Significado
Waiting for something very desired.
Contexto cultural
Many Russian idioms come from the Bible because the Church Slavonic Bible was the primary text for literacy for centuries. This phrase is a bridge between religious history and modern secular life. During times of deficit in the USSR, this phrase was used ironically or desperately to describe waiting for basic goods like meat or furniture to appear in stores. In the fast-paced Russian business world, this idiom is frequently used in news headlines to describe market expectations for government bailouts or foreign investments. In agricultural regions, the phrase remains tied to its literal roots—waiting for rain or a good harvest, which determines the survival of the village.
Master the Case
Always use 'манны' (Genitive). If you say 'манну' (Accusative), you sound like a learner. Native speakers use the Genitive to keep the 'fixed' feel of the idiom.
Don't Overuse
Because of its biblical roots, it's a 'heavy' idiom. Don't use it for small things like waiting for a YouTube video to load, or you'll sound sarcastic.
Significado
Waiting for something very desired.
Master the Case
Always use 'манны' (Genitive). If you say 'манну' (Accusative), you sound like a learner. Native speakers use the Genitive to keep the 'fixed' feel of the idiom.
Don't Overuse
Because of its biblical roots, it's a 'heavy' idiom. Don't use it for small things like waiting for a YouTube video to load, or you'll sound sarcastic.
The 'Miracle' Aspect
Remember that this idiom implies you cannot get the thing yourself. It's for things out of your control (weather, government, luck).
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words in the correct case.
Мы ждали этого отпуска как ______ ______.
The idiom always uses the Genitive case: 'манны небесной'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'ждать как манны небесной'?
Выберите ситуацию:
The idiom implies a vital, high-stakes necessity.
Complete the dialogue using the idiom.
— Ты уже получил ответ из посольства? — Нет, ещё нет. Я ...
Waiting for a visa/response from an embassy is a classic context for this idiom.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Сопоставьте:
Each idiom has a specific nuance of waiting.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosМы ждали этого отпуска как ______ ______.
The idiom always uses the Genitive case: 'манны небесной'.
Выберите ситуацию:
The idiom implies a vital, high-stakes necessity.
— Ты уже получил ответ из посольства? — Нет, ещё нет. Я ...
Waiting for a visa/response from an embassy is a classic context for this idiom.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Each idiom has a specific nuance of waiting.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt has religious origins, but today it is used by everyone, including atheists. It's a cultural idiom, not a religious statement.
Yes! 'Я жду тебя как манны небесной' is a very common and slightly dramatic way to tell someone you really need to see them.
'Манна' is the biblical miracle food. 'Манка' is semolina porridge (cream of wheat). Don't confuse them, or you'll be waiting for 'heavenly porridge'!
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but you'll also see it in high-quality journalism and literature.
It's possible but much less common. The 'как' makes it a clear comparison, which is the standard form.
The verb 'ждать' in Russian often takes the Genitive case for abstract or desired things that haven't arrived yet. The idiom preserves this old grammatical rule.
No, 'манна' is an uncountable noun. It only exists in the singular.
Only if you are talking about something very important, like 'We are waiting for the new technology like manna from heaven.' It might be a bit too emotional for a very formal interview.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'бояться как огня' (to fear like fire) expresses the opposite emotion—intense avoidance.
Yes, it is a 'top-tier' idiom that 100% of native speakers understand.
Frases relacionadas
упасть как манна небесная
variationTo receive something valuable unexpectedly and without effort.
питаться манной небесной
specialized formTo live without a steady income or to live on very little, hoping for miracles.
ждать у моря погоды
contrastTo wait in vain or to wait passively for luck.
считать минуты
similarTo be very impatient, counting every minute.
