Bedeutung
The work will still be there later.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The proverb reflects the 'pauza' culture where social connection and physical rest are seen as vital components of a productive life, rather than just 'lost time.' In rural Ukraine, this phrase was a way to manage the overwhelming amount of manual labor. Since the work never truly ends, one must choose when to stop. Ironically, this old peasant proverb has become a favorite 'meme' among high-tech workers in Kyiv to signal their rejection of toxic overwork. During the Soviet period, this phrase was sometimes used as a form of 'quiet resistance' against state-mandated production quotas.
Use it for empathy
It's a great way to show a friend you care about their stress levels.
Watch the deadline
Don't use this if the task actually *will* 'run away' (like a limited-time offer).
Bedeutung
The work will still be there later.
Use it for empathy
It's a great way to show a friend you care about their stress levels.
Watch the deadline
Don't use this if the task actually *will* 'run away' (like a limited-time offer).
The '...' effect
Just saying 'Робота не вовк...' and trailing off makes you sound very native.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the proverb.
Робота не ______, в ліс не втече.
The traditional animal used in this proverb is the wolf (вовк).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Робота не вовк'?
Select the best scenario:
The phrase is for non-urgent, casual situations where rest is prioritized over mundane tasks.
Fill in the missing part of the full proverb.
Робота не вовк, в ______ не втече.
The full proverb says work won't run away into the forest (ліс).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Олена: 'Я так втомилася від цього проекту!' Іван: '_________________'
This is a natural, empathetic response to someone expressing work fatigue.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenРобота не ______, в ліс не втече.
The traditional animal used in this proverb is the wolf (вовк).
Select the best scenario:
The phrase is for non-urgent, casual situations where rest is prioritized over mundane tasks.
Робота не вовк, в ______ не втече.
The full proverb says work won't run away into the forest (ліс).
Олена: 'Я так втомилася від цього проекту!' Іван: '_________________'
This is a natural, empathetic response to someone expressing work fatigue.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it's generally friendly and humorous, but it can be seen as dismissive if used in a serious professional context.
Yes! It's very common among students to justify taking a break from studying.
The full version is 'Робота не вовк, в ліс не втече.'
Because a wolf is fast and can disappear, while work is a heavy, permanent thing.
Yes, it's a common proverb across many Slavic languages with the same meaning.
Only if you have a very informal, joking relationship. Otherwise, it sounds like an excuse for not doing homework.
Yes, 'Бджола мала, а й та працює' (The bee is small, but even she works).
The 'v' at the end is soft, almost like a 'w'. Think 'vowk'.
Extremely. You'll see it in memes, on T-shirts, and hear it in offices every day.
People will understand you, but it's not the standard proverb. Stick to the wolf!
Verwandte Redewendungen
Хто не працює, той не їсть
contrastHe who doesn't work, doesn't eat.
Справи як сажа: не помажеш, то й не поїдеш
similarBusiness is like soot: if you don't grease it, you won't go.
Більше діла, менше слів
contrastMore action, fewer words.
Відкладай на завтра те, що не хочеш робити сьогодні
builds onPut off until tomorrow what you don't want to do today.
