Proverbs Meaning In Marathi: 50+ Best Examples With Meaning

Proverbs Meaning In Marathi refers to म्हणी (Mhani)—short, meaningful sayings that express life lessons and practical wisdom. Explore 50 Marathi proverbs with Roman transliteration, simple Marathi meanings, Hindi and English explanations, and sentence examples to understand their meanings and everyday usage.

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Quick Facts: Proverbs Meaning

Detail	Information
English word	Proverb
Marathi meaning	म्हण
Marathi plural	म्हणी
Hindi meaning	कहावत / लोकोक्ति
Main purpose	To express wisdom, experience, or a life lesson
Common uses	Conversation, writing, storytelling, speeches, and education

What Is a Proverb?

A proverb is a short, familiar saying that expresses a general truth, practical lesson, or observation about life. Proverbs develop through shared experiences and are passed down through generations. They often teach lessons about human behaviour, hard work, relationships, honesty, time, and decision-making.

In Marathi, a proverb is called म्हण (Mhan), and its plural form is म्हणी (Mhani). In Hindi, the corresponding terms are कहावत and लोकोक्ति.

Proverbs Meaning In Marathi refers to the meanings and explanations of traditional sayings known as म्हणी.

For example, “थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे” teaches that small contributions can gradually produce a significant result. Its closest English equivalent is “Little drops make the mighty ocean.”

Meaning of म्हण, म्हणी and म्हणणे

Marathi Word	Meaning
म्हण (Mhan)	One proverb or saying
म्हणी (Mhani)	More than one proverb
म्हणणे (Mhanane)	To say or tell

Proverb vs Idiom

A proverb (म्हण) generally expresses a complete lesson, observation, or general truth. An idiom (वाक्प्रचार) is a fixed expression whose intended meaning may differ from the literal meanings of its words.

Feature	Proverb (म्हण)	Idiom (वाक्प्रचार)
Purpose	Expresses a lesson or general truth	Expresses a figurative idea
Typical form	Often a complete statement	Usually a phrase used within a sentence
Example	अति तिथे माती	डोळ्यात धूळ फेकणे
Meaning	Too much can cause harm	To deceive someone

50 Marathi Proverbs With Meanings

The following list brings together Marathi म्हणी and commonly used proverbial expressions. Each entry includes Roman transliteration, a simple Marathi explanation, and Hindi and English meanings.

Translations are explanatory equivalents rather than guaranteed word-for-word matches. Some expressions have regional variations, and a few commonly shared sayings are modern or proverbial expressions rather than strictly traditional म्हणी.

