Significado
Old friendships are more reliable.
Contexto cultural
Friendship is often considered a 'second family.' It is common for friends to be godparents (kumy) to each other's children, cementing a lifelong bond. In villages, neighbors and friends are the primary support system. The proverb reflects the practical need for people who have already proven their reliability in farm work. For Ukrainians living abroad, 'old friends' from the homeland are a vital link to their identity, making this proverb especially poignant. Despite the rise of social media, the 'inner circle' remains small. This proverb is often used to critique the superficiality of 'Facebook friends.'
Don't be too literal
While the proverb says 'two', it really means 'any number'. It's about quality, not math.
Use it for nostalgia
It's the perfect phrase to use when looking at old photos with someone.
Significado
Old friendships are more reliable.
Don't be too literal
While the proverb says 'two', it really means 'any number'. It's about quality, not math.
Use it for nostalgia
It's the perfect phrase to use when looking at old photos with someone.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct forms.
Старий друг краще ______ ______.
The Genitive plural of 'нові' is 'нових', and the Genitive of 'два' is 'двох'.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
You are writing a birthday card to your best friend of 15 years.
The proverb is a compliment to the strength of a long-term bond.
Which word is the comparative in this phrase?
Старий друг краще нових двох.
'Краще' means 'better' and is the comparative form.
Complete the dialogue.
— Чому ти не пішов на вечірку з новими сусідами? — Бо я вирішив зустрітися з Максимом. Ми дружимо з дитинства, а ...
The speaker is justifying choosing an old friend over new acquaintances.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Old vs. New Friends
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosСтарий друг краще ______ ______.
The Genitive plural of 'нові' is 'нових', and the Genitive of 'два' is 'двох'.
You are writing a birthday card to your best friend of 15 years.
The proverb is a compliment to the strength of a long-term bond.
Старий друг краще нових двох.
'Краще' means 'better' and is the comparative form.
— Чому ти не пішов на вечірку з новими сусідами? — Бо я вирішив зустрітися з Максимом. Ми дружимо з дитинства, а ...
The speaker is justifying choosing an old friend over new acquaintances.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
3 preguntasYes, it can be. It's better to use it when talking *about* an old friend, not *to* a new one to compare them.
Because of the Genitive of comparison. After 'краще', the object being compared goes into the Genitive case.
Usually no. It's specifically for people. For objects, we say 'Річ краще нова'.
Frases relacionadas
Друзі пізнаються в біді
similarFriends are known in trouble.
Не май сто рублів, а май сто друзів
contrastDon't have a hundred rubles, have a hundred friends.
Стара дружба не іржавіє
similarOld friendship doesn't rust.
