Significado
Being extremely hungry
Contexto cultural
Lika is famous for its wolves and its hearty food. Saying you are 'gladan kao vuk' here is taken very seriously and will likely result in a massive plate of lamb. Hosts often feel successful if their guests express extreme hunger, as it allows them to show off their generosity. The wolf was often seen as a protector or a totem animal. Its hunger is seen as a natural, honest force. Even in cities like Zagreb, the phrase is used daily to describe the need for 'gablec' (the traditional mid-morning meal).
Use 'k'o' for speed
If you want to sound more like a local, say 'Gladan sam k'o vuk' instead of the full 'kao'.
Gender matters!
Don't forget to change 'gladan' to 'gladna' if you are a woman. It's a very common mistake for beginners.
Significado
Being extremely hungry
Use 'k'o' for speed
If you want to sound more like a local, say 'Gladan sam k'o vuk' instead of the full 'kao'.
Gender matters!
Don't forget to change 'gladan' to 'gladna' if you are a woman. It's a very common mistake for beginners.
The 'Vuk' plural
If you are with a group, use 'Gladni smo kao vukovi'. It sounds much more natural than keeping 'vuk' in the singular.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'gladan'.
Ana nije jela cijeli dan. Ona je ______ kao vuk.
Since Ana is female, the adjective must be in the feminine singular form 'gladna'.
Which animal is used in this Croatian idiom for hunger?
Gladan sam kao ______.
The standard animal used in this idiom is 'vuk' (wolf).
Complete the dialogue with the plural form of the idiom.
Marko: 'Idemo li na ručak?' Ivan i Luka: 'Da, ______ smo kao ______!'
Ivan and Luka are two males (plural), so 'gladni' and 'vukovi' are the correct forms.
In which situation would you most likely say 'Gladan sam kao vuk'?
Select the best context:
This idiom is used for extreme hunger, typically after physical labor or a long period without food.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Animal Similes in Croatian
Hunger
- • Gladan kao vuk
Thirst
- • Žedan kao deva
Tiredness
- • Umoran kao pas
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosAna nije jela cijeli dan. Ona je ______ kao vuk.
Since Ana is female, the adjective must be in the feminine singular form 'gladna'.
Gladan sam kao ______.
The standard animal used in this idiom is 'vuk' (wolf).
Marko: 'Idemo li na ručak?' Ivan i Luka: 'Da, ______ smo kao ______!'
Ivan and Luka are two males (plural), so 'gladni' and 'vukovi' are the correct forms.
Select the best context:
This idiom is used for extreme hunger, typically after physical labor or a long period without food.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's not rude. It's a standard informal expression. However, don't use it in a very formal setting like a job interview.
It's better to save it for when you are really starving. For small hunger, just say 'Malo sam gladan'.
No, the animal 'vuk' (wolf) stays masculine in the idiom, even if the speaker is female. You say 'Gladna sam kao vuk'.
The plural is 'Gladni smo kao vukovi'.
Yes, 'Žedan kao deva' (Thirsty as a camel).
People will understand you, but it's not a standard idiom. Stick to 'vuk'.
Usually 'Gladan sam ko vuk' or 'Gladna k'o vuk'.
Yes, it is a universal Croatian idiom used from Slavonia to Dalmatia.
Yes, parents often say to children: 'Jesi li gladan kao mali vuk?'
It means being greedy—wanting more food than you can actually eat.
Frases relacionadas
Žedan kao deva
similarThirsty as a camel.
Umoran kao pas
similarTired as a dog.
Gladne oči
contrastGreedy eyes.
Vuk samotnjak
specialized formLone wolf.
Imati vučji apetit
builds onTo have a wolf's appetite.
