Significado
Don't criticize a gift you received.
Contexto cultural
Estonians are known for being reserved. This proverb helps maintain social harmony by preventing awkward complaints about gifts. In farming communities, horses were a sign of wealth. Giving one away was a massive gesture, making any criticism of the horse a grave insult. The proverb is frequently used in Estonian tech forums when users complain about free software or government e-services. Children are taught this proverb as part of 'kodune kasvatus' (home upbringing) to ensure they behave at birthday parties.
Use it for 'Freebies'
This isn't just for horses or birthday gifts. Use it for free samples, free tickets, or even free advice.
Don't be Sarcastic
If you say this too loudly when receiving a gift, the giver might realize you actually don't like it.
Significado
Don't criticize a gift you received.
Use it for 'Freebies'
This isn't just for horses or birthday gifts. Use it for free samples, free tickets, or even free advice.
Don't be Sarcastic
If you say this too loudly when receiving a gift, the giver might realize you actually don't like it.
Master the Impersonal
Learning 'ei vaadata' is a great gateway to understanding Estonian impersonal verbs used in laws and instructions.
The 'Suhu' Shortcut
In Estonia, just saying 'Noh, kingitud hobune...' with a shrug is enough for people to know exactly what you mean.
Ponte a prueba
Täida lünk õige sõnaga.
Kingitud hobuse ____ ei vaadata.
Vanasõnas kasutatakse lühikest sisseütlevat käänet (illatiivi) 'suhu'.
Millises olukorras on sobiv seda vanasõna kasutada?
Olukord: Sa ostsid poest uue telefoni, aga see ei tööta.
Vanasõna kehtib ainult kingituste, mitte ostetud asjade kohta.
Lõpeta dialoog.
Mari: 'See tasuta kohv on liiga kibe.' Jüri: 'Ole nüüd, ______.'
Jüri tuletab Marile meelde, et tasuta asjade üle ei nuriseta.
Vali õige grammatiline vorm.
Vanasõnas on tegusõna vorm:
See on eitav umbisikuline tegumood (impersonal negative).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use vs When not to use
Use it!
- • Birthday gifts
- • Free samples
- • Inherited items
- • Free advice
Don't use it!
- • Paid services
- • New purchases
- • Safety hazards
- • Contract work
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosKingitud hobuse ____ ei vaadata.
Vanasõnas kasutatakse lühikest sisseütlevat käänet (illatiivi) 'suhu'.
Olukord: Sa ostsid poest uue telefoni, aga see ei tööta.
Vanasõna kehtib ainult kingituste, mitte ostetud asjade kohta.
Mari: 'See tasuta kohv on liiga kibe.' Jüri: 'Ole nüüd, ______.'
Jüri tuletab Marile meelde, et tasuta asjade üle ei nuriseta.
Vanasõnas on tegusõna vorm:
See on eitav umbisikuline tegumood (impersonal negative).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt depends. It's fine as a joke or to comfort them if they got a bad gift from someone else. Don't say it to the person who gave YOU the gift.
Technically yes, but if it's dangerous, safety comes first. The proverb is more about quality and preference than functionality.
'Suhu' (into the mouth) implies the action of looking into it. 'Suus' would mean looking while already inside the mouth, which makes no sense.
Yes, it is very common. Even Gen Z uses it, though often in a slightly ironic or meme-like way.
No, the horse is the only animal used in this specific proverb across Europe.
You can still say 'Kingitud hobuse suhu ei vaadata' to yourself to remind yourself to be polite.
It's a participle acting as an adjective. It describes the horse.
Yes, that's the imperative version ('Don't look...'), but the impersonal 'ei vaadata' is the more traditional form.
Yes, if someone gives you money as a gift, you shouldn't complain that it's not enough.
Yes, for free services or 'added value' items that aren't perfect.
Frases relacionadas
Tasuta lõunaid ei ole olemas
contrastThere are no free lunches.
Kink on kink
similarA gift is a gift.
Parem varblane peos kui tuvi katusel
similarA sparrow in the hand is better than a dove on the roof.
Kuidas küla koerale, nõnda koer külale
builds onAs the village treats the dog, so the dog treats the village.
