Signification
Everyone needs other people.
Contexte culturel
In Slovenia, the concept of 'sosedska pomoč' (neighborly help) is a core cultural value. This proverb is often used to reinforce the idea that one should not be ashamed to ask a neighbor for help. The phrase is a bridge between Western literature and local wisdom. It is one of the few English literary quotes that has become a genuine proverb in Slovenian. Modern Slovenian startups use this phrase to promote 'flat' hierarchies and collaborative environments, moving away from the 'lone wolf' CEO model. Slovenian therapists often use this phrase when discussing the importance of social support networks for mental health.
Use for Teamwork
This is the perfect phrase to use in a LinkedIn post or a professional email when thanking your team.
Double Negatives
Remember that in Slovenian, 'Noben' MUST be followed by 'ni'. Never say 'Noben človek je otok'.
Signification
Everyone needs other people.
Use for Teamwork
This is the perfect phrase to use in a LinkedIn post or a professional email when thanking your team.
Double Negatives
Remember that in Slovenian, 'Noben' MUST be followed by 'ni'. Never say 'Noben človek je otok'.
Universal Appeal
Because this is a translation of a famous English quote, it's a great 'safe' proverb to use with both locals and expats.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Noben človek ___ otok.
The proverb requires the negative form 'ni' to match 'noben'.
Which sentence best describes the meaning of the proverb?
Kaj pomeni 'Noben človek ni otok'?
The proverb is a metaphor for human interdependence.
Match the situation to the proverb.
Your friend is trying to move a heavy sofa by himself and is getting frustrated. What do you say?
This proverb encourages him to accept help.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Zakaj moramo delati v skupinah?' B: 'Ker _________________.'
It provides the philosophical reason for teamwork.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNoben človek ___ otok.
The proverb requires the negative form 'ni' to match 'noben'.
Kaj pomeni 'Noben človek ni otok'?
The proverb is a metaphor for human interdependence.
Your friend is trying to move a heavy sofa by himself and is getting frustrated. What do you say?
This proverb encourages him to accept help.
A: 'Zakaj moramo delati v skupinah?' B: 'Ker _________________.'
It provides the philosophical reason for teamwork.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes. In Slovenian, 'človek' means 'human being' or 'person' and is used generically for all genders.
You can, and it is grammatically correct, but it is no longer the 'proverb'. It sounds like you are making a specific point about women rather than quoting a universal truth.
'Ni' is the specific negative form of 'je' (is). 'Ne' is used to negate other verbs (e.g., 'ne jem' - I don't eat).
It's a bit serious, but not 'too' formal. It's used when you want to be sincere or philosophical.
There isn't a direct proverbial opposite, but the concept of 'individualizem' (individualism) or 'samozadostnost' (self-sufficiency) represents the opposing idea.
Yes, the island metaphor is essential to this specific proverb. Changing the noun would change the proverb entirely.
The 'v' is the tricky part; it sounds like a 'w' in English 'well'. Try: CHLO-wek.
Yes, it is often taught in literature classes when discussing humanism or world poetry.
Yes, if you are asked about your ability to work in a team, it's a very sophisticated way to express your philosophy.
Some people just say 'Nihče ni otok', which is one word shorter and means the same thing.
Expressions liées
Vsi smo v istem čolnu
similarWe are all in the same boat.
Več glav več ve
similarMore heads know more.
Ena lastovka še ne prinese pomladi
contrastOne swallow doesn't make a summer.
Sami smo si svoja usoda
contrastWe are the masters of our own fate.
