These proverbs are general cultural information.

dujeycug jag niv yituhqoz.
Dujeychugh jagh nIv yItuHQo'.
There is nothing shameful in falling before a superior enemy.

xifan mah
tlhIngan maH
We are Klingons!

This is the strongest expression of joy among Klingons and probably the most frequently heard Klingon phrase. It is used not only in the throes of battle but on any other joyous occasion as well. When Kahless the Unforgettable, who united the Klingon Empire, was cloned years later, the replica retained the ancient Klingon attitudes. He said to Gowron, the leader of the Klingon High Council, "You have no joy, Gowron. Is your heart so filled with distrust and suspicion that you have forgotten what it is to be truly Klingon?"

bog xifanpuz, suvwizpuz moj, heg.
bogh tlhInganpu', SuvwI'pu' moj, Hegh.
Klingons are born, live as warriors, then die.

These two maxims express the belief that fighting and winning define a Klingon's very being; everything else in life is secondary, if not superfluous. Unless they are engaged in battle or preparing for battle, Klingons become rather cantankerous (though, to those unfamiliar with Klingons, this might not be noticeable). As a result, Klingons are likely to, at the slightest provocation, instigate a battle of some sort.

Lieutenant Commander Worf is well aware of the Klingon predilection reflected in these two sayings. Though raised among humans, he has always prided himself on his knowledge of Klingon history and culture. He observed that a potentially dangerous situation involving the Dominion and the Cardassians, which the Klingons viewed as a threat, "has given my people an excuse to do what they were born to do: to fight and to conquer."

suvmeh zej cargmeh bog xifanpuz.
SuvmeH 'ej charghmeH bogh tlhInganpu'.
Klingons are born to fight and conquer.

These two maxims express the belief that fighting and winning define a Klingon's very being; everything else in life is secondary, if not superfluous. Unless they are engaged in battle or preparing for battle, Klingons become rather cantankerous (though, to those unfamiliar with Klingons, this might not be noticeable). As a result, Klingons are likely to, at the slightest provocation, instigate a battle of some sort.

Lieutenant Commander Worf is well aware of the Klingon predilection reflected in these two sayings. Though raised among humans, he has always prided himself on his knowledge of Klingon history and culture. He observed that a potentially dangerous situation involving the Dominion and the Cardassians, which the Klingons viewed as a threat, "has given my people an excuse to do what they were born to do: to fight and to conquer."

dabuqluzdiz yisuv.
DabuQlu'DI' yISuv.
When threatened, fight.

This is one of many common exhortations that encourage Klingons to respond to situations appropriately.

After the <Enterprise>'s initial encounter with the entity Q, Worf gave voice to this attitude. He advised Captain Jean-Luc Picard that "our only choice is to fight." If we Klingons understand anything, it is the meaning of that kind of talk.

kaz wijezmeh masuv.
qa' wIje'meH maSuv.
We fight to enrich the spirit. - We fight in order to buy the spirit.

A more literal translation of this Klingon phrase is "We fight in order to feed the spirit," focusing more on the role of the giver of enrichment (the Klingon) than that of the recipient (the spirit). For Klingons, the spirit is something that must be cared for actively. As the clone of Kahless pointed out, fighting is more than a physical activity: "We do not fight merely to spill blood, but to enrich the spirit." Interestingly, because of the homophony of the Klingon words for "feed" and "buy," both "{je'}," the phrase could also be translated as "We fight in order to buy the spirit." If this is not mere coincidence, then, perhaps, to the Klingon way of thinking, while one is alive, one must sacrifice or give up something (the way one uses credits or latinum when making a purchase) in order to ensure that the spirit is one's own.

biziqcug yivaf.
bI'IQchugh yIvang.
If you are sad, act.

This exhortation is actually ambiguous, but both interpretations give insight into the Klingon way of thinking. The phrase could be advising one to take specific action to overcome sadness---that is, figure out exactly what the problem is and do something about it. On the other hand, for a Klingon, activity and vigor are associated with a sense of elation, while unhappiness is often connected to passivity or even laziness, character traits disdained by Klingons. Thus, the advice could be simply to do anything at all.

tikipkuz zej nom tikip.
tIqIpqu' 'ej nom tIqIp.
Hit them hard and hit them fast.

When the Enterprise was held in the grip of a Ferengi force field, Worf offered this advice to Captain Picard as a way to deal with the opponent. Once again, the importance of taking action, of not being passive or reticent, may be observed in the suggestion.

lumbez xifanpuz.
lumbe' tlhInganpu'.
Klingons do not procrastinate.

Not only do Klingon see the virtue of taking action, they prefer to take action right away. From the Klingon point of view, although planning and organizing are appropriate, there is no reason not to proceed with any mission or task once the goal is established.

dubotcug yipummoh.
Dubotchugh yIpummoH.
If it's in your way, knock it down.

Though split into two individuals---one fully Klingon, one fully human---by a Vidiian scientist, the human B'Elanna Torres still retained her Klingon knowledge, if not her Klingon impulses. She cited this adage---again illustrating the Klingon penchant for action and for taking control--- when she commented on the behavior of her Klingon self.

matahmeh masacnis.
mataHmeH maSachnIS.
To survive, we must expand.

This has long been a rallying cry among Klingons. When Commander Kang and a group of stranded Klingons forced James T. Kirk into letting them board the Enterprise after their own ship had been destroyed, the Federation crew and the Klingons became engaged in a series of bloody skirmishes, with neither side able to achieve victory. Captain Kirk realized that an alien life form aboard the ship was controlling them, causing them to continue the fighting. The only way to thwart this entity was to work together with the Klingons and stop the hostilities. Kang's science officer and wife, Mara, did not think it would be easy to convince him to cooperate, since combat is the Klingon way. "We have always fought," she said. "We must ... We must push outward if we are to survive."

Years later, the idea is still present in the Klingon consciousness. Worf one noted that many Klingons feel "the Empire must expand to survive." The word for "survive," "{taH}," can also be translated "continue, endure, go on."

hem xifan seg zej mahemtah zez wihec.
Hem tlhIngan Segh 'ej maHemtaH 'e' wIHech.
Klingons are a proud race, and we intend to go on being proud.

The first formal meeting between the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets, which eventually resulted in their alliance, was held on Khitomer, a planet near the Klingon-Romulan border. Representing the Empire was Azetbur, who was appointed to lead the Klingon High Council after her father, Chancellor Gorkon, was assassinated by a coalition of those opposed to the impending peace. In her address to the conference, Azetbur altered this saying slightly when she insisted that the treaty in no way diminished the stature of the Klingon Empire: "We are a proud race, and we are here because we intend to go on being proud."

