A proverb or an adage is a simple, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and are an example of formulaic language. A proverbial phrase or a proverbial expression is a type of a conventional saying similar to proverbs and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. Collectively, they form a genre of folklore.

ಗಾದೆಗಳು ಜನಜನಿತವಾದ ಅನುಭವಿಗಳಿಂದ ನುಡಿಯಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ಸತ್ಯವಾಕ್ಯಗಳು. ಹಲವು ಬಾರಿ ಈ ವಾಕ್ಯಗಳು ರೂಪಕ, ಉಪಮೆ, ದೀಪಕ, ಅಲಂಕಾರಗಳಾಗಿರುತ್ತವೆ.