Signification
Tastes differ between people.
Contexte culturel
In Russian culture, being direct about your likes and dislikes is common. This proverb acts as a polite 'buffer' to prevent directness from becoming rudeness. The word 'товарищ' (comrade) was the standard address. Using it in this proverb during that time was a subtle reminder that even 'comrades' are individuals. Younger Russians love the 'felt-tip pen' (фломастеры) variation. It shows a sense of humor and a break from traditional, 'stiff' proverbs. When hosting, Russians often provide many options (different salads, drinks) because they deeply believe that 'tastes differ.'
The Short Version
If you want to sound like a native, just say 'На вкус и цвет...' and shrug. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Don't be dismissive
While it's a great phrase, using it too quickly can sometimes seem like you don't want to listen to the other person's opinion at all.
Signification
Tastes differ between people.
The Short Version
If you want to sound like a native, just say 'На вкус и цвет...' and shrug. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Don't be dismissive
While it's a great phrase, using it too quickly can sometimes seem like you don't want to listen to the other person's opinion at all.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word in the Genitive case.
На вкус и цвет ________ нет.
The word 'нет' requires the Genitive plural form 'товарищей'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this phrase?
You and your friend are arguing about...
This phrase is for subjective opinions (like movies), not objective facts (like math, time, or weather).
Choose the best response for Boris.
Анна: Мне совсем не нравится твоя новая красная машина! Борис: __________________________
This is the perfect polite way to acknowledge a difference in taste regarding a color choice.
Match the Russian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
All these are valid equivalents or variations.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'На вкус и цвет'
Food
- • Pizza toppings
- • Spicy vs Mild
- • Coffee vs Tea
Style
- • Clothing
- • Wall colors
- • Car models
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesНа вкус и цвет ________ нет.
The word 'нет' requires the Genitive plural form 'товарищей'.
You and your friend are arguing about...
This phrase is for subjective opinions (like movies), not objective facts (like math, time, or weather).
Анна: Мне совсем не нравится твоя новая красная машина! Борис: __________________________
This is the perfect polite way to acknowledge a difference in taste regarding a color choice.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
All these are valid equivalents or variations.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsAs a political address, no. But as a word for 'peer' or 'companion' in idioms, it is still very much alive.
Yes, if you are discussing something subjective like the color of a logo or the choice of a restaurant for dinner.
Because the word 'нет' always requires the Genitive case in Russian.
Expressions liées
О вкусах не спорят
synonymTastes are not to be argued about.
Каждому своё
similarTo each his own.
В чужой монастырь со своим уставом не ходят
contrastDon't go to someone else's monastery with your own rules.
