Signification
Remaining very calm under pressure.
Contexte culturel
Slovenians often pride themselves on being 'trpežni' (hardy/resilient). This idiom is a common way to express that national trait. In the world of ski jumping (Planica), this phrase is used almost every year to describe the winners. In Slovenian business culture, keeping your cool is seen as a sign of high competence and leadership. The phrase gained popularity during the industrialization of Slovenia, particularly in steel-towns like Jesenice and Ravne na Koroškem.
Use it as a compliment
Slovenians love being told they have jeklene živce. It's a great way to build rapport.
Watch the case!
Remember: 'Imam jeklene živce' (Accusative) but 'Nimam jeklenih živcev' (Genitive).
Signification
Remaining very calm under pressure.
Use it as a compliment
Slovenians love being told they have jeklene živce. It's a great way to build rapport.
Watch the case!
Remember: 'Imam jeklene živce' (Accusative) but 'Nimam jeklenih živcev' (Genitive).
Sports context
If you're watching a game with Slovenians, use this phrase when a player is under pressure. You'll sound like a native!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the idiom.
Moj brat je pilot, zato mora ______ jeklene ______.
After 'mora' (must), we use the infinitive 'imeti'. The object must be in the accusative plural 'živce'.
Which situation best describes 'jeklene živce'?
Kdaj rečemo, da ima nekdo jeklene živce?
The idiom describes staying calm (miren) in danger (nevarnost) or stress.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Joj, spet zamujamo na letalo!' B: 'Nikar ne paničari, ______.'
The imperative 'Imej' (Have!) is used here to give a command or strong advice to stay calm.
Match the person to the reason they need jeklene živce.
Poveži osebo in razlog: 1. Kirurg, 2. Učitelj, 3. Gorski reševalec.
Surgeons handle operations, teachers handle restless kids, and rescuers handle dangerous mountains.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMoj brat je pilot, zato mora ______ jeklene ______.
After 'mora' (must), we use the infinitive 'imeti'. The object must be in the accusative plural 'živce'.
Kdaj rečemo, da ima nekdo jeklene živce?
The idiom describes staying calm (miren) in danger (nevarnost) or stress.
A: 'Joj, spet zamujamo na letalo!' B: 'Nikar ne paničari, ______.'
The imperative 'Imej' (Have!) is used here to give a command or strong advice to stay calm.
Poveži osebo in razlog: 1. Kirurg, 2. Učitelj, 3. Gorski reševalec.
Surgeons handle operations, teachers handle restless kids, and rescuers handle dangerous mountains.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a newspaper, a business meeting, or with your friends.
No, 'jekleno srce' usually means someone is cold or lacks empathy, which is different from being calm.
You say 'Izgubil sem živce.'
No, it only refers to mental and emotional composure.
We don't usually use the singular for this idiom. It's almost always plural ('živce').
Yes, because 'živce' is plural.
You can, and people will understand, but 'jeklene' is much more common and natural.
Yes, it is a standard idiom used throughout the country.
Yes, it often implies a type of quiet bravery or resilience.
Only metaphorically. If a machine is very reliable, you might say it has 'jeklene živce' as a joke.
Expressions liées
Ohraniti mirno kri
synonymTo keep a cool head/blood.
Biti hladen kot špricar
similarTo be as cold as a wine spritzer.
Izgubiti živce
contrastTo lose one's nerves/temper.
Iti komu na živce
builds onTo get on someone's nerves.
