Bedeutung
Evil deeds backfire.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The proverb is closely linked to the concept of 'Boží mlýny' (God's mills). Czechs have a long history of believing that justice is inevitable, even if it takes time. The Slovak version is identical ('Kto inému jamu kope, sám do nej padá'), reflecting the shared cultural and linguistic history of the two nations. In many Central European cultures, this proverb is used to teach children about the dangers of 'škodolibost' (malicious joy/schadenfreude). The phrase is a direct translation from the Book of Psalms (7:15). It shows the deep Christian roots of Czech linguistic heritage.
Keep the 'á'
Always use 'kopá' instead of 'kope' to sound like you know your Czech proverbs.
Don't be mean
Using this phrase can sound a bit 'škodolibě' (maliciously happy about someone's failure). Use it carefully.
Bedeutung
Evil deeds backfire.
Keep the 'á'
Always use 'kopá' instead of 'kope' to sound like you know your Czech proverbs.
Don't be mean
Using this phrase can sound a bit 'škodolibě' (maliciously happy about someone's failure). Use it carefully.
Shorten it
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Však víš, jáma...' and people will understand.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing archaic verb form.
Kdo jinému jámu ____, sám do ní padá.
The proverb uses the archaic form 'kopá.'
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation A: A man loses his wallet. Situation B: A woman tries to get her rival fired, but gets fired herself for lying.
The proverb requires a plot that backfires.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Marek chtěl, abych dostal pokutu, ale nakonec ji dostal on!' B: 'No jo, ____.'
This is the most appropriate response to a backfiring plot.
Which pronoun is correct in the second half of the proverb?
Kdo jinému jámu kopá, sám do ____ padá.
'Jáma' is feminine, so we use the feminine pronoun 'ní' after the preposition 'do'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenKdo jinému jámu ____, sám do ní padá.
The proverb uses the archaic form 'kopá.'
Situation A: A man loses his wallet. Situation B: A woman tries to get her rival fired, but gets fired herself for lying.
The proverb requires a plot that backfires.
A: 'Marek chtěl, abych dostal pokutu, ale nakonec ji dostal on!' B: 'No jo, ____.'
This is the most appropriate response to a backfiring plot.
Kdo jinému jámu kopá, sám do ____ padá.
'Jáma' is feminine, so we use the feminine pronoun 'ní' after the preposition 'do'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is very common in newspapers, TV, and daily conversation.
No, it is strictly for malicious or negative plans.
It's an archaic form preserved specifically in this proverb.
It has biblical origins, but today it is used by everyone, regardless of religion.
It means a pit or a deep hole in the ground.
You can, and people will understand, but it sounds less 'authentic.'
Yes, often people just say the first half: 'Kdo jinému jámu kopá...'
It's neutral, but it implies the other person was being bad, so it's not 'kind.'
Yes, almost all Slavic languages have a version of this.
Using it for a simple accident where no one was trying to hurt anyone.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Boží mlýny melou pomalu, ale jistě
similarGod's mills grind slowly but surely.
Jak se do lesa volá, tak se z lesa ozývá
similarAs you call into the forest, so it echoes back.
Kdo se směje naposled, ten se směje nejlépe
builds onHe who laughs last, laughs best.
Karma je zdarma
synonymKarma is free.
