Signification
Someone who changes their mind constantly.
Contexte culturel
In Russia, Friday was historically the day for markets and settling debts. A person who failed to meet their obligations on Friday and promised to do it 'next Friday' repeatedly gave rise to this idiom. Friday is a fast day in the Orthodox tradition. Some scholars suggest the idiom might also mock those who tried to find excuses to avoid the fast or change the rules. In big cities like Moscow, life is fast-paced. Using this idiom is a common way to express the stress of 'flaky' social connections in a busy environment. Classic writers like Ostrovsky and Chekhov used this phrase to characterize 'superfluous men' or indecisive merchants, cementing it in the literary canon.
Use with 'У'
Remember to always start with 'У' + the person. It's the most natural way to use it.
Don't use for 'Busy'
This doesn't mean someone is busy. It means they are inconsistent. If someone has a lot of work, don't use this!
Signification
Someone who changes their mind constantly.
Use with 'У'
Remember to always start with 'У' + the person. It's the most natural way to use it.
Don't use for 'Busy'
This doesn't mean someone is busy. It means they are inconsistent. If someone has a lot of work, don't use this!
Irony is key
This phrase is often said with a slight roll of the eyes or a sigh. It's about mild exasperation.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the idiom to complete the sentence.
Я не могу с ней договориться, у неё ...
The idiom is a fixed phrase: 'семь' + Genitive Plural 'пятниц' + 'на неделе'.
Which person is best described as having 'семь пятниц на неделе'?
Match the person to the description.
The idiom describes someone who changes their mind or plans frequently.
Fill in the missing preposition and case.
У это__ человек__ семь пятниц на неделе.
After 'У', we need the Genitive case: 'этого человека'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
- Мой парень сначала сказал, что мы едем в отпуск, а теперь говорит, что у него много работы. - ...
This is a classic situation of someone changing their mind/plans.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ не могу с ней договориться, у неё ...
The idiom is a fixed phrase: 'семь' + Genitive Plural 'пятниц' + 'на неделе'.
Match the person to the description.
The idiom describes someone who changes their mind or plans frequently.
У это__ человек__ семь пятниц на неделе.
After 'У', we need the Genitive case: 'этого человека'.
- Мой парень сначала сказал, что мы едем в отпуск, а теперь говорит, что у него много работы. - ...
This is a classic situation of someone changing their mind/plans.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is a criticism. Use it with friends or about people you are frustrated with, but avoid it in polite, formal company.
No, the number is always seven. Changing the number makes it no longer an idiom.
Usually no, it applies to people or organizations (like a government or a company). Occasionally it's used for weather.
You could say someone is 'человек слова' (a man of his word) or 'надёжный' (reliable).
Yes, but mostly behind someone's back. You might tell a colleague, 'Be careful with that client, they have seven Fridays in a week.'
Expressions liées
Ветер в голове
similarTo be flighty or scatterbrained.
Хозяин своего слова
contrastA man of his word.
Переобуться в воздухе
synonymTo change one's stance instantly (slang).
Куда ветер дует
similarTo go where the wind blows.