Years later, as the Federation-Klingon alliance began to fall apart, Klingon leader Gowron still adhered to this virtue. When he discovered that his rationale for moving against the Federation was based on misinformation, he held his ground, maintaining Klingon pride by coming up with a new justification for his aggression. That the Dominion had not taken over the Cardassian government "is of no consequence," Gowron said. "All that matters is that the Alpha Quadrant will be safer with the Klingon Empire in control of Cardassia."

tazmey dun, bommey dun.
ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun.
Great deeds, great songs.

Though the subtleties of Klingon music are not often appreciated by non-Klingons, songs are a very important part of Klingon culture, for it is through song that much history---both political and personal---is preserved. Great accomplishments are commonly immortalized in song, as are Klingon attitudes. Because songs are repeated, the same way proverbs are repeated, they help to preserve tradition as well as to teach the young. The singing of a song typically marks an occasion as momentous. Appropriately, Gowron tried to get Worf to join his cause by referring to this element of Klingon culture: "We will do great deeds in the coming days, deeds worthy of song." Klingons are also well known for their extensive collection of drinking songs.

bomdiz ziwwij kakaw.
bomDI' 'IwwIj qaqaw.
The memory of you sings in my blood.

This is a line excerpted from a Klingon poem. Poetry plays a prominent role in Klingon mating behavior. The female typically roars, throws heavy objects, and claws at her partner. The male reads love poetry and, as Worf put it, "ducks a lot." This particular line is interesting because it reinforces the importance of song as a memory-triggering device. The literal, though less poetic, translation of the line is "When my blood sings, I remember you." Presumably the blood's song concerns the beloved individual.

bisuv zez yiwiv; bisux zez yiwivqoz.
bISuv 'e' yIwIv; bISutlh 'e' yIwIvQo'.
Choose to fight, not negotiate.

While negotiation is not the Klingon's first choice of an approach to settling differences, it is not to be ruled out altogether. Worf himself has articulated the ideas embodied in both of these proverbs. Regarding the search for diplomatic solutions, he once remarked, "This is hopeless, fighting would be preferable." On the other hand, when talk is called for, one must not rely on words alone: "I prefer to negotiate eye to eye with my enemy."

bisuxniscug jagliz minduz tibej.
bISutlhnISchugh jaghlI' mInDu' tIbej.
If you must negotiate, watch you enemy's eyes.

While negotiation is not the Klingon's first choice of an approach to settling differences, it is not to be ruled out altogether. Worf himself has articulated the ideas embodied in both of these proverbs. Regarding the search for diplomatic solutions, he once remarked, "This is hopeless, fighting would be preferable." On the other hand, when talk is called for, one must not rely on words alone: "I prefer to negotiate eye to eye with my enemy."

suvluztahvis yapbez hos neh.
Suvlu'taHvIS yapbe' HoS neH.
Brute strength is not the most important asset in a fight.

As vital as musculature and weaponry are in winning battles or maintaining control, other qualities are equally if not more important. The unstated significance of this maxim is that intelligence and judgment play key roles in any confrontation.

When Worf learned that his father, who had been killed by Romulans in the Khitomer massacre, was later falsely accused of treason, he decided to exercise his responsibility as a son and appear before the Klingon High Council either to clear his father's name or to be punished for his crimes. According to Klingon custom, even though Worf was the one bringing the challenge, he was considered the accused since he would bear the punishment if the accusations against his father stood. During the course of the proceedings he was not permitted to participate in any fights himself, but instead was defended by an aide ("{cha'DIch}," literally, "second").

After Kurn, Worf's younger brother and first {cha'DIch}, was wounded, Worf asked Captain Picard to be his {cha'DIch}. Though, as Picard pointed out, stronger men were available, Worf preferred the captain, undoubtedly because of his shrewdness and loyalty. Such qualities are valued more than physical prowess alone.

tikdak hosnaz tuzluz.
tIqDaq HoSna' tu'lu'.
Real power is in the heart.

In this phrase, the heart stands for one's spirit or principles. One's ability to exert influence over others comes from having a strong sense of morality, not merely from the ability to dominate by force.

When the clone of Kahless was named emperor, the Klingon cleric Koroth objected that it would be meaningless since all power would still remain with the Klingon High Council. Worf used this adage to point out that Kahless's lack of political authority was not as important as his honor and virtue, which would make him an effective leader of his people.

pujwiz hivluzcug kuvbezluz.
pujwI' HIvlu'chugh quvbe'lu'.
There is no honor in attacking the weak.

Though sometimes difficult to discern, it would appear that Klingons do have a sense of fair play. Worf quoted this aphorism to his son, Alexander, who had just bullied a group of children. Though phrased in presumably military terms, the ethic expressed by the saying runs throughout Klingon society.

bisovbejbezdiz timer.
bISovbejbe'DI' tImer.
When in doubt, surprise them.

This offering of wisdom is commonly understood as a suggested battle strategy. "When you are uncertain about what to do in a confrontation, "it advises, " choose the course of action your opponent is least likely to be anticipating." This complements the following cited tenet. If one trusts one's instincts, even when full knowledge is lacking, one will be able to make a decision, pursue a course of action, and, therefore, catch one's opponent off guard. Once, when the Enterprise entered a black void and nothing seemed to work properly, Worf suggested adhering to this Klingon tactic as Commander William Riker and he prepared to beam onto the U.S.S. Yamato, just in case the Federation vessel was not as deserted as it appeared to be.

dujlij yivok.
DujlIj yIvoq.
Trust your instincts.|trust your ship

Klingon Commander Kruge invoked this principle when, after attacking the Enterprise, he concluded that the Federation starship may have suffered substantial damage. Though there was no concrete evidence of this, he said "I trust my instincts."

Similarly, Klingon renegades Korris and Konmel, beamed aboard the Enterprise just before their own (stolen) ship exploded, appealed to this notion when they tried to lure Worf to reject the Klingon-Federation alliance and join them. "Our instinct will lead us," said Korris. "Instincts that have not been dulled by living among 'civilized' men," Konmel added, by way of clarification.

The Klingon word for instincts is "{Duj}," and it is grammatically correct to treat it as singular (a bundle or collection of instincts) or plural (individual instincts). "{Duj}" also means "ship" or "vessel," so a possible interpretation of the aphorism is "trust your ship." In this context, a vessel could symbolize oneself. To a Klingon, this reveals a deep truth.

suvwizpuz kan tuzluzbez.
SuvwI'pu' qan tu'lu'be'.
There are no old warriors.