Marathi Proverbs 1–25

No.	Marathi म्हण	Roman Transliteration	Marathi Meaning	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
1	अति तिथे माती	Ati tithe mati	अतिरेक केल्याने नुकसान होते.	अति हर चीज़ की बुरी होती है।	Too much of anything is harmful.
2	थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे	Thenbe thenbe tale sache	थोडे थोडे जमा केल्याने मोठे काम होते.	बूंद-बूंद से सागर भरता है।	Small efforts add up over time.
3	नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे	Nachata yeina angan vakade	स्वतःची चूक मान्य न करता दुसऱ्याला दोष देणे.	नाचना नहीं आता, आँगन टेढ़ा।	Blaming others for one’s own failure.
4	जशी करणी तशी भरणी	Jashi karani tashi bharani	आपल्या कर्मांप्रमाणे फळ मिळते.	जैसी करनी वैसी भरनी।	As you sow, so shall you reap.
5	प्रयत्नांती परमेश्वर	Prayatnanti Parmeshwar	सतत प्रयत्न केल्याने यश मिळू शकते.	कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती।	Persistent effort can lead to success.
6	बुडत्याला काडीचा आधार	Budatyala kadicha adhar	संकटात छोटी मदतही महत्त्वाची असते.	डूबते को तिनके का सहारा।	Even a little help matters in a crisis.
7	शहाण्याला शब्दाचा मार	Shahanyala shabdacha maar	समजदार व्यक्तीला सूचना देणे पुरेसे असते.	समझदार को इशारा काफी है।	A wise person understands a hint.
8	अंथरूण पाहून पाय पसरावे	Antharun pahun pay pasarave	आपल्या उत्पन्नानुसार खर्च करावा.	अपनी चादर देखकर पैर फैलाओ।	Live within your means.
9	गर्वाचे घर खाली	Garvache ghar khali	अहंकारामुळे माणसाचे पतन होऊ शकते.	घमंड का सिर नीचा।	Pride can lead to a downfall.
10	कोल्ह्याला द्राक्षे आंबट	Kolhyala drakshe ambat	न मिळालेल्या गोष्टीला दोष देणे.	अंगूर खट्टे हैं।	Criticising what one cannot obtain.
11	एका हाताने टाळी वाजत नाही	Eka hatane tali vajat nahi	काही वादांमध्ये दोन्ही बाजूंचा सहभाग असतो.	एक हाथ से ताली नहीं बजती।	It takes two to make a quarrel.
12	दुरून डोंगर साजरे	Durun dongar sajare	दूरच्या गोष्टी प्रत्यक्षापेक्षा चांगल्या वाटू शकतात.	दूर के ढोल सुहावने लगते हैं।	Things can look better from a distance.
13	हातचे सोडून पळत्याच्या मागे लागू नये	Hatachhe sodun paltyachya mage lagu naye	खात्रीची गोष्ट सोडून अनिश्चित गोष्टीमागे लागू नये.	हाथ की चीज़ छोड़कर अनिश्चित चीज़ के पीछे नहीं भागना चाहिए।	Do not give up a sure thing for an uncertain one.
14	आंधळ्यात काणा राजा	Aandhlyat kana raja	कमी जाणकारांमध्ये थोडे अधिक जाणणारा श्रेष्ठ ठरतो.	अंधों में काना राजा।	Among the less informed, limited knowledge can seem superior.
15	ज्याचे जळते त्यालाच कळते	Jyache jalte tyalach kalte	ज्याला त्रास होतो त्यालाच त्याची खरी जाणीव असते.	जिसे दर्द होता है, वही जानता है।	Only the sufferer fully understands the pain.
16	आपला हात जगन्नाथ	Apla hat Jagannath	स्वतःच्या प्रयत्नांवर अवलंबून राहणे महत्त्वाचे.	अपना हाथ जगन्नाथ।	Self-reliance is important.
17	घरोघरी मातीच्या चुली	Gharoghari matichya chuli	प्रत्येक घरात काही ना काही अडचणी असतात.	हर घर की अपनी परेशानियाँ होती हैं।	Every family has its own troubles.
18	मेल्यावर औषध काय कामाचे?	Melyavar aushadh kay kamache?	वेळ निघून गेल्यावर केलेला उपाय निरुपयोगी ठरतो.	अब पछताए क्या जब चिड़िया चुग गई खेत।	A remedy is useless after the damage is done.
19	शितावरून भाताची परीक्षा	Shitavarun bhatachi pariksha	छोट्या नमुन्यावरून संपूर्ण गोष्टीचा अंदाज येतो.	एक चावल से पूरे भात का पता चलता है।	A small sample can reveal the quality of the whole.
20	गरज सरो, वैद्य मरो	Garaj saro vaidya maro	काम झाल्यावर मदत करणाऱ्याला विसरणे.	काम निकलने पर भूल जाना।	Forgetting those who helped once the need is over.
21	नाव मोठे, लक्षण खोटे	Nav mothe, lakshan khote	नाव मोठे असले तरी प्रत्यक्ष गुणवत्ता कमी असणे.	नाम बड़े, दर्शन छोटे।	A big reputation but little substance.
22	लहान तोंडी मोठा घास	Lahan tondi motha ghas	आपल्या क्षमतेपेक्षा मोठा दावा करणे किंवा अवास्तव गोष्ट बोलणे.	छोटा मुँह, बड़ी बात।	Making claims beyond one’s capacity or standing.
23	गर्जेल तो बरसेल काय?	Garjel to barsel kay?	मोठमोठ्या घोषणा करणारी व्यक्ती प्रत्यक्ष कृती करेलच असे नाही.	गरजने वाला हमेशा बरसे, यह ज़रूरी नहीं।	Boasting does not guarantee action.
24	कामापुरता मामा	Kamapurta mama	स्वार्थासाठी नाते ठेवणे आणि काम झाल्यावर दूर जाणे.	मतलब निकलने पर रिश्ता खत्म।	Maintaining a relationship only for personal benefit.
25	दिसते तसे नसते	Diste tase naste	दिसण्यावरून एखाद्या गोष्टीचे खरे स्वरूप समजत नाही.	जैसा दिखता है, वैसा हमेशा होता नहीं।	Things are not always as they appear.

