По дрехите посрещат, по ума изпращат.
по дрехите посрещат по ума изпращат
Meet by clothes, leave by mind.
뜻
Intelligence matters more than appearance.
문화적 배경
In Bulgarian villages, the 'posreshtane' (welcome) was a sacred duty. A guest was seen as a gift from God, but their long-term status in the community was earned through wisdom. Similar proverbs exist across the Balkans, reflecting a shared history where survival depended on being cleverer than the various occupiers. Despite the proverb, 'dress codes' are becoming stricter in Sofia's business districts, but the proverb is still used to mock those who are 'all style and no substance'. Teachers often use this to motivate students who are more interested in fashion than in their textbooks.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to tell someone they are very smart despite their casual look, this is a very polite and traditional way to do it.
Don't skip the 'По'
Without the 'по', the sentence loses its grammatical meaning of 'according to'.
뜻
Intelligence matters more than appearance.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to tell someone they are very smart despite their casual look, this is a very polite and traditional way to do it.
Don't skip the 'По'
Without the 'по', the sentence loses its grammatical meaning of 'according to'.
The 'Knowing Nod'
In Bulgaria, you can just say 'По дрехите посрещат...' and stop. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
셀프 테스트
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
По ________ посрещат, по ________ изпращат.
The standard form uses 'дрехите' (the clothes) and 'ума' (the mind).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A friend is worried they don't have a fancy car for a business meeting.
The proverb emphasizes that while the 'welcome' (car/clothes) matters, the 'sending away' (expertise/mind) is what counts.
Choose the best response.
A: 'Той изглежда много странно с тази шапка.' B: 'Да, но е най-добрият програмист тук. Знаеш...'
This proverb perfectly fits the contrast between a strange appearance and high professional skill.
What does 'по ума изпращат' imply?
What is the final judgment based on?
'Ум' refers to the intellect and the substance of the interaction.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
The Two Stages of Judgment
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제По ________ посрещат, по ________ изпращат.
The standard form uses 'дрехите' (the clothes) and 'ума' (the mind).
A friend is worried they don't have a fancy car for a business meeting.
The proverb emphasizes that while the 'welcome' (car/clothes) matters, the 'sending away' (expertise/mind) is what counts.
A: 'Той изглежда много странно с тази шапка.' B: 'Да, но е най-добрият програмист тук. Знаеш...'
This proverb perfectly fits the contrast between a strange appearance and high professional skill.
What is the final judgment based on?
'Ум' refers to the intellect and the substance of the interaction.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, though often ironically or when discussing job interviews and dating apps.
Absolutely. The verbs are plural and gender-neutral in this context.
It can also mean 'wisdom', 'wit', or 'common sense'.
No, it's generally seen as a wise observation, but don't use it to tell someone they are dressed badly!
Forgetting the 'по' or using the singular form of the verbs.
People often just say the first half: 'По дрехите посрещат...'
It's 'първо впечатление'. This proverb is the folk way of describing that concept.
It might be a bit too informal/folksy for a standard email, but it's great for a speech or a presentation.
It means 'to see someone off' or 'to send someone away' after a visit.
Not a perfect rhyme, but the rhythmic parallelism (7 syllables / 6 syllables) makes it very catchy.
관련 표현
Не всичко, което блести, е злато
similarNot everything that glitters is gold.
Външният вид лъже
synonymAppearance is deceptive.
Лицето е огледало на душата
contrastThe face is the mirror of the soul.
Ум царува, ум робува, ум патки пасе
builds onMind rules, mind enslaves, mind herds ducks.
