Significado
Children usually behave like their parents.
Contexto cultural
In villages, woodworking was the primary craft. The proverb reflects the deep connection between the land, the material (wood), and the people. Even in cities, family reputation is huge. People often use this proverb to explain why a 'celebrity child' is also talented. Teachers often use this (sometimes unfairly) to predict a student's performance based on their older siblings or parents. Cooking skills are seen as highly hereditary. A daughter who makes 'sarmale' as well as her mother will definitely hear this.
Use it for compliments
It's a very safe and warm way to compliment a parent on their child's success.
Avoid with strangers
Don't use it for negative traits unless you know the family very well, as it can sound like an insult to the parents.
Significado
Children usually behave like their parents.
Use it for compliments
It's a very safe and warm way to compliment a parent on their child's success.
Avoid with strangers
Don't use it for negative traits unless you know the family very well, as it can sound like an insult to the parents.
The 'Cat' Alternative
If you want to be funny or a bit 'edgy' about a negative trait, use 'Ce naște din pisică, șoareci mănâncă' instead.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the missing word.
Așchia nu sare departe de _______.
The canonical form of the proverb uses 'trunchi' (trunk).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Andrei is a great cook, just like his mother.
This proverb is used to describe inherited talents or traits.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Fiul tău a luat nota 10 la matematică! B: Da, și tatăl lui a fost olimpic. _______.
The speaker is confirming that the son's talent comes from the father.
Match the proverb to the meaning.
Meaning: Children are like their parents.
This is the primary meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosAșchia nu sare departe de _______.
The canonical form of the proverb uses 'trunchi' (trunk).
Andrei is a great cook, just like his mother.
This proverb is used to describe inherited talents or traits.
A: Fiul tău a luat nota 10 la matematică! B: Da, și tatăl lui a fost olimpic. _______.
The speaker is confirming that the son's talent comes from the father.
Meaning: Children are like their parents.
This is the primary meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, absolutely! Despite 'trunchi' being masculine, the proverb applies to any parent-child combination.
Only if you have a very friendly relationship with the recipient. It's a bit too informal for a cold business email.
Yes, it literally means a wood chip or a splinter. You can also use it to describe a very thin person (informally).
Then you would say 'Așchia a sărit departe de trunchi' (The chip jumped far from the trunk), though this is a play on the proverb and not a proverb itself.
Not at all. While it has rural roots, it is used daily by Romanians of all ages.
It's tricky! The 'chi' is a soft palatal sound. Think of the 'k' in 'king' but much softer and at the very end of the word.
You can, but 'E tatăl lui leit' is more common for just physical appearance. This proverb usually implies character too.
No, proverbs are fixed. Keep it singular even if talking about multiple children.
Using 'copac' (tree) instead of 'trunchi' (trunk).
Yes, similar versions exist in Bulgarian and Serbian, reflecting shared regional wisdom.
Frases relacionadas
Ce naște din pisică, șoareci mănâncă
similarWhat is born of a cat will eat mice.
Sângele apă nu se face
relatedBlood doesn't turn into water.
E tac-su leit
specialized formHe is the spitting image of his father.
Lupu-și schimbă părul, dar năravul ba
contrastThe wolf changes his fur but not his habit.