Marathi Proverbs 26–50

No.	Marathi म्हण	Roman Transliteration	Marathi Meaning	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
26	शेरास सव्वाशेर	Sheras savvasher	प्रत्येक बलवान व्यक्तीपेक्षा अधिक बलवान व्यक्ती असू शकते.	हर ताकतवर से बढ़कर कोई हो सकता है।	There is always someone stronger or more capable.
27	टाकीचे घाव सोसल्याशिवाय देवपण येत नाही	Takiche ghav soslyashivay devpan yet nahi	मोठे यश मिळवण्यासाठी कष्ट आणि संघर्ष सहन करावा लागतो.	बिना मेहनत और संघर्ष के सफलता नहीं मिलती।	Great achievements require effort and endurance.
28	जिभेने केले आणि जिभेने भोगले	Jibhene kele ani jibhene bhogale	चुकीच्या बोलण्यामुळे स्वतःवर संकट येऊ शकते.	अपनी जुबान से मुसीबत मोल लेना।	Careless words can bring trouble.
29	वाचाल तर वाचाल	Vachal tar vachal	वाचन आणि ज्ञानामुळे प्रगती होण्यास मदत होते.	पढ़ोगे तो आगे बढ़ोगे।	Reading and learning help you grow.
30	हातच्या कंकणाला आरसा कशाला?	Hatachya kankanala arasa kashala?	स्पष्ट गोष्ट सिद्ध करण्यासाठी वेगळ्या पुराव्याची गरज नसते.	प्रत्यक्ष बात के लिए सबूत की क्या ज़रूरत?	Obvious facts do not need extra proof.
31	आधी पोटोबा मग विठोबा	Adhi potoba mag Vithoba	आधी मूलभूत गरजा पूर्ण कराव्यात.	पहले पेट, फिर पूजा।	Basic needs come before higher pursuits.
32	खाण तशी माती	Khan tashi mati	व्यक्तीचे गुणधर्म तिच्या संगोपनाशी किंवा वातावरणाशी संबंधित असू शकतात.	जैसा वातावरण, वैसा स्वभाव।	People can reflect their upbringing or environment.
33	एका माळेचे मणी	Eka maleche mani	एकाच प्रकारचे गुण किंवा स्वभाव असलेले लोक.	एक ही थैली के चट्टे-बट्टे।	People of the same kind or nature.
34	जसा राजा तशी प्रजा	Jasa raja tashi praja	नेतृत्वाचा प्रभाव लोकांवर पडतो.	जैसा राजा, वैसी प्रजा।	People often reflect their leadership.
35	शेवटचे हसणे खरे हसणे	Shevatche hasne khare hasne	शेवटी मिळालेले यश अधिक महत्त्वाचे ठरू शकते.	अंत में हँसना ही असली जीत है।	He who laughs last laughs best.
36	माकडाच्या हाती कोलीत	Makadachya hati kolit	अयोग्य व्यक्तीच्या हातात धोकादायक साधन किंवा सत्ता असणे.	बंदर के हाथ में मशाल।	Dangerous power in the wrong hands.
37	विंचवाचे बिऱ्हाड पाठीवर	Vinchvache birhad pathivar	सतत फिरत राहणे किंवा एका ठिकाणी स्थिर न होणे.	जहाँ जाओ, अपना घर साथ लिए फिरना।	Always on the move, never settled.
