Signification
Starting something new is usually challenging.
Contexte culturel
Slovenians often use this proverb to express a sense of 'pridnost' (diligence). It's not just a saying; it's a cultural expectation that you will work through the hard parts. This proverb is a shared cultural heritage across the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, reflecting a common stoic approach to work and education. In the modern Ljubljana tech scene, this proverb is often used during 'fail fast' discussions to encourage entrepreneurs. In farming communities, this phrase is tied to the seasons. Starting the harvest or the planting is the 'težek' part that requires the whole village to come together.
Use it for yourself!
When you feel like giving up on Slovenian, say this to yourself. It's a culturally authentic way to self-motivate.
Watch the 'v'
Remember that 'v' in 'vsak' sounds like 'f'. Pronouncing it as a 'v' is a common giveaway of a foreign accent.
Signification
Starting something new is usually challenging.
Use it for yourself!
When you feel like giving up on Slovenian, say this to yourself. It's a culturally authentic way to self-motivate.
Watch the 'v'
Remember that 'v' in 'vsak' sounds like 'f'. Pronouncing it as a 'v' is a common giveaway of a foreign accent.
The 'Pač' addition
Add 'pač' (well/anyway) before the phrase to sound more like a native: 'Pač, vsak začetek je težek.'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Vsak ______ je težek.
The proverb is 'Vsak začetek je težek' (Every beginning is hard).
Which adjective correctly completes the proverb?
Vsak začetek je ______.
'Začetek' is a masculine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'težek'.
In which situation would you most likely say 'Vsak začetek je težek'?
Match the situation to the phrase.
The phrase is used to encourage someone at the start of a difficult task.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ne morem se naučiti teh besed!' B: 'Nič ne skrbi, ______.'
This is the most appropriate response to someone struggling with a new task like learning vocabulary.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hard vs. Heavy
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVsak ______ je težek.
The proverb is 'Vsak začetek je težek' (Every beginning is hard).
Vsak začetek je ______.
'Začetek' is a masculine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'težek'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
The phrase is used to encourage someone at the start of a difficult task.
A: 'Ne morem se naučiti teh besed!' B: 'Nič ne skrbi, ______.'
This is the most appropriate response to someone struggling with a new task like learning vocabulary.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's a neutral proverb that fits perfectly in casual conversation.
No, 'težko' is an adverb. You need the adjective 'težek' to describe the noun 'začetek'.
Sometimes people just say 'Začetki so težki' (Beginnings are hard), but the full proverb is more common.
No, it also means 'heavy' (weight). Context tells you which one it is.
There isn't a direct 'proverb' opposite, but you could say 'Začetek je bil lahek' (The start was easy).
Yes, it's a great way to acknowledge challenges while remaining professional.
'Vsak' means 'every' (singular), while 'vse' means 'all' (plural). Proberbs usually use the singular 'every'.
Yes, for example, in Croatian it's 'Svaki početak je težak'.
Only if they are sad about a new challenge. Don't use it for grief or loss.
It's like the 'g' in 'mirage' or the 's' in 'treasure'.
Expressions liées
Brez muje se še čevelj ne obuje
similarWithout effort, you can't even put on a shoe.
Konec dober, vse dobro
contrastAll's well that ends well.
Počasi se daleč pride
builds onSlowly one goes far (Slow and steady wins the race).
Prvi koraki so najtežji
synonymThe first steps are the hardest.
