Significado
Staying quiet to avoid trouble
Contexto cultural
In Bulgarian villages, 'holding one's tongue' was a way to avoid 'uroki' (the evil eye) or bad luck by not bragging. Across the Balkans, there is a shared history of 'hidden' communication. Silence was often a tool of resistance. In modern Sofia offices, this phrase is used to describe 'political' behavior—knowing when not to challenge a superior. Folktales often feature a 'silent hero' who wins by holding their tongue while others fail by talking too much.
The 'Si' Rule
Never forget the 'си'. Without it, you are just holding a tongue (maybe someone else's!), which is very weird.
Don't be too quiet
If you 'държа си езика' too much, people might think you have no opinion. Use it strategically!
Significado
Staying quiet to avoid trouble
The 'Si' Rule
Never forget the 'си'. Without it, you are just holding a tongue (maybe someone else's!), which is very weird.
Don't be too quiet
If you 'държа си езика' too much, people might think you have no opinion. Use it strategically!
Add 'зад зъбите'
If you want to sound like a native, add 'зад зъбите' (behind the teeth). It sounds much more idiomatic.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing reflexive particle.
Той трябваше да ___ държи езика.
We use 'си' for actions involving our own body parts in idioms.
Which sentence means 'I stayed quiet to avoid a fight'?
Изберете правилното изречение:
'Държах си езика' is the idiom for intentional silence.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: Your friend tells you a secret about their new job.
Holding your tongue is the appropriate response to a secret.
Complete the dialogue.
А: Защо не каза нищо на Мария? Б: Защото исках да ___.
The context of 'not saying anything' requires the tongue idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosТой трябваше да ___ държи езика.
We use 'си' for actions involving our own body parts in idioms.
Изберете правилното изречение:
'Държах си езика' is the idiom for intentional silence.
Situation: Your friend tells you a secret about their new job.
Holding your tongue is the appropriate response to a secret.
А: Защо не каза нищо на Мария? Б: Защото исках да ___.
The context of 'not saying anything' requires the tongue idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasIt depends on the tone. 'Дръж си езика!' can be a sharp warning. But 'Трябва да си държиш езика' is helpful advice.
Yes, in stories or informal emails. In formal reports, use 'въздържане от коментар'.
No, 'Shut up' is 'Млъкни' or 'Затвори си устата'. 'Държа си езика' is more about the internal choice to be quiet.
Bulgarian uses reflexive pronouns for body parts. 'Моя език' sounds like you are talking about the Bulgarian language, not your physical tongue.
Frases relacionadas
Мълчанието е злато
similarSilence is gold.
Прехапвам си езика
similarTo bite one's tongue.
Развързвам си езика
contrastTo start talking freely (often after a drink).
Глътвам си езика
confusingTo be speechless from shock.
