뜻
Small things can have big impacts.
문화적 배경
The proverb is often used to describe the 'Latvian Spirit'—the idea that a small nation can maintain its language and culture despite being surrounded by larger powers. Similar sentiments exist in Lithuanian and Estonian folklore, reflecting a shared history of agrarian life and resistance to empires. In Latvian ice hockey, this is the unofficial motto when playing against Russia, Canada, or the USA. Latvian entrepreneurs often use this to motivate their teams when competing in international markets.
Use it for Underdogs
This is the single best phrase to use when a small team or person achieves something huge. It makes you sound very culturally aware.
Don't change the words
Proverbs are fixed formulas. If you say 'mazs akmens' (small stone) instead of 'mazs cinītis,' people will understand you, but it won't be the proverb.
뜻
Small things can have big impacts.
Use it for Underdogs
This is the single best phrase to use when a small team or person achieves something huge. It makes you sound very culturally aware.
Don't change the words
Proverbs are fixed formulas. If you say 'mazs akmens' (small stone) instead of 'mazs cinītis,' people will understand you, but it won't be the proverb.
The Diminutive Power
Notice the '-ītis' ending. Latvians love diminutives. It doesn't just mean 'small,' it often adds a layer of emotional significance.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Mazs cinītis ____ lielu vezumu.
The verb 'gāž' means 'to topple' or 'to overturn,' which is the core action of the proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A small startup company wins a contract over a global corporation.
This proverb is the perfect fit for an underdog victory where a small entity overcomes a large one.
Match the Latvian words with their English meanings.
Words: 1. Mazs, 2. Cinītis, 3. Gāž, 4. Vezums
Correct vocabulary matching is essential for understanding the literal meaning.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Mūsu mazā skola uzvarēja valsts olimpiādē! B: Neticami! ____.
The context of a small school winning a big competition triggers this proverb.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Mazs cinītis ____ lielu vezumu.
The verb 'gāž' means 'to topple' or 'to overturn,' which is the core action of the proverb.
A small startup company wins a contract over a global corporation.
This proverb is the perfect fit for an underdog victory where a small entity overcomes a large one.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
Correct vocabulary matching is essential for understanding the literal meaning.
A: Mūsu mazā skola uzvarēja valsts olimpiādē! B: Neticami! ____.
The context of a small school winning a big competition triggers this proverb.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, but mostly in nature descriptions or gardening. In daily city life, you'll mostly hear it within this proverb.
Yes, especially if you are discussing a strategy where a small detail or a small team is very important. It adds a touch of local wisdom.
Mazie cinīši gāž lielos vezumus. However, the proverb is almost exclusively used in the singular.
Not if you are using the proverb to praise their impact. Calling someone just a 'cinis' (without the proverb) might imply they are an obstacle.
It can. It can mean that a tiny mistake ruined everything. Context is key.
It's a voiced palato-alveolar sibilant, like the 'j' in French 'je' or the 's' in 'measure'.
Sometimes people just say 'Mazs cinītis...' and let the listener finish the thought.
Yes, every Latvian child learns this in primary school as part of their folklore heritage.
Absolutely! It's a very sweet and encouraging way to describe a child's achievement.
It's a load or a cargo, usually on a cart. Think of it as 'the whole shipment.'
관련 표현
Pilienu pa pilienam akmeni drupina
similarDrop by drop, the stone crumbles.
Dāvids pret Goliātu
similarDavid vs. Goliath.
Liela brēka, maza vilna
contrastGreat cry, little wool.
Mazs, bet ņiprs
builds onSmall but feisty.
