Signification
People judge others based on how they dress.
Contexte culturel
In Russia, dressing up for the theater or a nice dinner is still very common. It's seen as a sign of respect for the venue and the company. In the 90s, the 'New Russians' (nouveau riche) used bright crimson jackets to show status. This was a literal and loud version of 'встречать по одёжке.' The 'IT-crowd' in Moscow often ignores this proverb, preferring hoodies and sneakers. This is a sign of 'Western' influence and a focus on 'ум' over 'одёжка.' Gogol's 'The Overcoat' (Шинель) is a tragic exploration of this proverb. The main character's entire social status depends on his coat.
Use the first half
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Встречают по одёжке...' and trail off. Everyone will know what you mean.
Don't say 'одежда'
If you use the word 'одежда' instead of 'одёжка', it stops being a proverb and just sounds like a normal sentence.
Signification
People judge others based on how they dress.
Use the first half
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Встречают по одёжке...' and trail off. Everyone will know what you mean.
Don't say 'одежда'
If you use the word 'одежда' instead of 'одёжка', it stops being a proverb and just sounds like a normal sentence.
The 'A' contrast
The 'а' in the middle is crucial. It creates the 'but' contrast that makes the proverb powerful.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct case ending.
Встречают по одёжк__, а провожают по ум__.
The preposition 'по' requires the Dative case: одёжке (fem. dat.) and уму (masc. dat.).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Встречают по одёжке'?
Анна идёт на собеседование и выбирает лучший костюм.
A job interview is the most common context for this proverb.
Match the parts of the proverb.
Match the beginning to the end.
This is the standard full form of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
— Почему ты купил такие дорогие часы? — Ну, в бизнесе часто ...
Expensive accessories are part of the 'одёжка' in a business context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВстречают по одёжк__, а провожают по ум__.
The preposition 'по' requires the Dative case: одёжке (fem. dat.) and уму (masc. dat.).
Анна идёт на собеседование и выбирает лучший костюм.
A job interview is the most common context for this proverb.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This is the standard full form of the proverb.
— Почему ты купил такие дорогие часы? — Ну, в бизнесе часто ...
Expensive accessories are part of the 'одёжка' in a business context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but the 'одёжка' has changed. Now, a clean hoodie or a specific brand of sneakers is the new 'одёжка' that people judge.
Yes! You can use it for products, books, or even websites. If a website looks bad but works well, you can use this proverb.
The diminutive 'одёжка' makes the proverb sound more like a folk saying and gives it a better rhythm.
It depends on the tone. As advice, it's helpful. As a comment on someone's appearance, it can be a bit critical.
Expressions liées
Не всё то золото, что блестит
similarNot all that glitters is gold.
По одёжке протягивай ножки
builds onStretch your legs according to your clothes (Live within your means).
С лица воду не пить
contrastYou don't drink water from the face (Looks aren't everything).
Главное — не фантик, а конфетка
similarThe wrapper isn't the main thing, the candy is.
