Signification
Actions have consequences.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is a staple of Lithuanian primary education, used to teach children about 'darbštumas' (diligence). In ancient Baltic religion, the goddess Laima (fate) was thought to oversee the 'sowing' of a person's life path. Lithuanian influencers often use this proverb in 'hustle culture' posts to justify long working hours. It is frequently used in Lithuanian parliament (Seimas) debates to warn opponents about the future effects of new laws.
Use it for encouragement
Don't just use it as a warning. Use it to praise someone's hard work by saying 'You are reaping what you sowed' in a positive way.
Watch the tense
Always use the future tense (pasėsi, pjausi) to sound like a native speaker. Using the present tense makes it sound like a literal description of a farmer.
Signification
Actions have consequences.
Use it for encouragement
Don't just use it as a warning. Use it to praise someone's hard work by saying 'You are reaping what you sowed' in a positive way.
Watch the tense
Always use the future tense (pasėsi, pjausi) to sound like a native speaker. Using the present tense makes it sound like a literal description of a farmer.
The 'ir' factor
Adding 'ir' before 'pjausi' is the secret to sounding authentic. It adds a 'just as expected' nuance to the sentence.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verbs in the future tense.
Ką ______, tą ir ______.
The standard proverb uses the future tense second person singular.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: Tomas didn't study for his driving test and failed. Now he has to pay for a new test.
This situation shows a direct negative consequence of a choice, which is exactly what the proverb describes.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Aš visą vasarą dirbau, o dabar galiu nusipirkti naują telefoną! B: Puiku! Juk žinai posakį: _______.
The proverb fits because the person is 'reaping' the reward of their summer work.
Which word is the intensifier in this proverb?
Ką pasėsi, tą ir pjausi.
The particle 'ir' emphasizes that the result is exactly the same as the action.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKą ______, tą ir ______.
The standard proverb uses the future tense second person singular.
Situation: Tomas didn't study for his driving test and failed. Now he has to pay for a new test.
This situation shows a direct negative consequence of a choice, which is exactly what the proverb describes.
A: Aš visą vasarą dirbau, o dabar galiu nusipirkti naują telefoną! B: Puiku! Juk žinai posakį: _______.
The proverb fits because the person is 'reaping' the reward of their summer work.
Ką pasėsi, tą ir pjausi.
The particle 'ir' emphasizes that the result is exactly the same as the action.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is neutral. It applies to both good actions (reaping rewards) and bad actions (reaping punishments).
Yes, if you are discussing long-term strategy or results, but keep it professional. It's better in a motivational context.
The prefix 'pa-' emphasizes the completion of the act of sowing, which is necessary for a harvest to happen.
Not really, but people sometimes just say 'Ką pasėsi...' and let the listener finish the thought.
It is a traditional proverb, but it's so common that it doesn't sound 'old'. It sounds wise and grounded.
Expressions liées
Kaip pasiklosi, taip išsimiegosi
synonymAs you make your bed, so you will sleep.
Lazda turi du galus
similarThe stick has two ends.
Darbas meistrą giria
builds onThe work praises the master.
Obuolys nuo obels netoli rieda
similarThe apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
