Signification
To have nothing to eat.
Contexte culturel
The 'vadzis' was a central part of the 'istaba' (room) in a farmstead. It wasn't just a hook; it was where life's tools were kept. Hanging teeth there is a powerful image of stopping the 'work' of living. Today, young Latvians use this phrase to bond over the high cost of living in Riga. It's a way to make light of a stressful financial situation. In Latvian 'dainas', hunger is often personified. This idiom is a remnant of that tradition where physical objects (teeth, pegs) represent abstract states (poverty). There is a cultural pride in being able to survive even when 'zobi vadzī'. It's linked to the historical endurance of the Latvian people through various occupations and famines.
Use it for humor
This idiom is best used when you want to be a bit dramatic or funny about being broke. It makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Don't use in formal emails
If you are writing to your boss about a raise, don't say 'man zobi vadzī'. Use 'man ir nepieciešams algas pielikums' instead.
Signification
To have nothing to eat.
Use it for humor
This idiom is best used when you want to be a bit dramatic or funny about being broke. It makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Don't use in formal emails
If you are writing to your boss about a raise, don't say 'man zobi vadzī'. Use 'man ir nepieciešams algas pielikums' instead.
The 'ī' is key
Make sure to pronounce the long 'ī' in 'vadzī'. If you say 'vadzi', it sounds like you're starting a different word.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Man šomēnes nav naudas, laikam būs zobi _______.
The idiom is 'zobi vadzī'.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
Select the most natural sentence:
The idiom describes having no food.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You spent all your money on a concert ticket and now you can't buy dinner.
This is the perfect situation for the 'hungry teeth' idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vai tu nāksi pusdienās? B: Nē, man līdz algai _______.
B is explaining they are broke and can't afford lunch.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMan šomēnes nav naudas, laikam būs zobi _______.
The idiom is 'zobi vadzī'.
Select the most natural sentence:
The idiom describes having no food.
You spent all your money on a concert ticket and now you can't buy dinner.
This is the perfect situation for the 'hungry teeth' idiom.
A: Vai tu nāksi pusdienās? B: Nē, man līdz algai _______.
B is explaining they are broke and can't afford lunch.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's mostly archaic. You'll see it in museums or this specific idiom.
No, it's strictly for food or money for food.
Generally no, as it's often used as self-deprecating humor by anyone who is temporarily broke.
No, 'zobi' is masculine, so it would be 'Mani zobi', but usually we just say 'Man zobi vadzī'.
There isn't a direct idiom, but you could say 'dzīvot zaļi' (to live greenly/luxuriously).
Expressions liées
Piesiet dūšu
contrastTo have a small snack to keep going.
Dzīvot no zila gaisa
similarTo live on thin air.
Vēders kalpo par muguru
similarThe stomach serves as the back (being very thin/hungry).
Svilpot kabatās
builds onWind whistling in the pockets (being broke).