This does not mean that all warriors are young at heart. It is quite literal. Traditionally, if a captain becomes weak and incapable of serving, he is assassinated by his first officer. A similar arrangement is in effect for officers of lower rank. As Worf put it, "The Klingon system has operated successfully for centuries."

ziwlij gog yiqoy.
'IwlIj ghogh yIQoy.
Listen to the voice of your blood.

For Klingons, blood is more than just one of a number of red-pink bodily fluids. It represents the animating force of life itself, that which controls basic temperament and character. It is strength. It is the commander, making the decisions and giving the orders. With effort, its influence can be repressed, but never entirely ignored. For a warrior to get in touch with himself, to lead a truly effective life, he must pay attention to, or listen to, what his blood has to say. Though Konmel used the common Federation Standard translation when he tried to get Worf to join him, the Klingon version of this frequently heard exhortation is a bit more pointed. The verb "{Qoy}" means "hear," not just "listen." One must actually perceive and understand that which is being said.

tujpaz kul pub suvwiz ziw.
tujpa' qul pub SuvwI' 'Iw.
A warrior's blood boils before the fire is hot.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take the initiative that to simply react to situations. Blood, the controller, does not need an external influence in order to heat up; one need not draw strength from the outside.

Perhaps because of increased association with the Federation, or perhaps simply as a result of the progression of time, the number of venues available to Klingons to act on their basic genetic need for battle and confrontation--- their boiling blood---has diminished. Whereas once Klingon warriors would use the slightest provocation as justification for a fight, today, more so than in the past, the strengths and skills of the warrior are often demonstrated ritualistically. Mock battle and tournaments are staged, such as the competition on Forcas III, in which Klingons prove their skills at wielding the bat'leth - {betleH}, the traditional sword.

logdak suvrupbog suvwizpuz cah hoc suvwizpuzzez.
loghDaq Suvrupbogh SuvwI'pu' chaH Hoch SuvwI'pu''e'.
In space, all warriors are cold warriors.

Since this expression refers to being in space ({loghDaq}), it is either a relatively new saying or else it is an updated version of an older one. There is no way to know for sure. Klingon have been capable of interplanetary travel for at least 200 standard years, enough time for many new phrases to work their way into common usage. Clearly, it refers to warriors being in an environment far away from governmental or bureaucratic fetters, a setting where warriors are free to be just warriors and not worry about political consequences. Without knowing more about ancient Klingon history, what, if anything, might have predated "{loghDaq}" in the expression cannot be determined. Perhaps it was a term referring to the open seas, as the Klingons have a history of naval warfare. The Klingon words translated "cold warriors" are "{Suvrupbogh SuvwI'pu'}," literally, "warriors who are ready to fight."

tayztahbez ziw biq je.
tay'taHbe' 'Iw bIQ je.
Blood and water don't mix.

reh tayz got tukdaj je.
reH tay' ghot tuqDaj je.
One is always of his tribe.|A person and his house are always together.

xuxmeh hik feb kak lawz biq kak pus.
tlhutlhmeH HIq ngeb qaq law' bIQ qaq puS.
Drinking fake ale is better than drinking water.

niteb qob kad jup zez cawzbez suvwiz.
nIteb Qob qaD jup 'e' chaw'be' SuvwI'.
A warrior does not let a friend face danger alone.

mayzdak jahdiz suvwiz juppuzdaj lonbez.
may'Daq jaHDI' SuvwI' juppu'Daj lonbe'.
When a warrior goes to battle, he does not abandon his friends.

vulcohbez xifanpuz.
vulchoHbe' tlhInganpu'.
Klingons do not faint.

ropcohbez xifanpuz.
ropchoHbe' tlhInganpu'.
Klingons do not get sick.

qofdakdak qotbez xifanpuz.
QongDaqDaq Qotbe' tlhInganpu'.
Klingons do not lie in bed.

yin dayajmeh zoyz yisiq.
yIn DayajmeH 'oy' yISIQ.
To understand life, endure pain.

zutbez bel.
'utbe' bel.
Pleasure is nonessential.

loq zoyzdiz suvwiz bepbez.
loQ 'oy'DI' SuvwI' bepbe'.
A warrior does not complain about physical discomfort.

not toj xifanpuz.
not toj tlhInganpu'.
Klingons never bluff.

bax gob yipab.
batlh ghob yIpab.
Adhere to virtue honorably.

This maxim, one of several about virtue itself, illustrates the importance of virtue in Klingon society. Not only should one be virtuous ("adhere to virtue"), that is, behave in a way Klingons consider morally righteous, one should take care to honor and respect those values. In other words, one should not merely endorse the values of the society, one should fully embrace their spirit and meaning. The Klingon verb in the expression, "{pab}," is here translated "adhere," bit it is also used to mean "follow," in the sense of following rules, suggesting perhaps that, though not offi- cially laws, virtues should be followed as if they were.

pop zoh gobzez.
pop 'oH ghob'e'.
Virtue is the reward.

The Klingon word "{pop}" ("reward") could refer to compensation or a prize of some sort, but it also means "honor" in the sense of recognition for a particular achievement or set of achievements. This proverb does not mean "Virtue is honor." The use of the word "{pop}" suggests that virtue is the honor bestowed as a result of acting in a manner respectful of society's values, not simply advocating them.

gob tivnisbezluz.
ghob tIvnISbe'lu'.
One need not enjoy virtue.

Since, as noted earlier, Klingons find pleasure nonessential, it is not surprising to find virtue described as some- thing that is not enjoyable. On the other hand, this aphorism does not say that virtue is never enjoyable, only that it is not necessarily so. The Klingon construction {tInISbe'} means "does not need to enjoy"; {tIbe'nIS} would mean "needs to not enjoy," an utterly different concept. Leading a virtuous life may well be enjoyable, but if it is not, or if it is not always, it should still be done.

reh zeb tuzluz.
reH 'eb tu'lu'.
There is always a chance.

hoc zebmey tijon.
Hoch 'ebmey tIjon.
Capture all opportunities.

bax pox lawz yin pox pus.
batlh potlh law' yIn potlh puS.
Honor is more important than life.

baxhaz vafluztahvis kuv cavbezluz.
batlhHa' vanglu'taHvIS quv chavbe'lu'.
One does not achieve honor while acting dishonorably.