38	वेळ गेली तर संधी गेली	Vel geli tar sandhi geli	वेळ निघून गेल्यावर संधी गमावली जाऊ शकते.	समय निकल गया तो मौका चला गया।	Time lost can mean opportunity lost.
39	चार दिवस सासूचे, चार दिवस सुनेचे	Char divas sasuche, char divas suneche	प्रत्येकाची वेळ बदलत असते; कोणाचाही प्रभाव कायम राहत नाही.	हर किसी का वक्त आता है।	Everyone gets their turn.
40	तेल गेले, तूप गेले, हाती राहिले धुपाटणे	Tel gele, tup gele, hati rahile dhupatne	प्रयत्न करूनही दोन्ही बाजूंनी नुकसान होणे.	दोनों तरफ से नुकसान होना।	Losing out on both sides.
41	काखेत कळसा, गावाला वळसा	Kakhet kalasa, gavala valasa	जवळ असलेली गोष्ट दूर शोधत फिरणे.	पास की चीज़ को दूर ढूँढ़ना।	Looking far away for something close at hand.
42	हत्ती गेला पण शेपूट राहिले	Hatti gela pan sheput rahile	मुख्य काम पूर्ण झाले असून थोडे काम बाकी असणे.	हाथी निकल गया, पूँछ रह गई।	The main work is done, but a small part remains.
43	एक ना धड भाराभर चिंध्या	Ek na dhad bharabhar chindhya	अनेक कामे सुरू करून कोणतेही नीट पूर्ण न करणे.	कई काम अधूरे छोड़ देना।	Taking on too much and completing nothing properly.
44	चोराच्या मनात चांदणे	Chorachya manat chandane	दोषी व्यक्तीला स्वतःच्या चुकीची भीती किंवा संशय वाटत असतो.	चोर की दाढ़ी में तिनका।	A guilty person becomes suspicious or fearful.
45	झाकली मूठ सव्वा लाखाची	Zhakli muth savva lakhachi	काही गोष्टी गुप्त ठेवल्याने त्यांचे महत्त्व किंवा प्रतिष्ठा टिकू शकते.	कुछ बातें छिपी रहें तो बेहतर है।	Keeping something private can preserve its value.
46	दगडावर डोके आपटणे	Dagadavar doke apatne	निष्फळ प्रयत्न करणे किंवा न ऐकणाऱ्या व्यक्तीला समजावण्याचा प्रयत्न करणे.	पत्थर से सिर मारना।	Making a futile effort.
47	बळी तो कान पिळी	Bali to kan pili	शक्तिशाली व्यक्ती दुर्बळांवर आपले वर्चस्व गाजवते.	जिसकी लाठी, उसकी भैंस।	The powerful often impose their will.
48	दगडापेक्षा वीट मऊ	Dagadapeksha veet mau	दोन वाईट पर्यायांपैकी कमी वाईट पर्याय निवडणे.	बुरे में से कम बुरा चुनना।	Choosing the lesser of two evils.
49	संकटातच मित्राची ओळख होते	Sankatatich mitrachi olakh hote	अडचणीच्या काळात खरे मित्र ओळखता येतात.	मुसीबत में सच्चे मित्र की पहचान होती है।	Difficult times reveal true friends.
50	अति परिचयात अवज्ञा	Ati parichayat avadnya	अतिशय जवळीक झाल्याने कधी कधी आदर कमी होतो.	अति परिचय से अवज्ञा होती है।	Excessive familiarity can lead to disrespect.

