Signification
To cry or be in trouble.
Contexte culturel
There is a strong folk tradition of 'not jinxing' things. Laughing too much is seen as inviting 'vuroky' (the evil eye). The 'kutni' teeth are often associated with the 'wolfish' or 'animalistic' side of humans in folklore, appearing in moments of raw pain. The phrase is often used in memes to mock people who make 'epic fails' after acting cool. Classic writers like Ivan Kotlyarevsky used this to ground their high-stakes stories in the gritty, physical language of the peasantry.
Think of the Grimace
To remember the meaning, picture someone crying so hard their mouth is wide open. That's the 'laugh' on the molars.
Don't be Mean
Using this about someone who is genuinely suffering can make you sound heartless. Use it for 'deserved' trouble or lighthearted warnings.
Signification
To cry or be in trouble.
Think of the Grimace
To remember the meaning, picture someone crying so hard their mouth is wide open. That's the 'laugh' on the molars.
Don't be Mean
Using this about someone who is genuinely suffering can make you sound heartless. Use it for 'deserved' trouble or lighthearted warnings.
Future Tense is King
90% of the time, you will use this in the future tense: 'Будеш сміятися на кутні!'
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Якщо ти не будеш обережним, ти скоро будеш ... на кутні.
The idiom uses the verb 'сміятися' (to laugh) ironically to mean crying.
What does 'сміятися на кутні' mean in this context?
Він програв усі гроші і тепер сміється на кутні.
The phrase describes the sorrow that follows a mistake or loss.
Match the situation to the idiom usage.
Which situation best fits 'сміятися на кутні'?
The idiom fits a reversal of fortune from arrogance to punishment.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Я не буду робити домашнє завдання. B: ...
This is a standard warning for someone being lazy or irresponsible.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯкщо ти не будеш обережним, ти скоро будеш ... на кутні.
The idiom uses the verb 'сміятися' (to laugh) ironically to mean crying.
Він програв усі гроші і тепер сміється на кутні.
The phrase describes the sorrow that follows a mistake or loss.
Which situation best fits 'сміятися на кутні'?
The idiom fits a reversal of fortune from arrogance to punishment.
A: Я не буду робити домашнє завдання. B: ...
This is a standard warning for someone being lazy or irresponsible.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common in both spoken Ukrainian and modern literature/media.
Yes, you can use it jokingly for small things, like a friend forgetting their umbrella.
It is always 'на кутні' (accusative plural).
It's not a swear word, but it is sarcastic. Use it with friends, not your boss.
Literally, yes, but no one uses it to actually talk about teeth anymore.
'To laugh on the other side of one's mouth' is the closest.
No, that is not an idiom and sounds like a mistake.
Yes, it is a standard Ukrainian idiom understood everywhere.
Yes, you can say 'Я буду сміятися на кутні' if you know you're making a mistake.
It's used in both, but it's very expressive in speech.
Expressions liées
Сміх крізь сльози
similarLaughter through tears.
Плакати гіркими сльозами
synonymTo cry bitter tears.
Вишкірити зуби
builds onTo bare one's teeth (in anger).
Буде і на нашій вулиці свято
contrastThere will be a holiday on our street too (things will get better).
