行。

6. It is never too late to mend.

亡羊补牢，犹为未晚。

7. Light come, light go.

来得容易，去得快。

8. Time is money.

时间就是金钱。

9. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

患难见真交。

10.Great hopes make great man.

远大的希望，造就伟大的人物。

11.After a storm comes a calm.

雨过天晴。

12.All roads lead to Rome.

条条大路通罗马。

13.Art is long, but life is short.

人生有限，学问无涯。

14.Stick to it, and you'll succeed.

只要人有恒，万事都能成。

15.Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. 早睡早起，富裕、聪明、身体好。

16.A good medicine tastes bitter.

良药苦口。

17.It is good to learn at another man's cost.

前车之鉴。

18.Keeping is harder than winning.

创业不易，守业更难。

19.Let's cross the bridge when we come to it.

船到桥头自然直。

20.More haste, less speed.

欲速则不达。

21.No pains, no gains.

不劳则无获。

22.Nothing is difficult to the man who will try.

世上无难事，只要肯登攀。

23.Where there is life, there is hope.

生命不息，希望常在。

24.An idle youth, a needy age.

少壮不努力，老大徒伤悲。

25.We must not lie down, and cry, "God help us."

求神不如求己。

26.A plant may produce new flowers; man is young but once. 花有重开日，人无再少年。

27.God helps those who help themselves.

自助者，天助之。

28.What may be done at any time will be done at no time.

明日待明日，明日不再来。

29.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

只工作，不玩耍，聪明孩子也变傻。

30.Diligence is the mother of success.

勤奋是成功之母。

31.Truth is the daughter of time.

时间见真理。

32.Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves. 积少自然成多。

33.No man is wise at all times.

智者千虑，必有一失。{中西方谚语对比}.

34.Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

今天能做的事绝不要拖到明天。

35.Live and learn.

活到老，学到老。

36.Kill two birds with one stone.

一石双鸟。

37.It never rains but it pours.

祸不单行。

38.In doing we learn.

经一事，长一智。

39.Easier said than done.

说起来容易做起来难。

40.An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

一分预防胜似十分治疗。

41.Industry is fortune's right hand, and frugality her left.

勤勉是幸运的右手，节约是幸运的左手。

42.Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. 天才一分来自灵感，九十九分来自勤奋。

43.He who laughs last laughs best.

谁笑在最后，谁笑得最好。

44.He who pays the piper, calls the tune.

谁负担费用，谁加以控制。

45.He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything. 身体健壮就有希望，有了希望就有了一切。

46.No man is born wise or learned.

人非生而知之。

47.Action speak louder than words.

事实胜于雄辩。

48.Courage and resolution are the spirit and soul of virtue. 勇敢和坚决是美德的灵魂。

49.United we stand, divided we fall.

合即立，分即垮。

50.There is no smoke without fire.

无风不起浪。

51.Many hands make light work.

人多好办事。

52.Reading makes a full man.

读书长见识。

53.The best horse needs breeding, and the aptest child needs teaching. 最好的马要驯，最伶俐的孩子要教。

54.Learn young, learn fair.

学习趁年轻，学就要学好。

55.Wisdom in the mind is better than money in the hand.

胸中有知识，胜于手中有金钱。

56.Once bitten, twice shy.

一次被咬，下次胆小。

57.Sound in body, sound in mind.

有健全的身体才有健全的精神。

58.Seeing is believing.

百闻不如一见。

59.Dogs wave their tails not so much in, love to you as your bread. 狗摇尾巴，爱的是你的面包。

60.Money is a good servant but a bad master.

要做金钱的主人，莫作金钱的奴隶。

61.It's hard sailing when there is no wind.

无风难驶船。

62.The path to glory is always rugged.

通向光荣的道路常常是崎岖的。

63.Living without an aim is like sailing without a compass. 没有目标的生活如同没有罗盘的航行。

64.Quality matters more than quantity.

质重于量。

65.The on-looker sees most of the game.

旁观者清。

66.Wisdom is a good purchase though we pay dear for it .

为了求知识，代价虽高也值得。

67.Joys shared with others are more enjoyed.

与众同乐，其乐更乐。

68.Happiness takes no account of time.

欢乐不觉日子长。

69.Time and tide waits for no man.

岁月不等人。

70.If you want knowledge, you must toil for it.

若要求知，必须刻苦。

71.Learn to walk before you run.

循序渐进。

72.Knowing something of everything, and everything of something. 通百艺而专一长。

73.From words to deeds is a great space.

言行之间，大有距离。

74.Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.

技能和信心是无敌的军队。

75.Habit is a second nature.

习惯成自然。

76.Lifeless, faultless.

只有死人才不会犯错误。

77.A book is the same today as it always was and it will never change. 好书千载常如新。{中西方谚语对比}.

78.Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen. 读书如择友，宜少且宜精。

79.A book that remains shut is but a block. 书本不常翻，犹如一块砖。

80.It's not the gay coat that makes the gentleman. 君子在德不在衣。

81.Two heads are better than one.

三个臭皮匠顶个诸葛亮。

82.Birth is much, but breeding is more.

