Bolje vrabac u ruci, nego golub na grani
bolje vrabac u ruci nego golub na grani
Bird in hand
معنی
Appreciate what you have over risks.
زمینه فرهنگی
The sparrow (vrabac) is the symbol of Belgrade. There is even a statue of a sparrow called 'Dživdžan' in the city center. This makes the proverb feel very 'local' to Serbians. In village life, pigeons were often raised for meat or sport, but they were notoriously hard to catch if they escaped. A sparrow was easy to find but small. The proverb reflects the reality of hunting and gathering. Due to periods of hyperinflation in the 1990s, Serbians became very wary of future promises. This proverb reinforced the idea that only the money you have *right now* is real. Using this proverb can sometimes be seen as a way to 'soften' a refusal to help someone with a risky plan. It shifts the blame from you to 'universal wisdom.'
Shorten it!
You can just say 'Bolje vrabac...' and trail off. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Case sensitivity
Don't forget the 'i' at the end of 'ruci' and 'grani'. Using 'a' or 'u' makes it sound like you are moving the birds, not that they are already there.
معنی
Appreciate what you have over risks.
Shorten it!
You can just say 'Bolje vrabac...' and trail off. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Case sensitivity
Don't forget the 'i' at the end of 'ruci' and 'grani'. Using 'a' or 'u' makes it sound like you are moving the birds, not that they are already there.
The Belgrade Sparrow
If you are in Belgrade, using this proverb will earn you extra 'local points' because of the city's love for sparrows.
خودت رو بسنج
Fill in the missing words in the correct case.
Bolje vrabac u ____, nego golub na ____.
We use the Locative case to show location: 'u ruci' (in the hand) and 'na grani' (on the branch).
Which bird is in the hand in the Serbian proverb?
Koja ptica je u ruci?
The sparrow (vrabac) is the small bird we hold in our hand.
In which situation would you use this proverb?
Marko ima siguran posao, ali želi da ga napusti zbog rizičnog biznisa.
The proverb is a warning to value security over risk.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Da li da prodam auto za 2000 evra ili da čekam bolju cenu?' B: 'Prodaj ga odmah. ____.'
This proverb fits the context of choosing a certain smaller amount over an uncertain larger one.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Vrabac vs. Golub
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاBolje vrabac u ____, nego golub na ____.
We use the Locative case to show location: 'u ruci' (in the hand) and 'na grani' (on the branch).
Koja ptica je u ruci?
The sparrow (vrabac) is the small bird we hold in our hand.
Marko ima siguran posao, ali želi da ga napusti zbog rizičnog biznisa.
The proverb is a warning to value security over risk.
A: 'Da li da prodam auto za 2000 evra ili da čekam bolju cenu?' B: 'Prodaj ga odmah. ____.'
This proverb fits the context of choosing a certain smaller amount over an uncertain larger one.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
4 سوالYes, though often ironically or when discussing serious life choices like career moves.
No, the proverb is fixed. Replacing it would make it sound like a joke or a mistake.
Both are understood, but 'u ruci' is the standard form in Serbia.
Not at all! It's just a piece of traditional wisdom used to balance out the naturally impulsive 'inat' (defiance) in the culture.
عبارات مرتبط
Bolje danas jaje nego sutra kokoš
synonymBetter an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
Ko rano rani, dve sreće grabi
contrastThe early bird catches two fortunes.
Obećanje, ludom radovanje
similarA promise is a fool's joy.
Isterivati mak na konac
contrastTo push things to the extreme limit.