Kurn, wanted to join the rebellion against Gowron, who was about to be installed as leader of the Klingon High Council. Gowron refused to overturn Worf's discommendation, the penalty of banishment and public disgrace accepted by the lieutenant commander after his unsuccessful challenge to the charge that his father was a traitor. Worf felt that Gowron was the only rightful leader of the Klingons and told his brother to support Gowron. "We can/ not regain honor by acting dishonorably," he said. Later, Kurn's intervention helped to turn away an attach on Gowron by followers of the family of Duras. To reward them, Gowron, now the leader of the Council, restored their family honor.

xifan kuv daticdiz sef yiguh.
tlhIngan quv DatIchDI' Seng yIghuH.
When you insult a Klingon's honor, prepare for trouble.

bilujlahbezcug biqaplahbez
bIlujlaHbe'chugh bIQaplaHbe'
If you cannot fail, you cannot succeed.

bituhlahbezcug bikuvlahbez
bItuHlaHbe'chugh bIquvlaHbe'
If you cannot be shamed, you cannot be honored.

kuv hux hohbog xifan zac kabdaj zafbezbog.
quv Hutlh HoHbogh tlhIngan 'ach qabDaj 'angbe'bogh.
The Klingon who kills without showing his face has no honor.

This is an adage about Klingon behavior cited by K'mpec, leader of the Klingon High Council, when he revealed to Picard that he had been poisoned. Worf took it one step further, assuming that, since no Klingon would behave in such a dishonorable fashion, the assassination could not have been carried out by a Klingon. "A Klingon would not use poison," he stated. "The murder would have no honor."

zafzegqoz kuv huxbog jag neh gobtahvis gah.
'ang'eghQo' quv Hutlhbogh jagh neH ghobtaHvIS ghaH.
Only an enemy without honor refuses to show himself in battle.

niteb suvnis devwiz.
nIteb SuvnIS DevwI'.
A leader must stand alone.

niteb dujlij yicij.
nIteb DujlIj yIchIj.
Navigate your vessel alone.

gij ket jagmeyjaj.
ghIj qet jaghmeyjaj.
May you enemies run with fear.

jagmeyliz dagijjaj.
jaghmeylI' DaghIjjaj.
May you scare your enemies, may your enemies run.

waz quzvad waz devwiz tuzluz.
wa' Qu'vaD wa' DevwI' tu'lu'.
For one mission, there is one leader.

bax keldiz xifan, lumbez.
batlh qelDI' tlhIngan, lumbe'.
A Klingon does not postpone a matter of honor.

As several of these saying make clear, nothing is more important to a Klingon than honor. When the Klingon officer Kulge questioned Gowron's leadership abilities, Gowron interrupted a strategy-planning session to engage him in a fight, eventually killing him, even though this delayed necessary planning for an ongoing war. To an outsider, Gowron's priorities might seem skewed, but to a Klingon, he acted properly. Even affairs of the Empire must take a back seat to protecting one's honor.

hegluzmeh qaq jajvam.
Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam.
It is a good day to die.

bax bihegjaj.
batlh bIHeghjaj.
May you die well.

bihegvipcug bihegpuz.
bIHeghvIpchugh bIHeghpu'.
If you are afraid to die, you have already died.

hegluzdiz mobbezluzcug qaqkuz heg waniz.
Heghlu'DI' mobbe'lu'chugh QaQqu' Hegh wanI'.
Death is an experience best shared.

biqapkuzmeh tar dasop zez dativnis.
bIQapqu'meH tar DaSop 'e' DatIvnIS.
To really succeed, you must enjoy eating poison.

dujdaj hubtahvis heg zez tul hoc xifan.
DujDaj HubtaHvIS Hegh 'e' tul Hoch tlhIngan.
To die defending his ship is the hope of every Klingon.

quzdaj taztahvis heg zez tul hoc xifan.
Qu'Daj ta'taHvIS Hegh 'e' tul Hoch tlhIngan.
To die in the line of duty is the hope of every Klingon.

woz toyztahvis heg zez tul hoc xifan.
wo' toy'taHvIS Hegh 'e' tul Hoch tlhIngan.
To die while serving the Empire is the hope of every Klingon.

reh suvrup xifan suvwiz.
reH Suvrup tlhIngan SuvwI'.
A Klingon warrior is always prepared to fight.

reh hegrup xifan suvwiz.
reH Heghrup tlhIngan SuvwI'.
A Klingon warrior is always prepared to die.

In Klingon it is not customary to say "to be prepared" without saying what one is prepared to do. There are, consequently, several version of this proverb, the general meaning of which is "A Klingon warrior is always prepared." As called for by the situation, a specific activity is plugged in. Kang, for example, said, "A Klingon warrior is always prepared to die" ("{reH Heghrup tlhIngan SuvwI'}") It is even acceptable to use this proverb for less weighty matters, such as to eat and to drink. Not unexpectedly, using it to refer to an activity not prized by Klingons, such as to flee, to surrender, or to apologize, is particularly insulting.

bimejdiz reh betlehlij yixap.
bImejDI' reH betleHlIj yItlhap.
Never leave without your bat'telh.

|?always be prepared, and always maintain your identity as a Klingon?

not layzhaz xifan.
not lay'Ha' tlhIngan.
No Klingon ever breaks his word.

waz dos neh yibus.
wa' DoS neH yIbuS.
Focus on but one target.

hovmey davan.
Hovmey Davan.
You salute the stars.

toduj zos rol.
toDuj 'oS rol.
A beard is a symbol of courage.

bijax zez yimev. yixux.
bIjatlh 'e' yImev. yItlhutlh.
Stop talking! Drink.

wej hegcug vayz, suvtah suvwiz.
wej Heghchugh vay', SuvtaH SuvwI'.
A warrior fights to the death.

jegbez xifanpuz.
jeghbe' tlhInganpu'.
Klingons do not surrender.

In order to stop the torturing of Ensign Chekov by the Klingons, James Kirk agreed to let Kang take over the Enterprise. Chekov protested, referring to the Klingons as animals, but Commander Kang thought the epithet was misplaced. "Animals. Your captain crawls like one," he said. "A Klingon would never have surrendered."

Because of this Klingon trait, Klingon emissary K'Ehleyr argued against disabling a Klingon ship whose crew was unaware of the peace treaty between the Federation and the Empire. If the ship were merely disabled, she said, the ship's captain would "destroy it himself." Worf concurred by simply quoting the maxim: "Klingon do not surrender."

In Klingon, the for word for "surrender," "{jegh}," also can be translated as "give up," in the sense of abandoning a project. Thus, the saying also means that Klingons are persistent or even obstinate. As Worf put it, "Klingons do not give up easily."

mayzmeydajvoz hawzbez xifan.
may'meyDajvo' Haw'be' tlhIngan.
A Klingon does not run away from his battles.

This maxim also appears in other guises, depending on what it is a Klingon does not run from. The general meaning of all of them is that Klingons do not flee; they do not abdicate their responsibilities or avoid the consequences of their actions. For example, when Worf decided to challenge the charge of treason leveled against his father, he knew that he would have to accept the penalty --- death --- if unsuccessful. A Klingon does not run from a judgment against him.

dajonluzpaz bihegjaj.
Dajonlu'pa' bIHeghjaj.
May you die before you are captured.

qamvis heg kak lawz torvis yin kak pus.
QamvIS Hegh qaq law' torvIS yIn qaq puS.
Better to die on our feet than live on our knees.