Important wording note: “जशी करणी तशी भरणी” is a widely used traditional form. “जसे कराल तसे भराल” is also understandable as a related expression. Similarly, “गर्जेल तो बरसेल काय?” is preferable to the incorrect wording “गर्जेल तो पडेल नाही.” Some other entries, including modern formulations about time and friendship, should be described as proverbial expressions unless verified in a reliable Marathi proverb collection.

Category-Wise Grouping of Marathi Proverbs

Grouping proverbs by subject makes them easier to understand, remember, and use in the right situation.

1. Hard Work and Effort

These sayings highlight the importance of persistence, learning, and effort.

थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे — Small efforts gradually produce big results.
प्रयत्नांती परमेश्वर — Persistent effort can lead to success.
टाकीचे घाव सोसल्याशिवाय देवपण येत नाही — Achievement requires effort and endurance.
वाचाल तर वाचाल — Reading and learning help a person progress.
जशी करणी तशी भरणी — Actions have consequences.

2. Appearances and Honesty

These expressions remind us not to judge only by appearances or reputation.

नाव मोठे, लक्षण खोटे — A big reputation does not always mean good quality.
दिसते तसे नसते — Things may not be what they seem.
चोराच्या मनात चांदणे — A guilty person may feel suspicious or fearful.
हातच्या कंकणाला आरसा कशाला? — An obvious fact needs no extra proof.

3. Time and Opportunity

These sayings focus on timing and the consequences of delay.

वेळ गेली तर संधी गेली — Lost time can mean a lost opportunity.
मेल्यावर औषध काय कामाचे? — A remedy after the damage is done may be useless.
शेवटचे हसणे खरे हसणे — The final outcome matters.

4. Excess and Greed

These sayings caution against excess and chasing uncertain rewards.

अति तिथे माती — Excess can cause harm.
हातचे सोडून पळत्याच्या मागे लागू नये — Do not abandon what you already have for something uncertain.
कोल्ह्याला द्राक्षे आंबट — People may criticise what they cannot obtain.

5. Pride and Behaviour

These expressions describe the consequences of arrogance and irresponsible behaviour.

गर्वाचे घर खाली — Pride can lead to a downfall.
गर्जेल तो बरसेल काय? — Boasting does not guarantee action.
लहान तोंडी मोठा घास — Making claims beyond one’s capacity.

6. Relationships and Human Nature

These sayings highlight relationships, personal interests, and the influence of leadership.

घरोघरी मातीच्या चुली — Every family has its own problems.
एका हाताने टाळी वाजत नाही — Some conflicts involve more than one side.
कामापुरता मामा — A relationship may be maintained only for personal benefit.
गरज सरो, वैद्य मरो — Some people forget their helpers once their need is met.
जसा राजा तशी प्रजा — Leadership influences people.

7. Blaming Others

These expressions describe situations in which people avoid accepting their own mistakes.

नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे — Blaming circumstances for one’s own failure.
दुरून डोंगर साजरे — Things may appear better from a distance.

Marathi Proverbs With Sentence Examples

The following examples demonstrate how to use a proverb naturally in everyday Marathi. The examples are different from the short definitions in the main table.

Proverb	Marathi Sentence Example	English Explanation
अति तिथे माती	तो दिवसभर काम करत राहिला आणि विश्रांती घेतली नाही; अति तिथे माती.	Too much work without rest can be harmful.
थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे	रोज थोडे पैसे साठवल्यामुळे तिने शिक्षणासाठी पुरेशी बचत केली; थेंबे थेंबे तळे साचे.	Small savings can build up over time.
नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे	स्वतः तयारी केली नाही आणि आता परीक्षेच्या पद्धतीला दोष देतो; नाचता येईना अंगण वाकडे.	Do not blame the circumstances for your own lack of preparation.
बुडत्याला काडीचा आधार	अडचणीच्या वेळी शेजाऱ्याने दिलेली थोडी मदतही उपयोगी पडली; बुडत्याला काडीचा आधार.	Even a little help can matter in a crisis.
अंथरूण पाहून पाय पसरावे	घरासाठी कर्ज घेताना त्याने आपल्या उत्पन्नाचा विचार केला; अंथरूण पाहून पाय पसरावे.	Spending should match one’s financial means.
गर्वाचे घर खाली	आपल्या यशाचा गर्व करून त्याने सहकाऱ्यांना कमी लेखले आणि त्यांचा विश्वास गमावला; गर्वाचे घर खाली.	Arrogance can damage relationships and lead to a downfall.
शहाण्याला शब्दाचा मार	शिक्षकांनी एकदाच समजावल्यावर विद्यार्थ्याने आपली चूक सुधारली; शहाण्याला शब्दाचा मार.	A sensible person can learn from a simple reminder.
ज्याचे जळते त्यालाच कळते	दीर्घ आजाराचा त्रास किती असतो हे त्या रुग्णालाच खरे समजते; ज्याचे जळते त्यालाच कळते.	The person experiencing pain understands it best.

Traditional Marathi Proverbs vs Modern and Viral Sayings

Marathi sayings are shared widely through Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and other social-media platforms. Some are traditional म्हणी, while others are motivational quotes, jokes, captions, or modern adaptations of older expressions.

A saying becoming popular online does not automatically make it a traditional Marathi proverb.

