Meaning
Actions have consequences.
Cultural Background
Estonians are known for their 'töökus' (industriousness). This proverb is often used to praise someone who has achieved success through grit rather than luck. Similar to Finland and Sweden, the harsh climate meant that if you didn't prepare (sow) correctly, you wouldn't survive. This has led to a culture of long-term planning. In modern startup culture in Tallinn (the 'Silicon Valley of Europe'), this proverb is used to describe the importance of early-stage networking and quality coding.
Use it for praise!
Don't just use it for bad things. It's a great way to tell someone they deserve their success.
Watch your tone
If said with a smirk, it can sound very sarcastic. Use a warm tone for positive situations.
Meaning
Actions have consequences.
Use it for praise!
Don't just use it for bad things. It's a great way to tell someone they deserve their success.
Watch your tone
If said with a smirk, it can sound very sarcastic. Use a warm tone for positive situations.
Test Yourself
Täida lüngad õigete sõnadega (Mida / seda).
____ külvad, ____ lõikad.
Estonian proverbs use the partitive 'mida' and 'seda' for this specific phrase.
Milline lause on õige?
Vali õige vorm:
The verbs must be conjugated in the 2nd person singular.
Millises olukorras sa seda vanasõna kasutad?
Sinu sõber õppis palju ja sai hea hinde.
This phrase is perfect for connecting effort (studying) to a result (good grade).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises____ külvad, ____ lõikad.
Estonian proverbs use the partitive 'mida' and 'seda' for this specific phrase.
Vali õige vorm:
The verbs must be conjugated in the 2nd person singular.
Sinu sõber õppis palju ja sai hea hinde.
This phrase is perfect for connecting effort (studying) to a result (good grade).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt has biblical origins, but in modern Estonia (one of the least religious countries), it is used as a secular moral rule.
Yes, like forgetting to charge your phone and then it dying. 'Mida külvad, seda lõikad!'
Related Phrases
Käsi peseb kätt
similarOne hand washes the other.
Igaüks on oma õnne sepp
similarEveryone is the blacksmith of their own fortune.
Kuidas küla mulle, nõnda mina külale
similarAs the village treats me, so I treat the village.