More literally, this is "Dying while standing is preferable to living while kneeling." The grammatical construction is a bit aberrant; one would expect "{QamtaHvIS}" ("while continuing to stand") and "{tortaHvIS}" (while continuing to kneel"). I proverbs, however, grammatical shortcuts are not uncommon. Even the Federation Standard might be considered somewhat incomplete. One would expect " better to die on our feet that live on our knees." Klingon Chancellor Azetbur said she believed that the Empire was on the verge of becoming "obsolete." Because the destruction of the moon Praxis had devastated the main energy production facility for the Empire. She argued that the Klingon had no choice but to engage in peace talks with the Federation. Her military advisor, Brigadier Kerla, disagreed, citing this maxim to express his opinion.

vubpuz jon nucpuz. jonbez xifanpuz.
vubpu' jon nuchpu'. jonbe' tlhInganpu'.
Cowards take hostages. Klingons do not.

qiztomerdak hegpuz hoc.
QI'tomerDaq Heghpu' Hoch.
No one survived Khitomer.

zex qorghazluzcug rag zex nivkuz zej jejhazcoh
'etlh QorghHa'lu'chugh ragh 'etlh nIvqu' 'ej jejHa'choH
Even the best blade will rust and grow dull unless it is cared for.

reh boc kutluc lozluzbog.
reH boch qutluch lo'lu'bogh.
The used kut'luch is always shiny.

vaj toduj daj fehbej di viz.
vaj toDuj Daj ngeHbej DI vI'.
Shooting space garbage is no test of a warrior's mettle.

not kohpuzzez neh gijluz.
not qoHpu''e' neH ghIjlu'.
Only fools have no fear.

koh vuvbez sus.
qoH vuvbe' SuS.
The wind does not respect a fool.

This is actually the moral of a fable in the manner of Aesop. It advises one not to try that which is clearly impossible. According to the story, told by the clone of Kahless, a man once refused to go inside the city walls to protect himself from an impending storm. He said he wanted to "stand before the wind and make it respect me." The man was killed by the storm.

vayz dagijlahcug bihosgaj
vay' DaghIjlaHchugh bIHoSghaj
Fear is power.

meqtahbog kacdak suv koh neh.
meQtaHbogh qachDaq Suv qoH neH.
Only a fool fights in a burning house.

hivbez kohpuz neh.
HIvbe' qoHpu' neH.
Only fools don't attack.

heg neh cav koh.
Hegh neH chav qoH.
A fool's only achievement is death.

kancohpaz koh, heg koh.
qanchoHpa' qoH, Hegh qoH.
Fools die young.

puf gap hos.
pung ghap HoS.
Mercy or power.

mupwiz yizuctah.
mupwI' yI'uchtaH.
Keep holding the hammer.

bortas nivkuz zoh bortaszez.
bortaS nIvqu' 'oH bortaS'e'.
Revenge is the best revenge.

reh heg yohwizpuzzez.
reH Hegh yoHwI'pu''e'.
Always it is the brave ones who die.

yinluztah zez bajnisluz.
yInlu'taH 'e' bajnISlu'.
Survival must be earned.

yay cavluz zez bajnisluz.
yay chavlu' 'e' bajnISlu'.
Victory must be earned.

kastahvis waz ram los sad hug sijlah ketbog lod.
qaStaHvIS wa' ram loS SaD Hugh SIjlaH qetbogh loD.
Four thousand throats may be cut in one night by a running man.

bax hegluzcug nodnisbez vayz.
batlh Heghlu'chugh noDnISbe' vay'.
An honorable death requires no vengeance.

cekoxcug mahagbezzaz? ceduqcug maregbezzaz? ceqihcug manodbezzaz?
cheqotlhchugh maHaghbe''a'? cheDuQchugh mareghbe''a'? cheQIHchugh manoDbe''a'?
Tickle us, do we not laugh? Prick us, do we not bleed? Wrong us, shall we not seek revenge?

bortas bir jabluzdiz reh qaqkuz nayz.
bortaS bIr jablu'DI' reH QaQqu' nay'.
Revenge is a dish which is best served cold.

poxbezcug yay kax pezzegluz?
potlhbe'chugh yay qatlh pe''eghlu'?
If winning is not important, then why keep score?

waz suvwiz muhluzdiz, tuhcoh hoc suvwizpuz.
wa' SuvwI' muHlu'DI', tuHchoH Hoch SuvwI'pu'.
The execution of but one warrior brings shame to all.

kag sopbez.
qagh Sopbe'.
He doesn't eat gagh.

quz bushazcug suvwiz, baxhaz vafcug, koj maxhazcug, pag gah suvwizzez
Qu' buSHa'chugh SuvwI', batlhHa' vangchugh, qoj matlhHa'chugh, pagh ghaH SuvwI''e'
If a warrior ignores duty, acts dishonorably, or is disloyal, he is nothing.

yintahbog kag jabluzdiz reh nivkuz kag.
yIntaHbogh qagh jablu'DI' reH nIvqu' qagh.
Gagh is always best when served live.

bux gajbog nuvzez yihoz.
butlh ghajbogh nuv'e' yIHo'.
Admire the person with dirt under his fingernails.

The Klingon word "{butlh}" ("dirt under fingernails") can be taken literally, but in this expression it means something like "effrontery, impudence, brazenness." The origin of this usage of the term is obscure, but it may be connected to the notion that one not having "{butlh}" is leading a soft, com- fortable, not very Klingonlike life. To say to someone "{butlh DaHutlh.}" ("You lack dirt under your fingernails") is highly insulting. It means that the person is lacking in a certain kind of Klingon spirit. In Federation Standard, an approximate equivalent is gall. Indeed, Worf said to Kevin Uxbridge, "Your attempt to hold the away team at bay with a nonfunctioning weapon was an act of unmitigated gall... I admire gall." Had Worf said that Uxbridge's action was "an act of unmitigated dirt under the fingernails," he would have been misunderstood, at the very least. The Klingon way to say, "you lack gall" is "{HuH DaHutlh.}" This is literally "You lack bile," and a Klingon would probably only understand it biologically.

bux dahux.
butlh DaHutlh.
You lack dirt under your fingernails.

huh dahux.
HuH DaHutlh.
you lack gall. (You lack bile.)

ram mekmey.
ram meqmey.
Motives are insignificant.

hegdiz suvwiz narg suvwiz kaz.
HeghDI' SuvwI' nargh SuvwI' qa'.
When a warrior dies, his spirit escapes.

nargbezcug suvwiz kaz tah mayz.
narghbe'chugh SuvwI' qa' taH may'.
If the warrior's spirit has not escaped, the battle is still going on.

