A1 Proverb Neutral

Daug norėsi – mažai turėsi

Want much, have little

Significado

Greed can lead to having nothing.

🌍

Contexto cultural

The concept of 'saikas' (moderation) is a cornerstone of Lithuanian ethics. It is often said that a person without 'saikas' is like a bucket with a hole. Many Baltic fairy tales feature a character called 'Godumas' (Greed personified) who always ends up being tricked by the humble 'Trečias brolis' (The Third Brother). In the post-Soviet era, this proverb was often used to criticize the 'wild capitalism' of the 90s, where many lost fortunes trying to get rich too quickly. In villages, sharing resources like milk or tools was common. Someone who was 'daug norintis' (wanting much) was socially isolated.

💡

Use it for kids

This is the most natural context. If you want to sound like a native Lithuanian parent, use this when a child is being demanding.

⚠️

Don't be a dream-killer

Avoid using this when someone is sharing their big dreams or goals. It can sound very negative and discouraging.

Significado

Greed can lead to having nothing.

💡

Use it for kids

This is the most natural context. If you want to sound like a native Lithuanian parent, use this when a child is being demanding.

⚠️

Don't be a dream-killer

Avoid using this when someone is sharing their big dreams or goals. It can sound very negative and discouraging.

🎯

The Dash is Key

When writing, always use the long dash (–) or a comma. It separates the 'cause' from the 'effect'.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing verbs in the future tense.

Daug ______ – mažai ______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: norėsi / turėsi

The proverb always uses the second person singular future tense.

Which situation best fits the proverb?

A person tries to win three lotteries at once and spends all their money, winning nothing.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Daug norėsi – mažai turėsi

This situation describes greed leading to loss, which is exactly what the proverb means.

Complete the dialogue.

Vaikas: 'Mama, aš noriu dešimties žaislų!' Mama: '________.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Daug norėsi – mažai turėsi

This is a classic parental response to a child's excessive demands.

What is the opposite of 'daug' in this proverb?

Daug norėsi – ______ turėsi.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: mažai

'Mažai' (little) is the standard word used in the canonical form of the proverb.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Daug vs Mažai

Daug (Much)
Norai Wants
Mažai (Little)
Turtas Possessions

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the missing verbs in the future tense. Fill Blank A1

Daug ______ – mažai ______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: norėsi / turėsi

The proverb always uses the second person singular future tense.

Which situation best fits the proverb? situation_matching A2

A person tries to win three lotteries at once and spends all their money, winning nothing.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Daug norėsi – mažai turėsi

This situation describes greed leading to loss, which is exactly what the proverb means.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A1

Vaikas: 'Mama, aš noriu dešimties žaislų!' Mama: '________.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Daug norėsi – mažai turėsi

This is a classic parental response to a child's excessive demands.

What is the opposite of 'daug' in this proverb? Choose A1

Daug norėsi – ______ turėsi.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: mažai

'Mažai' (little) is the standard word used in the canonical form of the proverb.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

4 preguntas

It depends on the tone. It can be a gentle warning or a sharp critique. Use it carefully with superiors.

Yes! You can say 'Aš žinau, daug norėsiu – mažai turėsiu' to show you are trying to be modest.

Because it's a prediction of what will happen if you continue to be greedy.

Not really, the full phrase is needed for the rhyme and rhythm.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Kas per daug, tai nesveika

similar

Whatever is too much is unhealthy.

🔗

Godumas ubagų duona

similar

Greed is the bread of beggars.

🔗

Skūpas moka dvigubai

related

A stingy person pays twice.

🔗

Geriau žvirblis rankoj, nei briedis girioj

similar

Better a sparrow in the hand than a moose in the forest.

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!