Каквото повикало, такова се обадило.
каквото повикало такова се обадило
What called out, responded.
Signification
You get what you give.
Contexte culturel
In Bulgarian villages, the 'echo' was often personified in folklore as a spirit or a reflection of one's soul. This proverb is more than just words; it's a social contract. Similar proverbs exist across the Balkans (Serbia, North Macedonia), reflecting a shared cultural emphasis on 'justice' and 'eye-for-an-eye' logic in social interactions. On Bulgarian social media (Facebook/TikTok), this phrase is often used as a hashtag #каквотоповикало to comment on political scandals or celebrity drama. While the proverb is secular, it aligns with the Christian teaching of 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' which is deeply embedded in Bulgarian history.
Use it as a 'Mic Drop'
In an argument, if you want to end the discussion by pointing out the other person's fault, say this and walk away. It's very effective.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep the phrase exactly as it is. Changing it to 'Каквото повиках' (I called) makes it sound like a normal sentence, not a proverb.
Signification
You get what you give.
Use it as a 'Mic Drop'
In an argument, if you want to end the discussion by pointing out the other person's fault, say this and walk away. It's very effective.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep the phrase exactly as it is. Changing it to 'Каквото повиках' (I called) makes it sound like a normal sentence, not a proverb.
The Echo Metaphor
When you say it, imagine you are in the mountains. It helps with the intonation and the 'feeling' of the phrase.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Каквото повикало, ________ се обадило.
The proverb uses the neuter demonstrative pronoun 'такова' to match 'каквото'.
Match the situation to the proverb's meaning.
Ivan was mean to Maria, so Maria didn't invite him to her party.
This situation describes a direct negative consequence of Ivan's behavior.
Which verb form is correct in the proverb?
Каквото ________, такова се обадило.
The proverb uses the neuter singular past active participle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Защо шефът ти се развика? B: Ами, аз му отговорих много грубо. A: Е, ________.
The proverb fits perfectly as a comment on the boss's reaction to the speaker's rudeness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesКаквото повикало, ________ се обадило.
The proverb uses the neuter demonstrative pronoun 'такова' to match 'каквото'.
Ivan was mean to Maria, so Maria didn't invite him to her party.
This situation describes a direct negative consequence of Ivan's behavior.
Каквото ________, такова се обадило.
The proverb uses the neuter singular past active participle.
A: Защо шефът ти се развика? B: Ами, аз му отговорих много грубо. A: Е, ________.
The proverb fits perfectly as a comment on the boss's reaction to the speaker's rudeness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt is neutral to informal. You can use it with friends or colleagues, but maybe not in a very formal speech to the President.
Yes! If you do something good and get a good result, you can say it, though it's more common for negative situations.
Because it refers to an abstract action or 'thing' (neuter), not a specific person (masculine/feminine).
Sometimes people just say the first half: 'Каквото повикало...' and let the listener finish it in their head.
Expressions liées
Каквото почукало, такова се обадило
similarWhatever knocked, such answered.
Каквото си посял, такова ще пожънеш
synonymWhat you sow, you shall reap.
Око за око, зъб за зъб
contrastAn eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Всичко се връща
similarEverything returns.
