Significado
It is better to finish late than not at all.
Contexto cultural
Czechs have a concept called 'akademická čtvrthodinka' (the academic quarter-hour), which means being 15 minutes late is often socially acceptable. This proverb is the perfect accompaniment to that 15-minute window. Slovaks use the exact same phrase ('Lepšie neskoro ako nikdy'). The cultural attitude toward time is very similar to the Czech one, emphasizing social connection over rigid timing. In Germany, punctuality is much more strictly enforced. While they have the equivalent phrase, using it in a professional context might be received more coldly than in Czechia. In the US, this phrase is often used for life milestones (like getting a degree at 60). In Czechia, it's used much more frequently for daily minor lateness.
The Social Saver
Use this phrase with a smile. It's meant to be a lighthearted way to acknowledge your mistake.
Not for Funerals
Avoid using this for serious events where your absence caused genuine pain. It's too casual for grief.
Significado
It is better to finish late than not at all.
The Social Saver
Use this phrase with a smile. It's meant to be a lighthearted way to acknowledge your mistake.
Not for Funerals
Avoid using this for serious events where your absence caused genuine pain. It's too casual for grief.
The 'Je' is Optional
You can say 'Je lepší...' but native speakers almost always drop the 'Je' to make it punchier.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Lepší ______ než nikdy.
'Pozdě' means late, which is the core of this proverb.
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for this phrase?
You are 10 minutes late for a beer with a friend.
This is the classic social use of the phrase to apologize for a minor delay.
Match the Czech words to their English meanings.
Words: 1. Lepší, 2. Pozdě, 3. Než, 4. Nikdy
These are the four components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tady je ta kniha, co jsem ti slíbil před měsícem. B: No, _________.
The context of returning something late makes this the perfect response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosLepší ______ než nikdy.
'Pozdě' means late, which is the core of this proverb.
You are 10 minutes late for a beer with a friend.
This is the classic social use of the phrase to apologize for a minor delay.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the four components of the phrase.
A: Tady je ta kniha, co jsem ti slíbil před měsícem. B: No, _________.
The context of returning something late makes this the perfect response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasYes, it's perfect for minor delays. It shows you're aware of the time without making a huge deal out of it.
Yes, especially if you are replying to an email that you missed for a few days. 'Omlouvám se za pozdní odpověď, ale lepší pozdě než nikdy.'
It can, if said with a certain tone. If a friend is always late, you might say it with a roll of the eyes to tease them.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Pozdě bycha honit' is used when it really IS too late to do anything.
Yes, in comparative structures like 'větší než' (bigger than) or 'lepší než' (better than), 'než' is the standard word.
Usually, the proverb is used for human actions. For a train, you'd just say 'Vlak má zpoždění' (The train has a delay).
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your grandma.
Because the proverb compares 'late' (a time) with 'never' (also a time). Comparing 'late' to 'nothing' wouldn't follow the logic of the original Latin.
Frases relacionadas
Pozdě, ale přece
similarLate, but nonetheless.
Dočkat se jako pes kosti
similarTo wait like a dog for a bone.
Kdo dřív přijde, ten dřív mele
contrastFirst come, first served (lit. He who comes first, mills first).
Všechno má svůj čas
builds onEverything has its time.
