Bedeutung
Don't criticize a gift you receive.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Horses were historically sacred in Baltic mythology (associated with the god Dievas). While the proverb is practical, the choice of a horse as the metaphoric gift reflects its high status in ancient Lithuanian society. The phrase is attributed to St. Jerome in his commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians (AD 386), where he wrote 'Noli equi dentes inspicere donati'. In the era of 'Freemium' apps, this proverb is frequently used in online forums when users complain about free versions of software. In villages, giving away surplus harvest (apples, potatoes) is common. If the neighbor's apples are small, you still accept them with this proverb in mind.
Use it for self-correction
If you catch yourself complaining about something free, say this phrase out loud. It shows humility and awareness.
Don't be too aggressive
Using this to someone else can sometimes sound a bit condescending. Use a gentle tone if you're reminding a friend.
Bedeutung
Don't criticize a gift you receive.
Use it for self-correction
If you catch yourself complaining about something free, say this phrase out loud. It shows humility and awareness.
Don't be too aggressive
Using this to someone else can sometimes sound a bit condescending. Use a gentle tone if you're reminding a friend.
Grammar Hack
Remember 'Dovanotam' ends in '-am' because it's masculine dative singular. If you can remember the ending, you'll sound much more native.
The 'Ačiū' rule
In Lithuania, a simple 'Ačiū' is always better than a long explanation of why a gift isn't perfect.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Dovanotam ______ į dantis nežiūri.
The proverb requires the Dative case 'arkliui'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
You receive a free sandwich, but it has no mayo.
Since the sandwich was free, you should accept it as it is.
Which of these is the correct literal meaning?
Ką reiškia ši patarlė tiesiogiai?
The literal meaning refers to not inspecting the teeth of a horse given as a gift.
Complete the dialogue.
Jonas: 'Šis nemokamas žurnalas labai nuobodus.' Aistė: 'Na, ________.'
Aistė is reminding Jonas not to complain about something free.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenDovanotam ______ į dantis nežiūri.
The proverb requires the Dative case 'arkliui'.
You receive a free sandwich, but it has no mayo.
Since the sandwich was free, you should accept it as it is.
Ką reiškia ši patarlė tiesiogiai?
The literal meaning refers to not inspecting the teeth of a horse given as a gift.
Jonas: 'Šis nemokamas žurnalas labai nuobodus.' Aistė: 'Na, ________.'
Aistė is reminding Jonas not to complain about something free.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, absolutely. If a friend cooks for you and it's a bit salty, this is the perfect internal mantra.
Usually, yes. You say it *about* a gift or to a third party. Saying it to the giver implies the gift actually *has* flaws you are ignoring.
In Lithuanian, certain verbs or constructions implying 'looking at' or 'directed toward' historically used the dative, though 'žiūrėti į' + accusative is the modern standard for the 'teeth' part.
No, the horse is the universal standard for this proverb in Lithuania.
Yes, it is very common in memes and daily conversation, especially regarding free digital services.
Then the proverb doesn't apply. If a 'gift' is a trick, you should definitely 'look into the teeth'.
You can also say 'nežiūrima' (it is not looked), which is more formal and impersonal.
People will understand you're joking, but it's not the standard proverb.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a newspaper article.
It's ARK-lyui. The 'l' is soft, like in 'million'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Saldus žodis ir šunį sušildo
similarKind words go a long way.
Kas dykai, tas miela
synonymWhat is free is lovely.
Skūpas moka dvigubai
contrastA stingy person pays twice.
Dovana ne brangumu, o meile brangi
similarA gift is precious for the love, not the price.