Type	Description	Example or Usage
Traditional म्हण	A saying established through repeated use across generations	अति तिथे माती
Modern motivational quote	A contemporary statement about success, confidence, or personal growth	A quote encouraging consistent effort
Viral or meme saying	A humorous or ironic line shared widely online	A joke about procrastination or everyday problems
Adapted proverb	A familiar proverb changed to suit a modern situation	A humorous variation used in a reel

How to Understand Viral Marathi Sayings

Check the original wording. A social-media post may change the wording of a traditional saying.
Understand the context. A humorous adaptation may intentionally reverse or exaggerate the original meaning.
Separate quotes from म्हणी. A new motivational line is not automatically a traditional proverb.
Avoid unsupported trend claims. Do not describe a saying as “viral” or “trending” without evidence of its popularity.
Explain the meaning, not just the words. This is especially important when a saying uses sarcasm, humour, or cultural references.

This distinction helps readers understand both traditional Marathi language and modern online communication without confusing the two.

How to Learn and Remember Marathi Proverbs

Learning Marathi म्हणी is easier when you focus on meaning and context instead of memorising a long list at once.

Learn a few at a time. Start with three to five sayings and understand their meanings before moving on.
Read the Marathi explanation. It helps you understand the lesson without relying only on English or Hindi translations.
Create your own sentences. Use each proverb in a realistic situation.
Group sayings by topic. Categories such as effort, relationships, and time help you recall the right expression.
Compare equivalent sayings. Marathi, Hindi, and English may express the same idea using different words.
Practise the original spelling. Roman transliteration helps with pronunciation, but Devanagari is important for reading and writing Marathi correctly.
Check unfamiliar forms. Regional expressions and modern adaptations may differ from established traditional wording.

Conclusion

Proverbs Meaning In Marathi refers to the meanings of sayings known as म्हणी. These expressions communicate practical wisdom about effort, relationships, time, honesty, pride, and human behaviour in a short and memorable form.

To understand a Marathi proverb properly, learn its original wording, its Marathi meaning, and the context in which it is used. English and Hindi equivalents can help explain the lesson, but they may not always reproduce the exact cultural meaning.

Whether you are learning Marathi, preparing an essay, improving your vocabulary, or exploring sayings shared online, understanding the context is more useful than memorising words alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of “Proverbs” in Marathi?

“Proverbs” means म्हणी (Mhani) in Marathi. The singular form is म्हण (Mhan). A proverb expresses a general truth, observation, or lesson through a familiar saying.

2. What is the difference between म्हण and म्हणी?

म्हण is singular and refers to one proverb. म्हणी is plural and refers to multiple proverbs.

3. What is the Hindi meaning of Marathi proverbs?

The Hindi equivalents of Marathi proverbs are generally called कहावतें or लोकोक्तियाँ. Some Marathi sayings have close Hindi equivalents, while others require an explanation of their underlying meaning.

4. Do all Marathi proverbs have exact English equivalents?

No. Some have close English equivalents, such as “अति तिथे माती” and “Too much of anything is harmful.” Others use cultural imagery that does not translate directly. In such cases, explaining the lesson is more useful than giving a literal translation.

5. Are Marathi proverbs and idioms the same?

No. A proverb generally expresses a complete lesson or observation. An idiom, or वाक्प्रचार, is a fixed expression with a figurative meaning. For example, “अति तिथे माती” is a proverb, while “डोळ्यात धूळ फेकणे” means “to deceive someone” and is an idiom.

6. Are viral sayings traditional Marathi proverbs?

Not necessarily. A line may become popular on social media without being an established traditional म्हण. Check its wording, usage, and source before identifying it as a traditional proverb.

7. How can I use Marathi proverbs in an essay?

Choose a proverb that supports your main point, explain its meaning, and connect it to your example or argument. Use it naturally instead of adding a saying only to increase the word count.

8. Why are Marathi proverbs important?

Marathi proverbs make communication concise and memorable. They preserve cultural observations, express practical wisdom, and help readers understand human behaviour through familiar expressions.

9. Can Marathi proverbs be used in everyday conversation?

Yes. They are used in informal conversations, storytelling, advice, speeches, and writing. The key is to choose a proverb that genuinely fits the situation.

Also Read These Word Meanings to Build a Stronger English-Marathi Vocabulary :