出身重要，教养更重要。

83.Nothing is impossible to a willing mind. 世上无难事，只怕有心人。

84.You can't make something out of nothing. 巧妇难为无米之炊。

85.Nothing venture, nothing have.

不入虎穴，焉得虎子。

86.Nothing for nothing.

不费力气，一无所得。

87.Of nothing comes nothing.

无中不能生有。

88.He who makes no mistakes makes nothing. 不犯错误者一事无成。

89.Better say nothing than nothing to the purpose. 话不中肯，不如不说。

90.Nothing succeeds like success.

一事如意，万事顺利。

91.Nothing stake, nothing draw.

不顶千里浪，哪来万斤鱼。

92.Nothing is as good as it seems beforehand. 期待比现实更美好。

93.Nothing is given so freely as advice.

劝人最容易。

94.Nothing is so certain as the unexpected. 天有不测风云，人有旦夕祸福。

95.Nothing seek, nothing find.

无所求则无所获。

96.A little of everything is nothing in the main. 每事浅尝辄止，事事都告无成。

97.A great ship asks deep waters.

中西方谚语对比篇五

中外谚语折射中西方文化差异

毕业论文

题目: 中外谚语折射中西方文化差异

院(系专业年级: 英语2010级

姓名: 张娜

学号:

指导教师:

2012年03月10日

中外谚语折射中西方文化差异

[摘要] 谚语是语义相对完整的固定句子。使用时可作为句子成分，也可作为独立的交际单位，表达完整的意思。在英语教学中大量使用英语谚语，不仅可以使学生了解各国的历史、文化和风土人情，丰富知识，扩大视野，还使学生在形象感受中对其深刻内容牢记不忘，所以说，学习谚语对于学好英语有很大的帮助。谚语内容精辟，语言生动，短小精悍，通俗易懂，因而有广泛的感染力。因此，进行汉、英谚语的文化含义研究，对语言文化研究有重要意义。语言与文化是分不开的。语言是文化的一部分，但是它又是一种特殊的文化。语言与文化间的关系，是双向的影响制约的关系。在文化上，谚语既反映人类共同的认识，又反映民族文化的差异。充分弘扬人类共同的知识财富，又能相互吸收民族文化的精华，是研究和使用谚语时应该兼顾的。

[关键词]语言，谚语，文化，差异

1．前言 .................................................................................................................. 错误！未定义书签。4

2．英汉谚语差异的具体表现 ............................................... 5

2.1 二级标题 ........................................................ 5

2.2 二级标题 ........................................................ 7

2.2 二级标题 ........................................................ 9

2.2 二级标题 ....................................................... 11

2.2 二级标题 ....................................................... 12

2.2 二级标题 ....................................................... 14

3.结论 ................................................................ 15

参考文献 ............................................................... 17

中外谚语折射中西方文化差异

一、前言

首先我们先来了解一下何为谚语。谚语是语义相对完整的固定句子。使用时可作为句子成分，也可作为独立的交际单位，表达完整的意思。谚语以最简短的形式表达最丰富的内容，语言生动活泼，富有生活气息。不少谚语以形象的比喻阐述事物的规律，具有很深的哲理。在英语教学中大量使用英语谚语，不仅可以使学生了解各国的历史、文化和风土人情，丰富知识，扩大视野，还使学生在形象感受中对其深刻内容牢记不忘，所以说，学习谚语对于学好英语有很大的帮助。

谚语往往多少能反映一个民族的地理、历史、社会制度、社会观点和态度。因而产生独特的民族文化，它最大的特点是表达人民群众在生产和日常生活中、各种社会活动中积累的丰富经验。比如，有些民族住在沿海一带，靠海为生，他们的谚语往往涉及海上航行、经受风雨、捕鱼捉蟹。象阿拉伯人这样的游牧民族的谚语则多涉及沙漠、草原、羊、马、骆驼和豺狼。尊敬老人的社会就会有颂扬老人足智多谋的谚语。妇女地位不高的社会就有许多轻视、贬低妇女的谚语。谚语是民间流传的至理名言，措辞简练，便于记忆。谚语内容精辟，语言生动，短小精悍，通俗易懂，因而有广泛的感染力。正如培根所说：“谚语是一个民族天才，机智和精神的体现。”因此，进行汉、英谚语的文化含义研究，对语言文化研究有重要意义。

正如上所说，语言与文化是分不开的。语言是文化的一部分，但是它又是一种特殊的文化。语言与文化间的关系，是双向的影响制约的关系。有些社会学家认为，语言是文化的冠石——没有语言，就没有文化；从另一个方面看，语言又受文化的影响，反映文化。可以这样说，语言反映一个民族的特征，它不仅包含着该民族的历史和文化背景，而且蕴涵着该民族对人生的看法，生活方式和思维方式。社会学家告诉我们，一切文化是独特的，互不相同的。人类学家Sapir在其《语言论》中说：“语言是个底座，说一种语言的人是属于一个种族或几个种族的，也就是说属于身体上具有某些特征而又不同于别的群体的一个群。语言„„.决定我们生活面貌的风格和信仰的总体” 。

