на чужой каравай рот не разевай
на чужой каравай рот не разевай
don't open your mouth at another's bread
意思
Don't covet what belongs to others.
文化背景
The 'Karavai' is a symbol of hospitality. When guests arrive, they are often met with 'Bread and Salt' (Khleb-Sol). However, this proverb reminds us that hospitality has limits—you cannot simply take what is offered to others. During the Soviet era, the concept of 'common property' sometimes blurred lines. This proverb was used to reinforce personal boundaries even in a collective society. In modern Russia, this phrase is a common way to discuss 'raider takeovers' (рейдерские захваты) or aggressive business competition. In villages, the proverb is still used literally when someone looks too closely at a neighbor's livestock or harvest.
Use the full rhyme
If you want to sound like a true native expert, use the full version: '...а пораньше вставай да свой затевай.' It shows you know the complete cultural context.
Don't be too aggressive
The verb 'разевать' can be seen as slightly rude. Use it with a smile or in a clearly proverbial context to avoid offending people.
意思
Don't covet what belongs to others.
Use the full rhyme
If you want to sound like a true native expert, use the full version: '...а пораньше вставай да свой затевай.' It shows you know the complete cultural context.
Don't be too aggressive
The verb 'разевать' can be seen as slightly rude. Use it with a smile or in a clearly proverbial context to avoid offending people.
自我测试
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
На чужой каравай рот не ________.
The traditional proverb uses the verb 'разевай' (to gape/open wide).
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the proverb.
Situation: Your friend wants to date your ex-partner.
This proverb is used to warn against wanting something (or someone) that belongs to or was associated with another.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Я думаю, я должен получить эту премию, хотя проект делал Иван.' Speaker B: '________'
Speaker B is warning Speaker A not to take credit for someone else's work.
🎉 得分： /3
视觉学习工具
练习题库
3 练习На чужой каравай рот не ________.
The traditional proverb uses the verb 'разевай' (to gape/open wide).
Situation: Your friend wants to date your ex-partner.
This proverb is used to warn against wanting something (or someone) that belongs to or was associated with another.
Speaker A: 'Я думаю, я должен получить эту премию, хотя проект делал Иван.' Speaker B: '________'
Speaker B is warning Speaker A not to take credit for someone else's work.
🎉 得分： /3
常见问题
3 个问题Yes, though often ironically or in memes. It's so deeply embedded in the culture that everyone understands it.
Only if you have a very informal relationship with the recipient. In a formal email, it's better to use 'соблюдать авторские права' or 'уважать чужую собственность'.
It's a large, round, decorated loaf of bread used in Russian ceremonies. It's not your everyday sandwich bread!
相关表达
Зариться на чужое
similarTo lust after or eye someone else's property.
Своя рубашка ближе к телу
contrastOne's own shirt is closer to the body (one's own interests come first).
Бесплатный сыр бывает только в мышеловке
similarFree cheese is only in a mousetrap.
