Signification
Education is a lifelong process
Contexte culturel
In Ukraine, there is a strong tradition of 'Intelligentsia' where being well-read and continuously learning is a mark of social status and character. The proverb was widely used in Soviet pedagogy to promote 'Socialist competition' and technical training for workers. With the rise of the IT sector in Ukraine, this proverb has been rebranded as a 'Growth Mindset' slogan for young professionals. Ukrainian communities abroad use this proverb to encourage younger generations to keep learning the Ukrainian language and traditions.
Use it for yourself
When you make a small mistake in Ukrainian, say 'Вік живи — вік учись' to your teacher. It shows you know the culture and have a good attitude.
The 'Fool' Extension
Be careful with '...а дурнем помреш'. Only use it with friends who have a good sense of humor, or it might sound like you're calling them a fool.
Signification
Education is a lifelong process
Use it for yourself
When you make a small mistake in Ukrainian, say 'Вік живи — вік учись' to your teacher. It shows you know the culture and have a good attitude.
The 'Fool' Extension
Be careful with '...а дурнем помреш'. Only use it with friends who have a good sense of humor, or it might sound like you're calling them a fool.
Respect for Elders
If an older person uses this phrase, they are showing humility. Acknowledge it with a smile or a nod of agreement.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
Вік живи — вік ...
The proverb uses the reflexive imperative 'учись'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Your 60-year-old neighbor starts learning how to play the piano.
This proverb is used to encourage lifelong learning.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
— Я щойно дізнався, що дельфіни сплять з одним відкритим оком! — Справді? ...
The phrase is perfect for reacting to a new, surprising fact.
Which word in the proverb means 'century' or 'age'?
Вік живи — вік учись.
'Вік' is the noun meaning century/age.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВік живи — вік ...
The proverb uses the reflexive imperative 'учись'.
Your 60-year-old neighbor starts learning how to play the piano.
This proverb is used to encourage lifelong learning.
— Я щойно дізнався, що дельфіни сплять з одним відкритим оком! — Справді? ...
The phrase is perfect for reacting to a new, surprising fact.
Вік живи — вік учись.
'Вік' is the noun meaning century/age.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! While it's an old proverb, it's used daily in modern Ukraine, especially regarding technology and new hobbies.
Yes, 'вчись' and 'учись' are both correct. 'Учись' is often preferred after a consonant for better sound.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend.
It means 'century' (100 years) or 'a lifetime'. In this context, it means 'as long as you live'.
Yes, but usually as a joke. It's like saying 'The more I know, the more I realize I know nothing'.
Yes! If someone tells you a life hack, it's a perfect response.
Sometimes people just say the first half 'Вік живи...' and leave the rest implied, but the full version is better.
Yes, Russian and Belarusian have almost identical versions. It's a common Slavic heritage.
You don't pronounce it, but you should pause for a split second where it is.
It's a very popular choice for people who value wisdom and growth!
Expressions liées
Вчитися ніколи не пізно
synonymIt's never too late to learn.
Наука — світло, а невчення — тьма
similarKnowledge is light, ignorance is darkness.
Мудрим ніхто не вродився, а навчився
builds onNo one was born wise, they learned.
Повторення — мати навчання
similarRepetition is the mother of learning.
