Signification
Relationships are more valuable than wealth.
Contexte culturel
In the countryside, hospitality is a law. You don't pay for a meal or a bed in a ger; you are a guest. This proverb reflects that 'gift economy' where kindness is the currency. In Ulaanbaatar, 'Tanil Tal' (connections) is how things get done, from getting a doctor's appointment to finding a job. This proverb is the ethical justification for this social system. This is the time when you 'collect' your 100 friends. Visiting as many people as possible is a way to maintain the social capital mentioned in the proverb. During Naadam, the community comes together. The proverb is often heard in the context of wrestlers or horse trainers helping each other out of mutual respect rather than for prize money.
The 'Inflation' Joke
If you want to make Mongolians laugh, say 'Зуун сая төгрөгөөс зуун найз' (100 million tugriks over 100 friends). It shows you understand both the proverb and the current economy.
Don't be literal
You don't actually need exactly 100 friends. It just means 'many.'
Signification
Relationships are more valuable than wealth.
The 'Inflation' Joke
If you want to make Mongolians laugh, say 'Зуун сая төгрөгөөс зуун найз' (100 million tugriks over 100 friends). It shows you understand both the proverb and the current economy.
Don't be literal
You don't actually need exactly 100 friends. It just means 'many.'
Case Matters
Make sure to say 'төгрөгөөс' (than tugrik) and not just 'төгрөг' (tugrik). The comparison depends on that suffix.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word with the correct case ending.
Зуун _______ зуун найз.
The ablative case '-оос' is required for the comparison 'better than'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Зуун төгрөгөөс зуун найз'?
A friend helps you fix your car for free.
The proverb is used to express that friendship is more valuable than the money saved or the cost of the service.
Match the Mongolian words to their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Надад мөнгө алга. B: Зүгээр ээ, чамд олон найз бий. ________.
The proverb fits perfectly as a way to comfort someone who lacks money but has social support.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Value Comparison
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЗуун _______ зуун найз.
The ablative case '-оос' is required for the comparison 'better than'.
A friend helps you fix your car for free.
The proverb is used to express that friendship is more valuable than the money saved or the cost of the service.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the proverb.
A: Надад мөнгө алга. B: Зүгээр ээ, чамд олон найз бий. ________.
The proverb fits perfectly as a way to comfort someone who lacks money but has social support.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot anymore. It's about 3 cents USD. Historically it was a lot, but now the proverb is purely figurative.
Yes, if you are thanking a partner for their cooperation. It adds a nice cultural touch.
It's the ablative case, used here to mean 'than' in a comparison.
No, '100' is the traditional number used in this proverb.
'Найз' (naiz) is the most common word. 'Нөхөр' (nökhor) is more formal or means 'husband'.
Expressions liées
Танилтай бол талхтай
similarIf you have connections, you have bread.
Нөхөрлөл мөнгөнөөс хүчтэй
synonymFriendship is stronger than money.
Зүс танихаар зүрх тань
builds onBetter to know the heart than the face.
Айл хүний амгалан, хот айлын амгалан
similarThe peace of a neighbor is the peace of the camp.