不同的民族在漫长的历史进程中孕育了独具特色的文化。总的说来，英美文化的主线是个人主义，而中国文化（以汉族文化为代表）则以集体主义（或称人伦本位）为主线。此外，英美文化受宗教的影响比较大，而儒家思想则在中国的文化中留下深深的烙印，漫长的封建社会对中国文化的影响也是显而易见。

二、英汉谚语差异的具体表现

1、宗教信仰

宗教信仰是人们精神活动的一个方面，对民族文化有一定的影响。研究汉、英谚语中反映宗教思想和观念，可以帮助我们更深刻地理解两个民族的语言文化。宗教不是孤立地存在的，宗教思想要受到一个社会的哲学思潮、政治经济状况的影响，有时各种思想相互交织。基督教是英美国家的主要宗教信仰，由此产生了许多独具宗教特色的文化。谚语“Christmas comes but one year(圣诞节一年才过一次，或佳节难逢)”已成为人们耳熟能详的一句话。圣诞节是基督教国家最盛大的节日，具有独特的宗教文化蕴义。节日期间，人们常用此谚语劝人们对别人的吵闹和大吃大喝要忍着点，不要太在意；同时也劝谕人们把握机会，送送东西或帮助穷困的人。在中国借节日之机大行善事并不多见。基督教国家此风盛行，也许是因为其独特的宗教信仰和宗教文化的缘故。再如，谚语“Merry in lent , and you’ll live to repent(四旬斋结婚，悔恨终生)”这一说法源于四旬斋（Lent）这一宗教节日：节日期间，基督教徒素食苦行，把斋期当作赎罪的神圣日子，因此人们认为斋期会

给人带来厄运，不适合结婚。英语谚语中，具有宗教文化代表性的词，如cross和God的运用就很常见。例如，谚语“Every man must bear his own cross(人人都得背自己的十字架)”中，cross一词指的就是耶酥基督殉难时所背的十字架，谚语借此喻指人人都得肩负生活重担、忍受生活中的苦难。与基督教不同，佛教虽然也有大慈大悲的观世音，也讲普渡众生，但更重视劝人行善，讲究因果报应。这方面的谚语有“善恶到头终有报，只争来早与来迟”，“善必寿长，恶必早亡”等。具有宗教色彩的cross一词在英语谚语中的用法很多，又如：“The cross on his breast and the devil in his clothes(十字挂胸前，鬼魅藏心间)”。此外，英语谚语常用God来指代“人类的主宰”，例如，“God sends cold after clothes(人们需要啥，上帝就给啥)”等等。

英语谚语中，有不少是来源于《圣经》的。例如，谚语“Every heart has its own ache(各人有各人的苦衷)”就是来源于《圣经•旧约•箴言》中的“Every heart knows his own bitterness”一句。再如，谚语“Forbidden fruit is sweet(禁果分外甜)”语出《圣经•创世纪》。人类的始祖亚当和夏娃本来在伊甸园过着无忧无虑的生活，后来他们受到魔鬼撒旦的诱惑，偷吃了禁果，被上帝逐出伊甸园。从此以后，亚当和夏娃的子孙就要遭受人世间的种种苦难。又如，谚语“You cannot serve God and Mammon(不能既侍奉上帝又侍奉财神)”同样也是出自《圣经•新约•马太福音》：Mammon是财神，Spenser和Milton都把财神作为贪财、吝啬的化身。此谚意思是说“信神者不能贪财，必须在虔诚和世俗之间做出抉择。因为虔诚和世俗是互不相融的”。以上这些谚语与《圣经》中的说法或教义息息相关。宗教（以基督教为住）在英美国家占有重要地位。相比较而言，中国虽然也有佛教、道教等教派，但长期以来，儒家思想在中国漫长的封建社会历史中占主导地位。即便如此，汉语谚语中也有不少是与宗教文化联系在一起的。例如，谚语“佛要金装，人要衣装”、“放下屠刀，立地成佛”、“平日不烧香，临时抱佛脚”、“人争一口气，佛争一炉香”等就与佛教有关；而“一人得道，鸡犬升天”、“八仙过海，各显神通”等则与道教有关。

2、价值观念

价值是人们对什么是可取，什么是不可取的指向性考虑和评价。英美价值观念的主线是个人主义，崇尚个人相对社会的独立自主性。谚语“Don’t put your finger in the pie(不要多管闲事)”体现的就是英美社会奉行的个人主义处世哲学，它告诫人们不要多管别人的闲事，专心搞好自己的事才是上策。英美价值观还体现在时间观念上的守时，追求效率和乐观态度。谚语“Time is money(时间就是金钱)”虽形似汉谚“一寸光阴一寸金，寸金难买寸光阴”，但它侧重于告诉人们应该充分利用有限的时间不断创造更多的物质财富，含有浓厚的经济色彩。谚语“Punctuality is the politeness of kings(守时乃帝王之理)”以及“Punctuality is the soul of business(恪守时刻，为立业之本)”反映了人们对守时的重视，成为西方国家所崇尚的观念，虽然汉语谚语也有“浪费时间等于谋财害命”之说，但总体上讲，中国人的守时观念相对较弱。