Signification
Early starters are more successful.
Contexte culturel
In rural Romania, being called 'harnic' (industrious) is one of the highest compliments. This proverb is the foundation of that identity. The proverb is equally popular in the Republic of Moldova, often used with a slightly different accent but the same cultural weight. Despite the '9-to-5' shift, many Romanian CEOs attribute their success to 'morning rituals', keeping the proverb alive in LinkedIn posts. Many folk tales feature a 'third son' who succeeds because he is the only one willing to wake up early and guard the garden.
Use it for praise
It's a very polite and culturally appreciated way to compliment someone's work ethic.
Don't overdo the irony
Using it ironically too often can make you sound like you're complaining about your own schedule.
Signification
Early starters are more successful.
Use it for praise
It's a very polite and culturally appreciated way to compliment someone's work ethic.
Don't overdo the irony
Using it ironically too often can make you sound like you're complaining about your own schedule.
The 'Anton Pann' connection
Mentioning that you know this proverb comes from Anton Pann will deeply impress native Romanian speakers.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Cine se scoală de __________, __________ ajunge.
The standard proverb uses 'dimineață' (morning) and 'departe' (far).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
Andrei wants to be a successful doctor, so he starts studying 2 hours before school every day.
This proverb specifically highlights the benefit of starting early in the day/process.
Match the Romanian words with their English meanings in the proverb.
Match the following:
These are the literal translations of the components.
Complete the dialogue.
A: De ce ești deja la birou la ora 7? B: Știi ce se spune, ____________________.
The context of being at the office early perfectly fits the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCine se scoală de __________, __________ ajunge.
The standard proverb uses 'dimineață' (morning) and 'departe' (far).
Andrei wants to be a successful doctor, so he starts studying 2 hours before school every day.
This proverb specifically highlights the benefit of starting early in the day/process.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the literal translations of the components.
A: De ce ești deja la birou la ora 7? B: Știi ce se spune, ____________________.
The context of being at the office early perfectly fits the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn this proverb, no. In modern slang, it can have a sexual connotation, but in the proverb, it is perfectly standard and safe.
Yes, it's a modern variation that means the same thing, though it's less 'proverbial' sounding.
Literally 'far', but metaphorically it means 'high levels of success' or 'great achievements'.
Very much so. It's often used to justify early meetings or starting projects ahead of competitors.
Yes, though often with a bit of irony or in the context of 'hustle culture' and fitness.
Not a perfect rhyme, but there is a strong rhythmic meter (trochaic) that makes it easy to remember.
There isn't a direct 'proverbial' opposite, but 'A tăia frunză la câini' describes the opposite behavior.
Technically no, as it specifies 'morning', but you could use it ironically.
Like the 'ts' in 'cats' or 'tsunami'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Expressions liées
Hărnicia e brățară de aur
similarHard work is a golden bracelet.
Nu lăsa pe mâine ce poți face azi
similarDon't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Buturuga mică răstoarnă carul mare
contrastThe small log overturns the big cart.
A tăia frunză la câini
contrastTo cut leaves for the dogs (to waste time).
