Significado
Hospitality is a sacred duty.
Contexto cultural
Hospitality is considered the 'national religion.' Refusing a guest's request is seen as a personal failure for the host. In the mountains, the 'Guest-Host' relationship was historically a legal status. A guest was under the host's protection even against the law. Even in the modern city, the proverb is used to justify the 'open-door' policy where friends of friends are always welcome. Georgians living abroad use this proverb to maintain their cultural identity and bond with other Georgians.
Don't say it to yourself
As a guest, don't say 'I am a guest of God' to your host. It's for the host to say to you!
The 'Gh' sound
If you can't do the 'gh' sound, a soft 'h' or 'r' is better than a hard 'g'.
Significado
Hospitality is a sacred duty.
Don't say it to yourself
As a guest, don't say 'I am a guest of God' to your host. It's for the host to say to you!
The 'Gh' sound
If you can't do the 'gh' sound, a soft 'h' or 'r' is better than a hard 'g'.
Expect food
If someone says this to you, prepare to eat. A lot. It's rude to refuse everything.
Use it in toasts
If you are asked to make a toast in Georgia, mentioning this proverb will win you many hearts.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb.
სტუმარი _______.
The standard proverb is 'სტუმარი ღვთისაა' (A guest is from God).
In which situation would you most likely say 'სტუმარი ღვთისაა'?
A stranger asks for directions and you invite them in for coffee.
This is the perfect context for the proverb—welcoming a stranger.
What does 'ღვთისაა' mean in this context?
Choose the best translation.
The genitive suffix '-ისა' plus the '-ა' (is) means 'is of God'.
Complete the dialogue.
მასპინძელი: მობრძანდით! სტუმარი: გმადლობთ, დიდი ბოდიში შეწუხებისთვის. მასპინძელი: არა უშავს, _______.
The host uses the proverb to dismiss the guest's apology for 'bothering' them.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Who is a Guest?
Traditional
- • Traveler
- • Neighbor
- • Relative
Modern
- • Tourist
- • Business Partner
- • Friend
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosსტუმარი _______.
The standard proverb is 'სტუმარი ღვთისაა' (A guest is from God).
A stranger asks for directions and you invite them in for coffee.
This is the perfect context for the proverb—welcoming a stranger.
Choose the best translation.
The genitive suffix '-ისა' plus the '-ა' (is) means 'is of God'.
მასპინძელი: მობრძანდით! სტუმარი: გმადლობთ, დიდი ბოდიში შეწუხებისთვის. მასპინძელი: არა უშავს, _______.
The host uses the proverb to dismiss the guest's apology for 'bothering' them.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt has religious origins, but today it is a cultural proverb used by everyone, including secular people.
Yes, it's a great way to show that you value the partnership on a human level.
'Ghvtis' is the possessive form. It means 'belonging to God.'
Absolutely. While life is faster, the core value of welcoming guests remains central to social life.
They will still try to feed you! Just explain your diet politely; they will find 'God-sent' vegetables for you.
Traditionally, yes. Even an uninvited guest is seen as being sent by God.
It's like the French 'r' or the Dutch 'g'. A voiced sound at the back of the throat.
Not as famous, but the concept of 'Maspindzlობა' (hosting) is the counterpart.
Usually no, as they aren't 'guests' in the traditional sense, but you could say it if they visit your new home for the first time.
A guest usually responds with 'Gmadlobt' (Thank you) or 'Gaumarkhos tkvens ojakhs' (Victory/Blessing to your family).
Frases relacionadas
სტუმარ-მასპინძლობა
specialized formThe concept of hospitality.
მასპინძელი
builds onHost.
სუფრა
similarTraditional feast.
გაუმარჯოს
similarCheers/Victory.
