Bedeutung
Doing something late is better.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Dalmatia, the pace of life is slower, governed by the 'fjaka' (a state of relaxed listlessness). Being late is often expected, and this phrase is used daily without any real sense of guilt. In the capital, people tend to be more punctual due to Central European influence (Austro-Hungarian heritage). Here, the phrase is used more as a genuine apology than a casual shrug. In business, while deadlines are respected, there is a degree of flexibility. Using this phrase can sometimes help build rapport by acknowledging a delay with a shared cultural joke. Croatians are very family-oriented. If a family member misses a gathering but shows up for dessert, they are always welcomed with this phrase.
Use it with a smile
This phrase is 50% words and 50% attitude. A friendly smile makes it an apology; a blank stare makes it an excuse.
Don't over-rely on it
If you use this every day for the same meeting, it loses its charm and starts to annoy people.
Bedeutung
Doing something late is better.
Use it with a smile
This phrase is 50% words and 50% attitude. A friendly smile makes it an apology; a blank stare makes it an excuse.
Don't over-rely on it
If you use this every day for the same meeting, it loses its charm and starts to annoy people.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Bolje ______ nego nikad.
'Ikad' (ever) is the correct word that completes this specific proverb.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Bolje ikad nego nikad'?
Scenario: You forgot to call your mom for her birthday yesterday. You call her today.
This phrase is perfect for apologizing for a late but completed action.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: 'Evo tvoje knjige, oprosti što je vraćam nakon tri mjeseca.' B: 'Nema problema, ______.'
Friend B is accepting the late return of the book using a common proverb.
Match the Croatian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related proverbs about time and patience.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ikad vs. Nikad
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBolje ______ nego nikad.
'Ikad' (ever) is the correct word that completes this specific proverb.
Scenario: You forgot to call your mom for her birthday yesterday. You call her today.
This phrase is perfect for apologizing for a late but completed action.
A: 'Evo tvoje knjige, oprosti što je vraćam nakon tri mjeseca.' B: 'Nema problema, ______.'
Friend B is accepting the late return of the book using a common proverb.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are all related proverbs about time and patience.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
2 FragenNo, it is generally considered a friendly and pragmatic way to acknowledge lateness. However, in very formal settings, it should be followed by a proper apology.
Yes, 'ikada' is the longer form. It sounds slightly more formal or emphatic, but both are correct.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Bolje ikako nego nikako
similarBetter somehow than not at all.
Tko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi
contrastThe early bird catches the worm.
Strpljen, spašen
builds onHe who is patient is saved.
