Significado
Quiet people can be powerful.
Contexto cultural
In Slovak villages, modesty (skromnosť) is a highly regarded virtue. This proverb serves as a cultural 'shield' for those who are not extroverted, suggesting they are the ones with true substance. Across the Danube region, there is a shared respect for the power of rivers. This proverb is found in Hungarian, Polish, and Czech with almost identical wording, reflecting a shared geographical and psychological landscape. In the modern tech scene in Bratislava, this proverb is often used to describe 'quiet achievers'—developers who don't participate in office politics but are essential to the company. Many Slovak fairy tales feature a 'Hlúpy Jano' (Silly Jano) who is quiet and underestimated by his brothers but eventually wins the princess through quiet wisdom.
Use it for Introverts
It's the perfect compliment for a shy friend who just did something amazing.
Don't over-conjugate
Proverbs are usually kept in the present tense. Changing it to past tense makes it sound like a story rather than a general truth.
Significado
Quiet people can be powerful.
Use it for Introverts
It's the perfect compliment for a shy friend who just did something amazing.
Don't over-conjugate
Proverbs are usually kept in the present tense. Changing it to past tense makes it sound like a story rather than a general truth.
The 'Knowing Nod'
When you say this, a slight nod of the head makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Ponte a prueba
Doplňte správne slovo do príslovia.
Tichá voda ______ umýva.
The proverb specifically mentions 'brehy' (banks).
Čo znamená toto príslovie?
Tichá voda brehy umýva.
The proverb is a metaphor for hidden human strength or character.
V ktorej situácii je najlepšie použiť toto príslovie?
Situácia: Tichý žiak, ktorý nikdy nerozpráva, vyhrá matematickú olympiádu.
This situation perfectly illustrates hidden talent in a quiet person.
Doplňte dialóg.
A: 'Ten nový kolega je veľmi tichý, myslíš, že vie čo robí?' B: 'Neboj sa, ______.'
The context of a quiet but potentially capable colleague requires this proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosTichá voda ______ umýva.
The proverb specifically mentions 'brehy' (banks).
Tichá voda brehy umýva.
The proverb is a metaphor for hidden human strength or character.
Situácia: Tichý žiak, ktorý nikdy nerozpráva, vyhrá matematickú olympiádu.
This situation perfectly illustrates hidden talent in a quiet person.
A: 'Ten nový kolega je veľmi tichý, myslíš, že vie čo robí?' B: 'Neboj sa, ______.'
The context of a quiet but potentially capable colleague requires this proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be both. It's positive when describing hidden talent and negative when warning about someone's hidden dangerous side.
No, the person must be 'tichá' (quiet) for the proverb to make sense.
'Umýva' (washes) is more neutral/gentle. 'Berie' (takes) is more aggressive and implies the person is dangerous.
Yes, it is one of the most frequently used proverbs in Slovakia today.
Yes, it's appropriate for discussing team dynamics or competitors.
You say exactly this: 'Tichá voda brehy umýva.'
Yes, 'voda' is a feminine noun, which is why we use the feminine adjective 'tichá'.
99% of the time, yes. It is a metaphor for human character.
Yes, you can say 'Oni sú tichá voda' (They are quiet water).
No, it's a traditional proverb, but it's used in all levels of society.
Frases relacionadas
Zdanie klame
similarAppearances are deceptive.
Tichá voda brehy berie
variationQuiet water takes the banks.
Prazdny sud najviac duni
contrastAn empty barrel makes the most noise.
Nenápadný hrdina
similarAn inconspicuous hero.