When a Klingon dies, it is thought that his spirit leaves his body and goes to join the spirit of other dead Klingons. This is marked in the Klingon Death Ritual when the surviving comrades howl---a warning to the dead that a warrior's spirit is on its way. The body, once the spirit has left it, is considered a worthless shell and is discarded unceremoniously. Exactly what Klingons think the spirit is doing when it leaves the body is a little unclear. The verb "{nargh,}" found in the saying cited above, means "escape," but the same word, or a phonetically identical one, means "appear." Thus, perhaps the Klingons are saying that when a warrior dies, his spirit appears, whereas prior to death it was hidden or disguised by the body. Another interpretation is that the spirit was held prisoner by the body. Worf told Jeremy, whose mother had been killed, "In my tradition, we do not grieve the loss of the body. We celebrate the releasing of the spirit."

pezvil muzkadmey tibac.
pe'vIl mu'qaDmey tIbach.
Curse well!

vayz danehbog yicarg.
vay' DaneHbogh yIchargh.
Conquer what you desire.

nuhlij dawivpuz, vaj yisuv.
nuHlIj DawIvpu', vaj yISuv.
You have chosen your weapon, so fight.

yilop. wazles cak maheg.
yIlop. wa'leS chaq maHegh.
Celebrate! Tomorrow we may die!

vafdiz xifan suvwiz foyz korduzdaj; vafdiz korduzdaj foyz xifan suvwiz.
vangDI' tlhIngan SuvwI' ngoy' qorDu'Daj; vangDI' qorDu'Daj ngoy' tlhIngan SuvwI'.
The family of a Klingon warrior is responsible for his actions, and he is responsible for theirs.

kastahvis wej puk pohmey; vav puklodpuz puklodpuzcaj je kuvhazmoh vav kuvhazgac
qaStaHvIS wej puq poHmey; vav puqloDpu' puqloDpu'chaj je quvHa'moH vav quvHa'ghach
The dishonor of the father dishonors his sons and their sons for three generations.

vayz dalargdiz yikaw.
vay' DalarghDI' yIqaw.
Remember the scent.

reh baf largluz.
reH bang larghlu'.
Love is always smelled.

This phrase might be more literally translated as "A loved one is always smelled," in other words. One's strong feel- ings for someone are first aroused by the sense of smell. Speaking to Geordi La Forge about courting behavior, Worf put it a little more eloquently: "Words come later. It is the scent that first speaks of love."

qotdiz ged xejbez wamwiz.
QotDI' gheD tlhejbe' wamwI'.
The hunter does not lie down with the prey.

The Klingon renegade Korris asked Worf, "What is it like for the hunter to lie down with the prey? Have they tamed you, or have you always been docile?" By likening a war- rior to his prey and by suggesting that Worf had ignored the teachings of this proverb, Korris insulted Worf, probably more to make Worf angry than to offend him.

hazdibah dasop zez dahecbezcug yihohqoz.
Ha'DIbaH DaSop 'e' DaHechbe'chugh yIHoHQo'.
Do not kill an animal unless you intend to eat it.

This admonishment against nonutilitarian killing was taught to the young Toq by Worf. It probably originated because the Klingon Empire has limited resources, none of which can be wasted. As Mara, Commander Kang's wife, explained, "There are poor planets in the Klingon system."

xifan foqmey cavmeh hoh xifanpuz.
tlhIngan ngoQmey chavmeH HoH tlhInganpu'.
Klingons kill for their own purposes.

Kirk convinced Commander Kang that an alien life force was causing the Klingons and the crew to engage in ceaseless hostilities and that Kang was serving the whim of this alien being. Throwing down his weapon, Kang refused to go on fighting, citing a proverb that expresses the Klingon aversion to being dominated by others. More important even that following the instinct to be a warrior is the ability to maintain control over one's own actions.

pij moncug vayz yivokqoz.
pIj monchugh vay' yIvoqQo'.
Don't trust those who frequently smile.

leglahcuzbezcug min lozlahbez taj jej.
leghlaHchu'be'chugh mIn lo'laHbe' taj jej.
A sharp knife is nothing without a sharp eye.

reh dusig vavliz.
reH DuSIgh vavlI'.
Your father is a part of you always.

gilab gewmey tibusqoz.
ghIlab ghewmey tIbuSQo'.
Pay no heed to glob flies.

biqoftahvis nixejcug targmey; bivemdiz nixej gilab gewmey.
bIQongtaHvIS nItlhejchugh targhmey; bIvemDI' nItlhej ghIlab ghewmey.
If you sleep with targs, you'll wake up with glob flies.

The targ, a furry Klingon animal that more or less resembles a Terran pig, is often kept as a pet. Indeed, Lieutenant Commander Worf had one when he was young. It is also a

source of food, and heart of targ is a traditional Klingon dish. The tiny Klingon glob flies typically swarm about targs, undoubtedly making them that much more appealing. Pets, however, are for amusement; they are not associated with serious endeavors.

For a Klingon, sleeping is not only a time for revitalization of the body, it is also a time for spiritual or psychological renewal, with dreams playing an important role.

Thus, the idea of sleeping with targs---or, as a more literal translation of the proverb might put it, being accompanied by targs while sleeping---suggests an association with trivial rather than weighty matters. The result is waking up with, perhaps being taken over by, glob flies, or insignificant thoughts. The message, then, is to maintain focus on that which is meaningful.

bircug kivon tuj ziw.
bIrchugh qIvon tuj 'Iw.
If the qIvon is cold, the blood is hot.

zoyzbezluzcug qapbezluz.
'oy'be'lu'chugh Qapbe'lu'.
No pain, no gain.

waz jaj zex zuccohlah xifan puklod; jajvex lod nen moj.
wa' jaj 'etlh 'uchchoHlaH tlhIngan puqloD; jajvetlh loD nen moj.
The son of a Klingon is a man the day he can first hold a blade.

reh lug cargwiz.
reH lugh charghwI'.
The victor is always right.

noh gobluzdiz yay kuv lawz hoc kuv pus.
noH ghoblu'DI' yay quv law' Hoch quv puS.
In war, there is nothing more honorable than victory.

kun kon cargwizpuzzez.
qun qon charghwI'pu''e'.
History is written by the victors.

hik dasammeh tac yizel.
HIq DaSammeH tach yI'el.
To find ale, go into a bar.

hivmeh duj sozluz.
HIvmeH Duj So'lu'.
A ship cloaks in order to attack.

maqapmeh mahiv.
maQapmeH maHIv.
In order to succeed, we attack.

rut yihmey gom hoc.
rut yIHmey ghom Hoch.
Everyone encounters tribbles occasionally.

pipyus pac dasop danehcug; pipyus pus dagornis.
pIpyuS pach DaSop DaneHchugh; pIpyuS puS DaghornIS.
If you want to eat pipius claw, you'll have to break a few pipiuses.

pipyus yigor.
pIpyuS yIghor.
Break a pipius.

yivok zac lojmitmey yisam.
yIvoq 'ach lojmItmey yISam.
Trust, but locate the doors.

yivok zac yizol.
yIvoq 'ach yI'ol.
Trust, but verify.

