Signification
Children often behave like their parents.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuania, this proverb is almost always linked to the Sabonis family in sports discussions. Arvydas Sabonis is a national hero, and his son Domantas is an NBA star. This is the 'gold standard' example of the phrase. Traditionally, Lithuanian surnames often ended in -onis or -aitis, meaning 'son of'. The proverb reinforces this ancient linguistic and social connection where a son was defined by his father. Younger generations use this phrase ironically on social media, often when a child is doing something silly or 'uncool' that the father also does. For Lithuanians living abroad, this phrase is a way to maintain a connection to their roots, emphasizing that their children still carry Lithuanian traits.
The 'K-T' Rule
Remember that 'Koks' starts the question-like part and 'Toks' starts the answer-like part. K comes before T in the alphabet, and Koks comes before Toks in the phrase.
Gender Matters
Never use this for a girl. Lithuanians are very sensitive to grammatical gender in their proverbs.
Signification
Children often behave like their parents.
The 'K-T' Rule
Remember that 'Koks' starts the question-like part and 'Toks' starts the answer-like part. K comes before T in the alphabet, and Koks comes before Toks in the phrase.
Gender Matters
Never use this for a girl. Lithuanians are very sensitive to grammatical gender in their proverbs.
Use it for Sabonis
If you want to impress a Lithuanian, use this phrase when talking about Domantas Sabonis. It's the ultimate cultural shortcut.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Koks tėvas, ______ sūnus.
The correlative pair is Koks... toks...
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Koks tėvas, toks sūnus'?
A son decides to become a baker, just like his father who owns a bakery.
This situation describes a son following his father's career path.
How would you change the proverb for a mother and daughter?
Kokia motina, ...
You must use the feminine forms 'tokia' and 'dukra'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jonas labai gerai dainuoja. B: Taip, jo tėtis irgi dainininkas. A: Na, ...
The context is about a son inheriting a talent from his father.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gender Variations
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKoks tėvas, ______ sūnus.
The correlative pair is Koks... toks...
A son decides to become a baker, just like his father who owns a bakery.
This situation describes a son following his father's career path.
Kokia motina, ...
You must use the feminine forms 'tokia' and 'dukra'.
A: Jonas labai gerai dainuoja. B: Taip, jo tėtis irgi dainininkas. A: Na, ...
The context is about a son inheriting a talent from his father.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is often extended to mean 'like grandfather, like grandson,' though technically it says 'father.'
No, it can be used to describe negative traits like laziness or stubbornness, often with a sigh.
No, adding 'yra' (is) makes the proverb sound like a textbook sentence rather than a natural saying.
Use 'Kokia motina, tokia dukra' (Like mother, like daughter).
Yes, if you are discussing a family-run business or a legacy, it is perfectly appropriate.
There isn't a fixed proverb for that specific cross-gender pair, but you could say 'Sūnus į motiną'.
Very common. You will hear it in almost every Lithuanian household at some point.
It can refer to physical looks, career, hobbies, or even specific gestures.
While it is old, it is not 'dated.' People of all ages use it today.
Sometimes people use it jokingly for pets and their owners, but it's primarily for humans.
Expressions liées
Obuolys nuo obels netoli tereidžia
similarThe apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Kokia motina, tokia dukra
specialized formLike mother, like daughter.
Sūnus į tėvą
synonymSon takes after the father.
Kraujas ne vanduo
builds onBlood is not water.
