Signification
If you work, you will eat.
Contexte culturel
In the steppe, fat was the most important nutrient. A guest was often served the 'uuts' (fatty tail of a sheep) as a sign of highest respect. This is why 'greasing the mouth' is the ultimate metaphor for success. Even in the city, this proverb is used for office work and tech startups. It shows that the nomadic work ethic has successfully transitioned into the urban environment. Wrestlers and horse trainers often use this phrase to describe their months of grueling preparation before the national festival. Mongolian parents are very strict about education. This proverb is often the first piece of 'wisdom' a child learns to justify why they must study.
Use it to encourage
If a Mongolian friend is complaining about a task, saying this will make you sound very natural and supportive.
Don't be too literal
Don't use it when someone actually has grease on their face from eating; it's a proverb about the *result* of work, not the act of eating.
Signification
If you work, you will eat.
Use it to encourage
If a Mongolian friend is complaining about a task, saying this will make you sound very natural and supportive.
Don't be too literal
Don't use it when someone actually has grease on their face from eating; it's a proverb about the *result* of work, not the act of eating.
The 'Tos' factor
Remember that 'Tos' (fat) is a positive word in Mongolian, unlike in many Western cultures where it's associated with being unhealthy.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb by filling in the missing word.
Ажил хийвэл ___ тосодно.
'Ам' means mouth. The proverb says the mouth will be greased.
Which situation is best suited for this proverb?
When should you say 'Ажил хийвэл ам тосодно'?
It is used to encourage or acknowledge hard work.
Match the Mongolian words to their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the proverb.
Fill in the dialogue.
A: Би ядраад байна, гэрийн даалгавраа хиймээргүй байна. B: За, битгий залхуур. ______.
The context of avoiding homework requires a motivational proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesАжил хийвэл ___ тосодно.
'Ам' means mouth. The proverb says the mouth will be greased.
When should you say 'Ажил хийвэл ам тосодно'?
It is used to encourage or acknowledge hard work.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the proverb.
A: Би ядраад байна, гэрийн даалгавраа хиймээргүй байна. B: За, битгий залхуур. ______.
The context of avoiding homework requires a motivational proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is very common. However, young people might use it ironically if they are working a low-paying job.
Absolutely. It applies to any effort that leads to a result, not just physical labor.
It is a verb meaning 'to become oily' or 'to be covered in grease'.
Sometimes people just say 'Ажил хийвэл...' and let the listener finish the thought.
Expressions liées
Залхуу хүнд шалтаг мундахгүй
contrastA lazy person never runs out of excuses.
Дусал дуслыг хураавал далай
similarIf you collect drops, they become an ocean.
Хөдөлмөр хүнийг бүтээнэ
similarLabor creates the person.
Амар суувал хэл хатны
builds onIf you sit idly, your tongue will dry up.