These two adages offer the same advice: Even with those who appear to be honorable, ethical, and deserving of trust, one must always be careful. In the first expression, the Klingon word for "door," "{lojmIt,}" could equally well be translated "gate." It is used here to stand for any form of entrance or, more important, exit. The general idea is to have an escape route, a way out, or a backup plan should the trust be misplaced. Accordingly, a Klingon is generally apprehensive when someone says of a commitment or a plan, "{ngaQ lojmIt}" ("The door is locked"). The phrase "{ngaQ lojmIt}" is also sometimes heard in reference to a situation with an inevitable, unavoidable outcome. The origin of the second proverb is unknown, but it seems to be related to an ancient political movement known as {ghIlaSnoS,} whose meaning has also been lost to obscurity.

faq lojmit.
ngaQ lojmIt.
The door is locked. <br>(sometimes heard in reference to a situation with an inevitable, unavoidable outcome)

quz datagdiz zaktuz mellotaz je tikaw.
Qu' DataghDI' 'aqtu' mellota' je tIqaw.
When you begin a mission, remember Aktuh and Melota.

nobmey kembog yiridfanpuzzez yivokqoz.
nobmey qembogh yIrIDnganpu''e' yIvoqQo'.
Don't trust Yridians who bring gifts.

Yridians are known as traders of information---that is, buyers and sellers. So if a Yridian offers something at no cost---a gift---something is surely amiss.

This Klingon maxim embodies the general belief: Those who violate the rules of their own culture and do not observe their own virtues are acting dishonorably and are not to be trusted.

huc nobhazbog verefanpuzzez yivokqoz
Huch nobHa'bogh verenganpu''e' yIvoqQo'
Don't trust Ferengi who give back money.

Like the Klingons, the entrepreneurial Ferengi have a great many wise sayings, an important subset of which is known as the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. The First Rule of Acquisition is "Once you have their money, you never give it back." Thus, Klingon thinking goes, if a Ferengi does return money, he is acting most suspiciously.

This Klingon maxim embodies the general belief: Those who violate the rules of their own culture and do not observe their own virtues are acting dishonorably and are not to be trusted.

ruraz pentezdak cuc fevlah gah.
rura' pente'Daq chuch ngevlaH ghaH.
He can sell ice on Rura Penthe.

Rura Penthe is a frozen asteroid used by the Klingons as a penal colony for enemies of the Empire. The expression is descriptive of somebody who can do most anything, even used adverse conditions.

Klingons look down on prisoners as having behaved dishonorably. If they had acted honorably, they would never have been captured in the first place. Although Klingon warriors fight to the death rather than take prisoners, there is a Klingon system of jurisprudence, and those who are found to have violated the rules of society are often punished by being forced to do particularly strenuous or distasteful work. Having such a system is actually seen as beneficial for Klingon society, since it provides a ready source of necessary labor. The prisoners on Rura Penthe, for example, mine dilithium, required for warp propulsion systems. Significantly, the penal colony houses no Klingon prisoners. A Klingon would never allow himself to be taken prisoner, not even by his own government.

yiqekqoz neh. dos yikip.
yIQeqQo' neH. DoS yIqIp.
Don't just aim; hit the target.

This is another adage couched in the vocabulary or battle that actually has wider application. Klingons hold that there is no value in setting goals unless one achieves them. This attitude complements the belief, noted earlier, that playing a game just for fun is an outlandish notion.

suvbezcug suvwiz xuhbez suvwiz.
Suvbe'chugh SuvwI' tlhuHbe' SuvwI'.
If a warrior does not fight, he does not breathe.

Worf showed awareness of this aphorism when he explained to those in charge of space station Deep Space 9 that the accuracy of the Klingons' information that the Dominion was responsible for an uprising on the Cardassian homeworld was irrelevant. The Klingons were using it merely as a justification to go into battle. "There are many Klingons who say we have been at peace too long," he said. "Klingons are warriors, and warriors fight."

Perhaps Klingon General Chang was thinking of this expression as well when he told Kirk, "We need breathing room." Chang opposed the impending negotiations between the Empire and the Federation precisely because of the space it would bring.

jac suvwiz zez yiqoy.
jach SuvwI' 'e' yIQoy.
Hear the warrior cry out.

Gowron referred to this well-known cry when he said to Worf, "Do you tremble and quake with fear at the approach of combat, hoping to <talk> your way out of a fight like a Human? Or do you hear the cry of the warrior calling you to battle, calling you to glory, like a Klingon? Are you one of us?" Worf later told Picard, "I <do> hear the cry of the warrior."

This exhortation resembles one cited earlier, "Listen to the voice of your blood". The two make the same point, but from different perspectives. To heed the cry of the warrior is to follow the dictates of the society; to listen to the voice of one's blood is to adhere to one's true nature. For Klingons, of course, both lead to the same result: living the life of a warrior.

seymoh qeh.
SeymoH QeH.
Anger excites.

For Klingons, anger is definitely not a negative emotion. On the contrary, it can trigger acts of honor, energize battles, or prompt one to achieve one's goals. It provides motivation for further action and, since taking action is central to a Klingon's well-being, the overall effect is one of stimulation, elation, and excitement. One's outrage should not lead to recklessness, however, for careless action will interfere with one's ultimate success.

     Federation diplomat Curzon Dax knew how Klingon anger could be channeled into action. On the first day of negotiations in the Korvat Colony, he walked out on a speech being delivered by Kang. Curzon knew that he had to get Kang very angry in order to create a bond between the Klingon and himself, and thereby ensure the success of his mission.

veklargliz yibus zej veklargwiz vibus.
veqlarghlI' yIbuS 'ej veqlarghwI' vIbuS.
You pay attention to your Fek'lhr and I will pay attention to mine.

