We live joking, but we'll die for real.

What it means

Life can be lived lightly, but its end is serious. Do not let the jokes hide how short the time is. Laugh, and still take your life seriously.

The source

"We live joking, but we'll die for real." This Russian proverb is recorded in Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Laughter — Jest — Merriment" («Смех — Шутка — Веселье»). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

"Живем шутя, а помрем вправду."

Original Russian, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Laughter — Jest — Merriment" («Смех — Шутка — Веселье»). Text read at ru.wikisource.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "We live joking, but we'll die for real." mean?

Life can be lived lightly, but its end is serious. Do not let the jokes hide how short the time is. Laugh, and still take your life seriously.

Who said "We live joking, but we'll die for real."?

Russian proverb. Source: Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Laughter — Jest — Merriment" («Смех — Шутка — Веселье»).

What is the original Russian?

Живем шутя, а помрем вправду. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "We live joking, but we'll die for real." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"We live joking, but we'll die for real." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Laughter — Jest — Merriment" («Смех — Шутка — Веселье»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/we-live-joking-but-well-die-for-real