Signification
Kindness is rewarded.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is deeply linked to the 'Dainas' and the concept of 'Laima,' the goddess of fate who rewards the virtuous. The tradition of 'Talkas' (communal work) is the practical application of this proverb. Neighbors help each other without pay, knowing they will receive help later. The phrase is the unofficial motto of many charity organizations in Latvia, especially during the Christmas season. It is considered polite to never return a borrowed dish empty. This is a physical manifestation of the proverb.
Use it for 'Thank You'
It's a very high-level and poetic way to say thank you when someone does you a big favor.
Don't use for revenge
If someone does something bad to you, don't use this phrase. Use 'Ko sēsi, to pļausi' instead.
Signification
Kindness is rewarded.
Use it for 'Thank You'
It's a very high-level and poetic way to say thank you when someone does you a big favor.
Don't use for revenge
If someone does something bad to you, don't use this phrase. Use 'Ko sēsi, to pļausi' instead.
The Empty Plate Rule
Remember the Latvian custom: never return a borrowed container empty. This phrase is the reason why!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Dots ________ atdodas.
The dative case 'devējam' is required to show to whom the gift returns.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Dots devējam atdodas'?
Situation: Jānis helps his friend study for an exam. Later, the friend helps Jānis fix his car.
This situation describes a cycle of mutual help and kindness.
Match the Latvian words with their English meanings in this phrase.
Match the following:
Understanding the components helps in memorizing the whole phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Paldies par tavu ziedojumu! B: Nav par ko, es ticu, ka ________.
In the context of a donation, this proverb is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDots ________ atdodas.
The dative case 'devējam' is required to show to whom the gift returns.
Situation: Jānis helps his friend study for an exam. Later, the friend helps Jānis fix his car.
This situation describes a cycle of mutual help and kindness.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Understanding the components helps in memorizing the whole phrase.
A: Paldies par tavu ziedojumu! B: Nav par ko, es ticu, ka ________.
In the context of a donation, this proverb is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot strictly. While it aligns with Christian values, its origins are in pre-Christian Latvian folk wisdom and the concept of cosmic balance.
Only if you have a very friendly relationship with the person. It might be too informal or 'soft' for a strict corporate setting.
It is the reflexive form of 'atdot' (to give back). It literally means 'gives itself back,' implying the return is natural and inevitable.
Yes! Even though the grammar is a bit advanced, the phrase is a 'chunk' that you can memorize and use as a single unit.
Expressions liées
Ko sēsi, to pļausi
similarWhat you sow, you will reap.
Kā mežā sauc, tā atskan
similarAs you call into the forest, so it echoes.
Dots pret dotu
specialized formGift for a gift.
Roka roku mazgā
similarOne hand washes the other.
