Здоров'я дорожче за гроші.
здоровя дорожче за гроші
Health is more expensive than money.
Signification
Being healthy is more important than wealth.
Contexte culturel
In Ukrainian families, elders (grandparents) are the primary users of this proverb. It is often used to scold younger generations for 'chasing money' at the expense of their health, reflecting a traditional view that family and health are the only true constants. With the rise of fitness culture in cities like Kyiv, this proverb has seen a 'rebranding.' It is now used by yoga studios and organic shops to market their services as essential investments rather than luxuries. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many Ukrainians faced extreme economic hardship. During this time, the proverb was a source of resilience—a reminder that even if you lost your savings to inflation, as long as you had your health, you had something valuable. When visiting someone in the hospital, it is common to bring fruit or juice and say this phrase. It acknowledges the cost of treatment while emphasizing that the person's recovery is the only thing that matters.
Use it as a 'Get out of work' card
If you need to leave early for a doctor's appointment, using this proverb shows you are responsible about your health, which is respected in Ukraine.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it in the present tense. Saying 'Health will be more expensive' sounds strange. It's a universal truth.
Signification
Being healthy is more important than wealth.
Use it as a 'Get out of work' card
If you need to leave early for a doctor's appointment, using this proverb shows you are responsible about your health, which is respected in Ukraine.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it in the present tense. Saying 'Health will be more expensive' sounds strange. It's a universal truth.
The 'Z' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'Z' in 'Zdorovya' clearly. It's a strong, voiced sound.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Здоров'я ________ за гроші.
While other words might make sense logically, 'дорожче' is the specific word used in this traditional proverb.
In which situation would you most likely use this proverb?
Your friend is working 14 hours a day and skipping meals to get a bonus.
The proverb is used to remind people that their well-being is more important than the money they are earning.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Ці вітаміни коштують 500 гривень! Це занадто!' Speaker B: '_________________'
This response justifies the high cost of health-related items using the proverb.
Match the Ukrainian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
This exercise helps distinguish between different money-related idioms.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Priorities in Ukrainian Culture
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЗдоров'я ________ за гроші.
While other words might make sense logically, 'дорожче' is the specific word used in this traditional proverb.
Your friend is working 14 hours a day and skipping meals to get a bonus.
The proverb is used to remind people that their well-being is more important than the money they are earning.
Speaker A: 'Ці вітаміни коштують 500 гривень! Це занадто!' Speaker B: '_________________'
This response justifies the high cost of health-related items using the proverb.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This exercise helps distinguish between different money-related idioms.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but often in the context of 'mental health' and 'burnout' rather than just physical illness.
You can, and people will understand you, but it won't be the 'official' proverb anymore.
Both are correct, but 'за' is more traditional and common in folk sayings.
No, it's considered a piece of common wisdom. However, use a polite tone.
Expressions liées
Здоров'я — найдорожчий скарб
synonymHealth is the most expensive treasure.
Гроші не пахнуть
contrastMoney doesn't smell.
Будьте здорові!
builds onBe healthy!
У здоровому тілі — здоровий дух
similarA healthy spirit in a healthy body.
