волков бояться — в лес не ходить
волков бояться в лес не ходить
nothing ventured, nothing gained
معنی
One must take risks to achieve goals.
زمینه فرهنگی
The forest is a central pillar of Russian identity. Historically, it was a place of refuge during invasions but also a place of mystery. This proverb reflects the practical, unsentimental relationship Russians have with nature. During the Soviet period, this phrase was often used in propaganda to encourage workers to meet difficult quotas or take on dangerous industrial projects in Siberia. In the 1990s 'Wild West' capitalism in Russia, this phrase became a mantra for entrepreneurs who had to deal with literal and figurative 'wolves' (criminals and corruption). Russian writers like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky used proverbs to ground their high-minded characters in 'folk wisdom' (narodnaya mudrost).
Use it as a 'mic drop'
This phrase is most effective at the end of a discussion to signal that you've made up your mind to take a risk.
Don't over-inflect
Never try to change the tense or person. It's always 'бояться' and 'ходить'. Changing it makes it sound like a literal sentence about a forest trip.
معنی
One must take risks to achieve goals.
Use it as a 'mic drop'
This phrase is most effective at the end of a discussion to signal that you've made up your mind to take a risk.
Don't over-inflect
Never try to change the tense or person. It's always 'бояться' and 'ходить'. Changing it makes it sound like a literal sentence about a forest trip.
The 'Avos' connection
This proverb is the verbal cousin of 'Avos' (the belief that things will work out by luck). Use it when you're relying on guts rather than data.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the proverb with the correct form of the word 'волк'.
_______ бояться — в лес не ходить.
The verb 'бояться' always takes the Genitive case. 'Волков' is the Genitive plural.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend wants to start a YouTube channel but is afraid of mean comments.
This situation involves a fear of negative consequences (mean comments) preventing action, which is exactly what the proverb addresses.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
— Я боюсь, что мой новый бизнес провалится. — Ну, знаешь ли...
The speaker is expressing fear of failure, making the risk-taking proverb the most logical response.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
3 تمرینها_______ бояться — в лес не ходить.
The verb 'бояться' always takes the Genitive case. 'Волков' is the Genitive plural.
Your friend wants to start a YouTube channel but is afraid of mean comments.
This situation involves a fear of negative consequences (mean comments) preventing action, which is exactly what the proverb addresses.
— Я боюсь, что мой новый бизнес провалится. — Ну, знаешь ли...
The speaker is expressing fear of failure, making the risk-taking proverb the most logical response.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
سوالات متداول
4 سوالYes, though often slightly ironically or in business contexts. It's a 'classic' that hasn't gone out of style.
You could, but it would be taken as a joke. People will assume you are being metaphorical.
The dash represents the logical connection 'If... then'. It's a common feature of Russian proverbs to omit the 'if'.
Not at all. It's a bit blunt, but it's considered wise rather than offensive.
عبارات مرتبط
Кто не рискует, тот не пьёт шампанского
synonymHe who doesn't risk doesn't drink champagne.
Либо пан, либо пропал
similarEither a lord or a lost man.
Работа не волк, в лес не убежит
contrastWork is not a wolf, it won't run into the forest.
Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь
contrastMeasure seven times, cut once.
