Слово не воробей, вылетит — не поймаешь
слово не воробей вылетит не поймаешь
A word is not a sparrow
意味
Think before you speak.
文化的背景
In Russian culture, the 'word' (слово) is often personified or given physical weight. Breaking a promise or 'throwing words to the wind' is seen as a major character flaw. During periods of political repression, this proverb was a literal survival guide. People were extremely cautious about what they said in public or even to neighbors. With the rise of Telegram and VKontakte, this proverb is frequently used in discussions about 'cancel culture' and the permanence of internet posts. Classic authors like Pushkin and Tolstoy often used proverbs to ground their high-society characters in 'folk wisdom,' showing that even the elite are subject to these universal truths.
Use the Short Version
In 90% of casual conversations, just saying 'Слово не воробей...' with a sigh is enough to convey the whole meaning.
Don't Change the Bird
Even if you think a 'pigeon' or 'eagle' is faster, the proverb only works with 'sparrow'. Changing it makes it sound like a joke or a mistake.
意味
Think before you speak.
Use the Short Version
In 90% of casual conversations, just saying 'Слово не воробей...' with a sigh is enough to convey the whole meaning.
Don't Change the Bird
Even if you think a 'pigeon' or 'eagle' is faster, the proverb only works with 'sparrow'. Changing it makes it sound like a joke or a mistake.
The Power of Silence
Russians often appreciate a thoughtful pause more than a quick, shallow answer. This proverb justifies taking your time to speak.
自分をテスト
Complete the proverb with the correct bird.
Слово не ________, вылетит — не поймаешь.
The proverb specifically uses 'воробей' (sparrow).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Situation: You accidentally told your friend's crush that she likes him.
The proverb highlights that once a secret is out, it cannot be retracted.
Choose the correct verb form to complete the proverb.
Слово не воробей, вылетит — не ________.
The proverb uses the 2nd person singular future perfective 'поймаешь'.
Complete the dialogue.
— Зачем ты это сказал? Теперь он обиделся! — Я не подумал... — Вот именно! ________.
This is the perfect context for a warning about impulsive speech.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
練習問題バンク
4 問題Слово не ________, вылетит — не поймаешь.
The proverb specifically uses 'воробей' (sparrow).
Situation: You accidentally told your friend's crush that she likes him.
The proverb highlights that once a secret is out, it cannot be retracted.
Слово не воробей, вылетит — не ________.
The proverb uses the 2nd person singular future perfective 'поймаешь'.
— Зачем ты это сказал? Теперь он обиделся! — Я не подумал... — Вот именно! ________.
This is the perfect context for a warning about impulsive speech.
🎉 スコア： /4
よくある質問
10 問Yes, though often ironically or in the context of social media 'fails'.
It's better to use it in spoken business meetings or informal Slack/Teams chats rather than formal contracts.
It acts as a 'then' in an 'if-then' statement, showing the consequence of the bird flying out.
Not really. Russian proverbs about speech tend to be cautionary.
A sparrow is harder to catch and more symbolic of something that 'belongs' in a cage (the mouth) but wants to escape.
You say 'Я беру свои слова обратно,' but someone might reply with this proverb to say it's too late!
It can be slightly patronizing if said to a superior, but between friends, it's helpful advice.
In this context, yes. It's the prefix 'вы-' (out) + 'летать' (to fly).
Absolutely! It's very common to use it when you send a text to the wrong person.
The vocabulary is A1/A2, but the cultural mastery to use it correctly is B1.
関連フレーズ
Язык мой — враг мой
similarMy tongue is my enemy.
Что написано пером, не вырубишь топором
similarWhat is written with a pen cannot be cut out with an axe.
Молчание — золото
builds onSilence is gold.
Держать язык за зубами
specialized formTo keep one's tongue behind one's teeth.
