Meaning
When a junior tries to teach senior.
Cultural Background
Estonians value silence and observation. Speaking up to teach an elder is often seen as 'tarkusest pakatama' (bursting with wisdom/being a smart-aleck). Similar to Estonia, the Finnish version 'Muna opettaa kanaa' is used, reflecting shared Baltic-Finnic agricultural roots. In the tech scene, this proverb is often used ironically when young founders give advice to seasoned investors. In villages, this is still a very serious way to remind young people to respect the 'old ways' of farming and weather-watching.
Use it with a smile
This phrase can be insulting if said with a straight face. Use a playful tone to keep it friendly.
The 'õ' sound
Mastering the 'õ' in 'õpetab' will make you sound much more native when saying this proverb.
Meaning
When a junior tries to teach senior.
Use it with a smile
This phrase can be insulting if said with a straight face. Use a playful tone to keep it friendly.
The 'õ' sound
Mastering the 'õ' in 'õpetab' will make you sound much more native when saying this proverb.
Test Yourself
Täida lünk õige sõnaga.
Muna ______ kana.
The verb 'õpetama' means 'to teach'.
Millises olukorras kasutatakse seda vanasõna?
Laps ütleb isale, kuidas autot juhtida.
This is a classic example of a junior teaching a senior.
Lõpeta dialoog.
Mari: 'Vanaema, sa pead kasutama seda uut filtrit!' Vanaema: 'Oh Mari, jälle ______.'
The grandmother is the 'hen' and the grandchild is the 'egg'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMuna ______ kana.
The verb 'õpetama' means 'to teach'.
Laps ütleb isale, kuidas autot juhtida.
This is a classic example of a junior teaching a senior.
Mari: 'Vanaema, sa pead kasutama seda uut filtrit!' Vanaema: 'Oh Mari, jälle ______.'
The grandmother is the 'hen' and the grandchild is the 'egg'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it can be very dismissive. Only use it if you have a very close, joking relationship.
No, that's just the normal way of the world, so there's no proverb for it!
Related Phrases
Käbi ei kuku kännust kaugele
similarThe apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Vana karu tantsima ei õpi
contrastYou can't teach an old dog new tricks.
