Signification
Strongly refusing or expressing disbelief
Contexte culturel
Croatians are known for being very direct. 'Nema šanse' is a reflection of this cultural trait where a clear 'no' is often preferred over a polite but misleading 'maybe'. In the Dalmatian region, the phrase is often delivered with a specific 'fjaka' (relaxed/lazy) attitude. It might sound less like an aggressive refusal and more like a statement that the effort required is simply too much. In the capital, you might hear the more urban variation 'Nema teorije'. It's used frequently in the fast-paced city life to quickly dismiss ideas. This phrase is a staple in sports stadiums. It's used to taunt opponents or express absolute faith that the other team won't score.
Use your body language
When saying 'Nema šanse', a slight tilt of the head back or a hand wave makes you look much more like a native.
Watch the register
Don't use this with your Croatian grandmother unless you're joking; it might seem a bit too 'street' for her.
Signification
Strongly refusing or expressing disbelief
Use your body language
When saying 'Nema šanse', a slight tilt of the head back or a hand wave makes you look much more like a native.
Watch the register
Don't use this with your Croatian grandmother unless you're joking; it might seem a bit too 'street' for her.
The 'Ma' prefix
Add 'Ma' at the beginning ('Ma nema šanse!') to sound even more natural and emphatic.
The 'Inat' factor
Remember that this phrase is often used to show you are stubborn and won't be easily convinced.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the phrase to complete the sentence.
Prijatelj: 'Hoćeš li mi dati svoj novi mobitel?' Ti: '_______!'
The phrase always uses the Genitive singular 'šanse'.
Fill in the missing word.
Nema ______ da sutra pada snijeg, prevruće je.
The word 'šanse' fits perfectly to express that something is impossible due to the heat.
Match the response 'Nema šanse!' to the most appropriate situation.
Situacija: Netko ti ponudi da kupiš stari auto za 50.000 eura.
'Nema šanse' is used for strong refusal, especially when a price is absurd.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Jesi li čuo da je Marko dobio na lotu? B: _______! On nikada ne igra loto.
In this context, 'Nema šanse' expresses disbelief at the news.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Nema šanse!'
Refusal
- • Lending money
- • Working on Sunday
- • Eating something gross
Disbelief
- • Winning the lottery
- • Celebrity gossip
- • Surprising weather
Impossibility
- • Climbing Everest in flip-flops
- • Driving to the moon
- • Finishing a book in 1 minute
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPrijatelj: 'Hoćeš li mi dati svoj novi mobitel?' Ti: '_______!'
The phrase always uses the Genitive singular 'šanse'.
Nema ______ da sutra pada snijeg, prevruće je.
The word 'šanse' fits perfectly to express that something is impossible due to the heat.
Situacija: Netko ti ponudi da kupiš stari auto za 50.000 eura.
'Nema šanse' is used for strong refusal, especially when a price is absurd.
A: Jesi li čuo da je Marko dobio na lotu? B: _______! On nikada ne igra loto.
In this context, 'Nema šanse' expresses disbelief at the news.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt depends on the context. Between friends, it's perfectly normal. In formal settings, it's better to use more polite alternatives.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use the Genitive form 'šanse'.
'Nema teorije' is slightly stronger, implying that something is impossible even in theory.
Yes, if you are expressing disbelief at something good, like 'Nema šanse da si dobio posao! Čestitam!'
Yes, it is a universal phrase used from Istria to Slavonia.
You can say 'Bojim se da to neće biti moguće' (I'm afraid that won't be possible).
In this phrase, 'šanse' is Genitive singular, but it can also be Nominative plural. Grammar is fun!
Yes, 'za to' means 'for that'. It's a very common way to complete the phrase.
You can just say 'Šanse...' with a sarcastic tone, but 'Nema šanse' is the standard.
Only in a very casual email to a close friend. Avoid it in professional correspondence.
'Ma kakvi' is similar but often used to dismiss a quality, e.g., 'Is he smart?' - 'Ma kakvi!'
Because it's short, easy to pronounce, and incredibly useful for basic survival and social interaction.
Yes, 'Nemam šanse' (I don't have a chance) is the related personal form.
Extremely. It's probably in every Croatian movie ever made.
Expressions liées
Nema teorije
synonymNo theory / No way
Ma kakvi
similarAs if / No way
Ni u ludilu
builds onNot even in madness
Nema problema
contrastNo problem
Teško
similarHardly / Unlikely
Zaboravi
similarForget it
