A1 Idiom Informal

Dělat si hlavu

Make oneself a head

Significado

Worrying too much about something.

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Contexto cultural

The phrase is deeply tied to 'pohoda' culture. Czechs value the ability to not 'make a head' out of things as a sign of a balanced personality. Slovak uses the identical phrase 'robiť si hlavu,' reflecting the shared linguistic and cultural history of the two nations. The 'head' metaphor for worry is common across Central Europe (e.g., German 'Kopf machen'), suggesting a regional psychological focus on the head as the source of stress. In Czech 'Gen Z' slang, the phrase is sometimes replaced by 'neřeš' (don't solve/don't deal with it), but 'nedělej si hlavu' remains the classic version used by all generations.

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The 'Z' Rule

Always remember the preposition 'z'. If you use 'o' (about), people will understand you, but you'll sound like a foreigner. 'Z' makes you sound native.

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Don't be too casual

While common, don't say this to your boss if they are genuinely upset about a serious company error. It might sound like you don't care.

Significado

Worrying too much about something.

🎯

The 'Z' Rule

Always remember the preposition 'z'. If you use 'o' (about), people will understand you, but you'll sound like a foreigner. 'Z' makes you sound native.

⚠️

Don't be too casual

While common, don't say this to your boss if they are genuinely upset about a serious company error. It might sound like you don't care.

💬

The Power of Negation

90% of the time, you will use this in the negative. It's a social tool for empathy.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition.

Nedělej ___ ___ toho hlavu.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: si, z

The idiom always uses the dative reflexive 'si' and the preposition 'z'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Choose the correct way to say 'I worry about school.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Dělám si hlavu ze školy.

'Z' changes to 'ze' before 'školy' for easier pronunciation, and it requires the genitive case.

Match the situation to the best response.

Your friend lost their umbrella and is very sad.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Nedělej si hlavu, koupíme nový.

The negative form is used to comfort someone about a minor loss.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Zítra mám ten těžký test.' B: 'Vím, ale ________.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: nedělej si z toho hlavu

B is trying to encourage A not to worry.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition. Fill Blank A1

Nedělej ___ ___ toho hlavu.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: si, z

The idiom always uses the dative reflexive 'si' and the preposition 'z'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A2

Choose the correct way to say 'I worry about school.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Dělám si hlavu ze školy.

'Z' changes to 'ze' before 'školy' for easier pronunciation, and it requires the genitive case.

Match the situation to the best response. situation_matching A1

Your friend lost their umbrella and is very sad.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Nedělej si hlavu, koupíme nový.

The negative form is used to comfort someone about a minor loss.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: 'Zítra mám ten těžký test.' B: 'Vím, ale ________.'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: nedělej si z toho hlavu

B is trying to encourage A not to worry.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you should say 'Dělám si hlavu z tebe' (I'm worried about you/because of you). However, 'Mám o tebe starost' is more common for people.

In a casual email to a colleague, yes. In a formal letter to a government office, no.

'Starat se' means to take care of someone or to worry in a general sense. 'Dělat si hlavu' is specifically about overthinking and mental stress.

No, it is almost exclusively used for negative worries or stress.

Z ničeho si hlavu nedělám.

Yes, even if a group of people is worrying, they each 'make a head' (singular).

Only if said with a sarcastic tone. Usually, it's very kind and supportive.

'Nedělej si z toho těžkou hlavu' (Don't make a heavy head out of it).

No, 'pro' is incorrect. Use 'z'.

Yes, 'robiť si hlavu' is the Slovak equivalent and is used exactly the same way.

Frases relacionadas

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Lámat si hlavu

similar

To puzzle over something difficult.

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Vrtat hlavou

similar

To have a nagging thought.

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Mít těžkou hlavu

builds on

To be very worried or burdened.

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Hodit za hlavu

contrast

To put something behind you / to forget about it.

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