Signification
A person is judged by their promises.
Contexte culturel
In Estonia, silence is often preferred over empty talk. This proverb reinforces the idea that if you do speak, your words must carry weight. Finland has an almost identical proverb: 'Miestä sanasta, härkää sarvesta.' It shows the shared Finnic cultural heritage regarding honor and livestock. Latvians share a similar agrarian history and value the 'word of honor' highly, though their idioms often involve the 'plow' or 'earth'. Even in tech-heavy Tallinn, a 'gentleman's agreement' is often respected as much as a digital signature, especially in the startup community.
Don't over-promise
In Estonia, it is better to say 'I might' than to say 'I will' and fail. This proverb is the reason why.
Gender usage
While 'meest' means man, it is used for everyone. However, in very modern contexts, some might prefer 'Inimest sõnast' (A person by their word).
Signification
A person is judged by their promises.
Don't over-promise
In Estonia, it is better to say 'I might' than to say 'I will' and fail. This proverb is the reason why.
Gender usage
While 'meest' means man, it is used for everyone. However, in very modern contexts, some might prefer 'Inimest sõnast' (A person by their word).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words in the proverb.
Meest ______, härga ______.
The proverb requires the elative case (-st).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Meest sõnast, härga sarvest'?
A friend promises to help you move house but then says they are too tired.
The proverb is used to hold someone to their promise.
Match the Estonian word to its English literal meaning in the proverb.
Match the following:
These are the four core components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
Jaan: 'Ma luban, et maksan võla homme.' Tiit: 'Ma usun sind, sest...'
This is the standard way to accept a serious promise.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMeest ______, härga ______.
The proverb requires the elative case (-st).
A friend promises to help you move house but then says they are too tired.
The proverb is used to hold someone to their promise.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four core components of the proverb.
Jaan: 'Ma luban, et maksan võla homme.' Tiit: 'Ma usun sind, sest...'
This is the standard way to accept a serious promise.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, though often with a bit of irony or when they want to sound very serious about a commitment.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails to emphasize that a verbal agreement will be honored.
Expressions liées
Sõna on mehe au
synonymA word is a man's honor.
Lubadus on võlg
similarA promise is a debt.
Tühjad pihud
contrastEmpty palms.
