Signification
Being extremely exhausted
Contexte culturel
Bulgarians often use somatic idioms (body-based) to express emotions and physical states. This reflects a culture that is expressive and physically grounded. Similar expressions exist across the Balkans (Serbia, Greece, Romania), suggesting a shared linguistic heritage regarding physical labor and endurance. The 'Horo' is a central part of Bulgarian celebrations. It requires significant leg strength. Saying this phrase after a Horo is a common social ritual. There is a cultural respect for 'honest tiredness'. Admitting your legs don't hold you is often seen as proof that you have worked hard and contributed.
Use it for sympathy
This phrase is a great way to bond with Bulgarians. Complaining about being tired after a shared activity is a common social lubricant.
Don't skip the 'me'
If you say 'Краката ми не държат', it sounds like your legs are broken or malfunctioning in a mechanical sense, not that you are tired.
Signification
Being extremely exhausted
Use it for sympathy
This phrase is a great way to bond with Bulgarians. Complaining about being tired after a shared activity is a common social lubricant.
Don't skip the 'me'
If you say 'Краката ми не държат', it sounds like your legs are broken or malfunctioning in a mechanical sense, not that you are tired.
Add 'едва'
Say 'Едва ме държат краката' to sound even more like a native speaker. It adds a touch of dramatic flair.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing short pronouns (ми, ме).
След дългия поход краката ___ не ___ държат.
The first pronoun 'ми' shows possession (my legs), and the second 'ме' is the object (hold me).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say you are exhausted after work?
Как ще кажеш, че си много изморен след работа?
This is the standard idiomatic form with correct clitic placement.
Match the situation to the phrase.
In which situation would you say 'Краката ми не ме държат'?
The phrase specifically refers to physical exhaustion, especially in the legs.
Complete the dialogue.
А: Искаш ли да се разходим още малко? Б: Ох, не мога, ________________.
This is the most logical response to an invitation to walk further when you are tired.
Match the Bulgarian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are direct equivalents in meaning and context.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesСлед дългия поход краката ___ не ___ държат.
The first pronoun 'ми' shows possession (my legs), and the second 'ме' is the object (hold me).
Как ще кажеш, че си много изморен след работа?
This is the standard idiomatic form with correct clitic placement.
In which situation would you say 'Краката ми не ме държат'?
The phrase specifically refers to physical exhaustion, especially in the legs.
А: Искаш ли да се разходим още малко? Б: Ох, не мога, ________________.
This is the most logical response to an invitation to walk further when you are tired.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are direct equivalents in meaning and context.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is strictly for physical exhaustion or extreme emotional shock that affects the body.
It's a bit informal. Better to say 'Много съм изморен' unless you have a very close, friendly relationship.
'Ми' shows the legs belong to you, and 'ме' shows the legs are failing to hold you (the object).
Yes: 'Краката ми не ме държаха' (My legs weren't holding me).
Not really, but you can just say 'Краката ми...' and trail off with a sigh, and people will understand.
Expressions liées
Омекнаха ми коленете
similarMy knees went soft
Пребит съм от умора
synonymI am beaten by tiredness
Едва дишам
similarI am barely breathing
Като парцал съм
slangI am like a rag
Нямам сили
builds onI have no strength