Fek'lhr is a mythical beast guarding Gre'thor, the place where the spirits of the dishonored dead go. Not really a devil (Kang once said that Klingons have no devil), it is still a being to be reckoned with. The phrase means that each individual has his own individual concerns, but it also is a warning to be aware of that part of each individual's being---the beast within, perhaps---that may entice one to stray onto a path leading to dishonor.

gojwizpuzliz tisah.
ghojwI'pu'lI' tISaH.
Care about your students.

This bit of advice is actually---and probably intentionally---ambiguous. It can be interpreted to mean "care about your student' progress and welfare," but it can also mean "care about who your students are"---that is, impart knowledge only to those whom you trust.

To Klingons, knowledge and expertise are matters of pride. This includes both the understanding of history, rituals, and legends, and also the mastery of various practical techniques, such as those needed to be a successful warrior. Education and drilling continue throughout a Klingon's life. There are even some ritualized forms of practice, such as the {moQbara',} a type of martial art, and the {qa'vaQ,} a hoop-and-stick maneuver that hones the skills of the hunt.

Complementing the value placed on learning is an emphasis on teaching, the recognition that, in order to continue as a culture, it is important to pass on expertise to future generations. At the same time, to grow as a culture, it is acknowledged that teachers will learn from their students, another reason to be sure that the student-teacher relationship is one of mutual trust and respect.

zavwiz nejdiz nargtazbog kamaz reh zavwiz sambej.
'avwI' nejDI' narghta'bogh qama' reH 'avwI' Sambej.
When an escaped prisoner looks for a guard, he always finds one.

This maxim carries a message similar to the Federation dictum "Don't go looking for trouble." It suggests that if one's being overcautious interferes with the task at hand, the task is doomed.

dal pag jag.
Dal pagh jagh.
No enemy is boring.

To be a warrior, one must have an opponent. Accordingly, antagonists or enemies are not deemed undesirable. At the very least, they are considered essential; in the case of truly worthy adversaries, they are admired. Engaging in battle with an enemy hones the warrior's skills and pushes him to achieve victory. To have a rich and fulfilling life, according to Klingon thinking, one must have an enemy.

dahjaj suvwizzez jih.
DaHjaj SuvwI''e' jIH.
Today I am a warrior.

Upon reaching a certain age, the Age of Ascension, a young Klingon undergoes a rite of passage symbolizing the attainment of a certain spiritual level. After intoning the three ancient and scared phrases recorded above, the initiate, while walking along a path lined by painstik-wielding warriors, expresses his or her deepest feelings.

tikwij sazafnis.
tIqwIj Sa'angnIS.
I must show you my heart.

Upon reaching a certain age, the Age of Ascension, a young Klingon undergoes a rite of passage symbolizing the attainment of a certain spiritual level. After intoning the three ancient and scared phrases recorded above, the initiate, while walking along a path lined by painstik-wielding warriors, expresses his or her deepest feelings.

ziw biqtikdak jijah.
'Iw bIQtIqDaq jIjaH.
I travel the river of blood.

Upon reaching a certain age, the Age of Ascension, a young Klingon undergoes a rite of passage symbolizing the attainment of a certain spiritual level. After intoning the three ancient and scared phrases recorded above, the initiate, while walking along a path lined by painstik-wielding warriors, expresses his or her deepest feelings.

zoyznaq dalozbezcug not nefep lop puk.
'oy'naQ Dalo'be'chugh not nenghep lop puq.
If you don't use the painstik, the child will never celebrate his Age of Ascension.

This is another way of saying that it is necessary to adhere strictly to the particulars of any procedure in order to achieve the desired goals. The proverb is phrased in terms of the details of Rite of Ascension, during which, as noted, warriors jab the Klingon youth with painstiks. It protocol is not followed---it this case, if painstiks are not used---the ceremony carries no import and the Age of Ascension has not been celebrated.

lod quc jihbez.
loD Quch jIHbe'.
I am not a merry man.

This is not a proverb or maxim of any kind, but rather an offhand remark made by Worf in reference to his nature. Though by itself of minor cultural importance, it nonetheless provides an example of Klingon introspection.

gewmey tisukqoz.
ghewmey tISuqQo'.
Don't catch any bugs.

The Klingon guard at listening post Morska found this advice funny. Klingon humor is difficult to understand, so there is no ready explanation as to why he was so amused.

waz dol nivdak matayzdiz maqap.
wa' Dol nIvDaq matay'DI' maQap.
We succeed together in a greater whole.

Kor said to Kirk and Spock, "Do you know why we are so strong? Because we are a unit. Each of us is a part of a greater whole."

noh qapmeh woz qawzluzcug yay cavbezluz, zej woz cokmeh mayz dohluzcug lujbezluz.
noH QapmeH wo' Qaw'lu'chugh yay chavbe'lu', 'ej wo' choqmeH may' DoHlu'chugh lujbe'lu'.
Destroying an empire to win a war is no victory, and ending a battle to save an empire is no defeat.

This is an ancient adage, originally voiced by Kahless himself.

Interestingly, when the Federation first started learning about Klingons, Kahless was considered to be no more than an evil conqueror. He had formed an empire of, in James Kirk's words, "conquered worlds." The Klingons, Kirk felt, "take what they want by arms and force." As part of their examination of the behavior of other life forms, the Excalbians staged a conflict between the forces of "good"---represented by Kirk, Spock, and the images of Abraham Lincoln and the Vulcan philosopher Surak---and those of "evil"---represented by, among others, the image of Kahless. The Excalbians formed their replica of Kahless on the basis of the Federation's concept of him. Therefore, they described him in terms fitting an oppressor: "the Klingon who set the pattern for his planet's tyrannies."

In time, and as more was learned about Klingon history and culture, the Federation's understanding of the role of Kahless in Klingon history changed. It is now known that Klingons consider him a great warrior who did indeed conquer other worlds, but united the Empire by giving the people the laws of honor which direct every Klingon's life.

qagmeylij ticid, yiyoh.
QaghmeylIj tIchID, yIyoH.
Have the courage to admit your mistakes.

bijezbezcug vaj biheg.
bIje'be'chugh vaj bIHegh.
Buy or die.

ketjaj jagmeyliz.
qetjaj jaghmeylI'.
may your enemies run.

pezvil supawzjaj
pe'vIl Supaw'jaj
A Klingon greeting apparently for welcoming a group to an event.

wazmah wej
wa'maH wej
It's complicated.

Example:

{qatlh Suvbe' chaH?} "Why aren't they fighting?"

{wa'maH wej.} "It's complicated." (idiom based on the old counting system)

waz waz waz
wa' wa' wa'
It's complicated

Example: {qatlh Suvbe' chaH?} "Why aren't they fighting?" {wa' wa' wa'.} "It's complicated." (idiom based on the old counting system)