Signification
Someone who is different from others.
Contexte culturel
In Latvian folklore, birds are often messengers or symbols of the soul. A white bird usually signifies something pure or otherworldly, which adds a layer of 'specialness' to the idiom. During the Soviet occupation, being a 'balta vārna' was often dangerous as the regime prized collective identity. The phrase was used quietly to describe dissidents. Latvian Gen Z uses the term almost as a compliment on platforms like TikTok to describe 'alternative' fashion or niche aesthetics. Many famous Latvian authors, like Vizma Belševica, have written about the 'white crow' feeling of being an intellectual in a restrictive society.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'vārna' is always feminine. Don't try to make it masculine for men!
Not 'Black Sheep'
Don't use this if you want to say someone is a 'disgrace'. Use 'melnais jērs' for that.
Signification
Someone who is different from others.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'vārna' is always feminine. Don't try to make it masculine for men!
Not 'Black Sheep'
Don't use this if you want to say someone is a 'disgrace'. Use 'melnais jērs' for that.
Use with 'Kā'
The phrase sounds most natural when used with 'kā' (like) to describe a feeling or appearance.
Poetic Connotation
In Latvia, this phrase is often seen as poetic and slightly melancholic.
Teste-toi
Aizpildi tukšumu ar pareizo vārdu!
Viņš nejūtas labi šajā grupā, viņš ir kā balta _______.
The idiom is 'balta vārna' (white crow).
Kura teikuma nozīme ir 'Viņš ir savādāks nekā citi'?
Izvēlies pareizo idiomu:
'Balta vārna' is the idiom for someone who is different.
Savieno situāciju ar frāzi!
Situācija: Mākslinieks pilsētā, kur visi ir baņķieri.
An artist among bankers is a classic example of a 'white crow'.
Pabeidz dialogu!
A: Kāpēc tu nevelc tādu pašu formu kā visi? B: Man nepatīk, es gribu būt _______.
The speaker wants to express their desire to be different/unique.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
White Crow vs. Black Sheep
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesViņš nejūtas labi šajā grupā, viņš ir kā balta _______.
The idiom is 'balta vārna' (white crow).
Izvēlies pareizo idiomu:
'Balta vārna' is the idiom for someone who is different.
Situācija: Mākslinieks pilsētā, kur visi ir baņķieri.
An artist among bankers is a classic example of a 'white crow'.
A: Kāpēc tu nevelc tādu pašu formu kā visi? B: Man nepatīk, es gribu būt _______.
The speaker wants to express their desire to be different/unique.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! Even though 'vārna' is a feminine noun, the idiom 'balta vārna' is used for all genders without changing the word.
Usually no. It's more of a description of being different. However, context matters—it can be used to tease someone.
The plural is 'baltas vārnas'. Example: 'Mēs esam baltas vārnas.'
You could use 'unikāls cilvēks' (unique person), but 'balta vārna' is already quite neutral or even slightly admiring.
The direct equivalent is 'melnais jērs'.
Yes, you can describe a unique house or a project as a 'balta vārna' in its field.
Yes, to describe a company or a strategy that breaks the mold.
There isn't a single idiom, but you could say 'tāds kā visi' (such as everyone else).
Very common. Every Latvian knows and uses this phrase.
Often, yes. It suggests a certain isolation from the group.
No, that's 'white raven'. While understandable, the idiom specifically uses 'vārna' (crow).
Yes, it is a standard literary idiom suitable for speeches and articles.
Expressions liées
Melnais jērs
similarBlack sheep
Rets putns
synonymRare bird
Kā diena pret nakti
contrastLike day against night
Izlecējs
specialized formOne who jumps out
Savādnieks
similarAn eccentric
