Significado
If you work, you will eat.
Contexto cultural
In the steppe, animal fat was a luxury and a necessity. A 'greasy mouth' was a sign that a family was thriving and had successfully managed their herds. In Ulaanbaatar, this proverb is used to justify the 'hustle' of city life, from working multiple jobs to studying late for exams. Similar proverbs exist across other nomadic cultures in the region (Kazakh, Kyrgyz), emphasizing the shared value of labor in harsh environments. During the socialist era, this proverb was used by the state to encourage labor productivity in factories and collective farms (negdels).
Use it to end an argument
If someone is complaining about why they have to work, saying this proverb usually ends the debate because it's considered an undeniable truth.
The 'Grease' Factor
Remember that 'grease' is positive. In some cultures, grease is dirty, but in Mongolia, it's a sign of high-quality food and wealth.
Significado
If you work, you will eat.
Use it to end an argument
If someone is complaining about why they have to work, saying this proverb usually ends the debate because it's considered an undeniable truth.
The 'Grease' Factor
Remember that 'grease' is positive. In some cultures, grease is dirty, but in Mongolia, it's a sign of high-quality food and wealth.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Ажил хийвэл ___ тосдоно.
'Ам' means mouth. The proverb says the mouth gets greasy.
What is the figurative meaning of this proverb?
Ажил хийвэл ам тосдоно гэж юу гэсэн үг вэ?
It means if you work, you will reach success and live well.
Match the Mongolian words to their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
A: Би энэ төслийг дуусгаж чадахгүй нь ээ. B: Битгий бууж өг. ______.
This is the most appropriate motivational proverb for finishing a project.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosАжил хийвэл ___ тосдоно.
'Ам' means mouth. The proverb says the mouth gets greasy.
Ажил хийвэл ам тосдоно гэж юу гэсэн үг вэ?
It means if you work, you will reach success and live well.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the core components of the proverb.
A: Би энэ төслийг дуусгаж чадахгүй нь ээ. B: Битгий бууж өг. ______.
This is the most appropriate motivational proverb for finishing a project.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
3 preguntasYes, it's very common. Even though the 'greasy mouth' part is old-fashioned, the meaning is still very relevant in modern Mongolia.
Yes, it's appropriate for a motivational closing or when discussing project goals.
It means 'to become greasy' or 'to be covered in oil'. It comes from the word 'тос' (oil/fat).
Frases relacionadas
Хөдөлбөл хөлс, хийвэл ам
similarIf you move, you sweat; if you do, you eat.
Залхуу хүнд хоол олдохгүй
contrastA lazy person will not find food.
Эзэн хичээвэл заяа хичээнэ
builds onIf the master strives, fate will strive.
