Signification
Separate work from friendship.
Contexte culturel
In Russia, 'blat' (using personal connections to get things done) was a way of life for decades. This proverb is the 'anti-blat' mantra, used by people who want to be seen as honest and professional. Modern Russian companies often include this principle in their 'Code of Ethics' to discourage nepotism, which was very common in the 90s. The theme of duty vs. heart is a staple of Russian classics (Pushkin, Tolstoy). This proverb is the folk-wisdom version of those grand philosophical debates. The word 'служба' specifically refers to military service. In the army, this proverb is law; your best friend can be your superior officer, and you must obey.
Use it to say 'No' politely
This is the most polite way to refuse a friend's request for a professional favor in Russia. It shifts the blame from you to the 'service'.
Don't overstress the 'A'
The 'а' should be quick. The emphasis should be on the nouns 'дружбой' and 'службой'.
Signification
Separate work from friendship.
Use it to say 'No' politely
This is the most polite way to refuse a friend's request for a professional favor in Russia. It shifts the blame from you to the 'service'.
Don't overstress the 'A'
The 'а' should be quick. The emphasis should be on the nouns 'дружбой' and 'службой'.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct forms.
Дружба ________, а служба ________.
The proverb uses the instrumental case to create the 'A is A' comparison.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend asks you to let them into a concert for free because you are the security guard.
This is a classic conflict between friendship and professional duty.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Ну пожалуйста, ты же мой брат, не пиши мне штраф!' Speaker B: '_________________'
This maintains the professional role while acknowledging the personal connection.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
The Two Spheres
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesДружба ________, а служба ________.
The proverb uses the instrumental case to create the 'A is A' comparison.
Your friend asks you to let them into a concert for free because you are the security guard.
This is a classic conflict between friendship and professional duty.
Speaker A: 'Ну пожалуйста, ты же мой брат, не пиши мне штраф!' Speaker B: '_________________'
This maintains the professional role while acknowledging the personal connection.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsNo, it's actually considered professional and fair. It shows you value the friendship enough to explain why you are being strict.
Yes, if your boss is also your friend and is being too informal, you can use it to bring the focus back to work.
Expressions liées
Дружба дружбой, а денежки врозь
specialized formKeep friendship and money separate.
Служба службой, а обед по расписанию
similarWork is work, but lunch is on schedule.
Работа не волк, в лес не убежит
contrastWork isn't a wolf, it won't run away.
