Significado
A person who constantly changes jobs or places will not accumulate wealth or responsibilities.
Contexto cultural
In France, this proverb is often used by grandparents to encourage children to save money and stay in school. It reflects a 'bourgeois' value of accumulation. In French-speaking Canada, the proverb is equally well-known and carries the same traditional weight, often used in rural communities. With the rise of the 'gig economy', some French bloggers have started to subvert the proverb, saying 'La pierre qui roule évite la poussière' (The rolling stone avoids dust), suggesting that movement is better than being old and dusty.
Proverbial Grammar
Notice the lack of 'la' before mousse. This is a great example of how proverbs preserve old grammar rules.
Don't over-use
This is a very strong piece of advice. Using it too often can make you sound judgmental or old-fashioned.
Significado
A person who constantly changes jobs or places will not accumulate wealth or responsibilities.
Proverbial Grammar
Notice the lack of 'la' before mousse. This is a great example of how proverbs preserve old grammar rules.
Don't over-use
This is a very strong piece of advice. Using it too often can make you sound judgmental or old-fashioned.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb.
Pierre qui ______ n'amasse pas mousse.
The verb 'rouler' (to roll) is the essential action of the stone in this proverb.
Which person does this proverb best describe?
Who is a 'pierre qui roule'?
The proverb describes someone who changes their path frequently, preventing them from finishing or accumulating progress.
What does 'mousse' represent in this proverb?
In the figurative sense, 'mousse' is...
In this context, moss is a positive thing—it represents the 'roots' and 'wealth' you gather by staying still.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: 'Je vais encore démissionner pour voyager.' B: 'Fais attention, ________.'
This is the standard way to offer a warning about the lack of stability.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
The Two Stones
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosPierre qui ______ n'amasse pas mousse.
The verb 'rouler' (to roll) is the essential action of the stone in this proverb.
Who is a 'pierre qui roule'?
The proverb describes someone who changes their path frequently, preventing them from finishing or accumulating progress.
In the figurative sense, 'mousse' is...
In this context, moss is a positive thing—it represents the 'roots' and 'wealth' you gather by staying still.
A: 'Je vais encore démissionner pour voyager.' B: 'Fais attention, ________.'
This is the standard way to offer a warning about the lack of stability.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasYes, {la|f} mousse (moss/foam) is always feminine. Don't confuse it with {le|m} mousse, which means a young sailor/cabin boy!
Yes, it's very common to use it for travelers, but usually to imply they aren't building a 'real' life or saving money.
Generally, no. It's usually a warning or a criticism of someone's lack of persistence.
In this specific proverb, the article is omitted entirely. In normal French, you would say 'n'amasse pas de mousse'.
Frases relacionadas
Qui trop embrasse, mal étreint
similarHe who tries to do too much achieves little.
Il ne faut pas courir deux lièvres à la fois
similarDon't chase two rabbits at once.
Moussu
builds onMossy / Covered in moss.
