Signification
Do things as soon as possible
Contexte culturel
Proverbs are a huge part of Croatian 'kućni odgoj' (home upbringing). Children are taught these phrases as moral compasses from a very young age. In coastal Croatia, this proverb often clashes with the concept of 'fjaka' (a state of mind where one is physically and mentally unable to do anything). It is often used ironically here. In the capital, which has more Central European influence, this proverb is taken more literally and is a common part of business culture. In the agricultural east, this proverb is linked to the harvest and the necessity of hard work before the winter.
Use it for chores
This is the most natural context. If you see a friend hesitating to do a small task, drop this proverb.
Don't over-use it
If you say it too much, you might sound like a nagging parent or a strict boss.
Signification
Do things as soon as possible
Use it for chores
This is the most natural context. If you see a friend hesitating to do a small task, drop this proverb.
Don't over-use it
If you say it too much, you might sound like a nagging parent or a strict boss.
The 'Sutra' Trap
Remember that 'sutra' is also the word for 'tomorrow'. In Croatia, 'sutra' can sometimes mean 'eventually' or 'never' in a joking context.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Što možeš ______, ne ostavljaj za ______.
The standard proverb contrasts 'danas' (today) with 'sutra' (tomorrow).
Which verb is used in the imperative form in this proverb?
Što možeš danas, ne ______ za sutra.
The proverb uses the negative imperative 'ne ostavljaj'.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A friend is deciding whether to finish their project now or go to sleep.
This proverb specifically addresses the choice between doing something now or later.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: 'Tako sam umoran, završit ću ovo sutra.' B: 'Nemoj! Znaš kako kažu...'
The context of delaying work perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Danas vs. Sutra
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesŠto možeš ______, ne ostavljaj za ______.
The standard proverb contrasts 'danas' (today) with 'sutra' (tomorrow).
Što možeš danas, ne ______ za sutra.
The proverb uses the negative imperative 'ne ostavljaj'.
A friend is deciding whether to finish their project now or go to sleep.
This proverb specifically addresses the choice between doing something now or later.
A: 'Tako sam umoran, završit ću ovo sutra.' B: 'Nemoj! Znaš kako kažu...'
The context of delaying work perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but often ironically or when complaining about how much work they have to do.
Yes, if you are promising to finish something today. It shows you are proactive.
'Ostavljaj' means 'leave', while 'odgađaj' means 'postpone'. Both are used in this proverb.
Yes, people often just say 'Ne ostavljaj za sutra'.
A little bit, like all proverbs, but it's so common that it doesn't sound 'out of date'.
Yes, the phrase is identical in all BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) variants.
Yes! It's a common joke to use it for things you want to do immediately, like 'Što možeš pojesti danas...'
In this context, 'za' indicates the time for which something is intended or scheduled.
It can be. It's better to use it with people you know, as it's a form of advice.
Then the proverb doesn't apply! It specifically says 'Što MOŽEŠ' (What you CAN).
Expressions liées
Tko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi
similarThe early bird catches the worm.
Bez muke nema nauke
similarNo pain, no gain.
Bolje ikad nego nikad
contrastBetter late than never.
Vrijeme je novac
similarTime is money.
