Signification
Starting early leads to better results.
Contexte culturel
In traditional Romanian villages, the 'morning' is heralded by the rooster's crow. Waking up before the rooster was a sign of a 'gospodar' (a true master of the house). In cities like Bucharest or Cluj, the proverb is often used ironically regarding the heavy morning traffic. If you don't 'wake up early,' you won't 'reach far' because you'll be stuck in a jam. The proverb was used to promote the 'Socialist Work Ethic.' It was common in schools to emphasize that the new generation must be the most hardworking. Many Romanian basme (fairy tales) feature a hero who succeeds because he performs a task at dawn, while the villains are still sleeping.
The Half-Phrase Trick
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Cine se scoală de dimineață...' and trail off. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Reflexive Pronoun
Never forget the 'se'. 'Cine scoală' sounds like someone is lifting an object, not waking up.
Signification
Starting early leads to better results.
The Half-Phrase Trick
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Cine se scoală de dimineață...' and trail off. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Reflexive Pronoun
Never forget the 'se'. 'Cine scoală' sounds like someone is lifting an object, not waking up.
Irony Alert
Be prepared for people to use this ironically if you are waking them up too early. They might say it with a groan!
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct reflexive verb form.
Cine ___ scoală de dimineață, departe ajunge.
The proverb uses the third-person singular reflexive pronoun 'se' because 'cine' (whoever) is the subject.
Which of these best describes the meaning of the proverb?
Ce înseamnă 'departe ajunge' în acest context?
In this proverb, 'reaching far' is a metaphor for achieving success and reaching one's goals.
Match the situation to the proverb usage.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
The proverb is used to encourage early effort for long-term success, like writing a thesis.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Nu cred că pot termina proiectul la timp.' B: 'Începe de mâine la prima oră! Știi că...'
The first option is the only one that fits the context of starting early to finish a task.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCine ___ scoală de dimineață, departe ajunge.
The proverb uses the third-person singular reflexive pronoun 'se' because 'cine' (whoever) is the subject.
Ce înseamnă 'departe ajunge' în acest context?
In this proverb, 'reaching far' is a metaphor for achieving success and reaching one's goals.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
The proverb is used to encourage early effort for long-term success, like writing a thesis.
A: 'Nu cred că pot termina proiectul la timp.' B: 'Începe de mâine la prima oră! Știi că...'
The first option is the only one that fits the context of starting early to finish a task.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn this proverb, no. However, in some very specific slang contexts, 'a se scula' can have a sexual connotation. In the proverb, it is perfectly safe and standard.
Yes, 'Cine se trezește de dimineață...' is a common modern variation, though 'a se scula' is the original form.
It literally means 'reaches far' or 'arrives far away.'
Yes, very often to describe companies that enter a market early or individuals who are proactive.
Yes, though often with a bit of humor or irony, or in the context of 'hustle culture.'
You use this exact proverb: 'Cine se scoală de dimineață, departe ajunge.'
In the proverb, it is always 'de dimineață'. 'Dimineața' means 'in the morning' in a general sense.
It would be confusing or ironic, as they are waking up when the sun goes down.
There isn't a direct 'proverb' opposite, but 'Lenea e cucoană mare' warns against the opposite behavior.
It is neutral to formal, but its widespread fame makes it usable everywhere.
Expressions liées
Omul harnic, muncitor, de toate are-n obor.
similarThe hardworking man has everything in his yard.
Paza bună trece primejdia rea.
builds onGood vigilance overcomes bad danger.
Lenea e cucoană mare care n-are de mâncare.
contrastLaziness is a great lady who has nothing to eat.
Ziua bună se cunoaște de dimineață.
similarA good day is known from the morning.
