Signification
It is often better to stay silent than speak.
Contexte culturel
In Serbian villages, the 'glava kuće' (head of the house) is often a man of few words. His silence is seen as a sign of power and control over his emotions. In Montenegro, the concept of 'čojstvo' (protecting others from yourself) often involves staying silent rather than speaking words that might hurt someone's honor. In business negotiations in the Balkans, silence is often used as a tactic. If one side stays silent after an offer, it can pressure the other side to speak and potentially lower their price. Monastic traditions in Serbia emphasize 'molitveno ćutanje' (prayerful silence) as a way to reach a higher spiritual state.
Use it for de-escalation
If someone is shouting at you, saying 'Ćutanje je zlato' to yourself can help you stay calm and not react.
Don't use it as a weapon
Telling someone 'Ćutanje je zlato' during an argument can be very annoying and make them angrier.
Signification
It is often better to stay silent than speak.
Use it for de-escalation
If someone is shouting at you, saying 'Ćutanje je zlato' to yourself can help you stay calm and not react.
Don't use it as a weapon
Telling someone 'Ćutanje je zlato' during an argument can be very annoying and make them angrier.
The 'Silver' part
If you want to sound very poetic or old-fashioned, use the full version: 'Govor je srebro, a ćutanje je zlato'.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Ćutanje je ______.
The proverb is 'Ćutanje je zlato' (Silence is gold).
In which situation is 'Ćutanje je zlato' most appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
Silence is 'gold' when it comes to secrets and avoiding gossip.
Choose the best response for Marko.
Ana: 'Tako sam ljuta na šefa, reći ću mu sve u lice!' Marko: 'Smiri se, Ana. Ponekad je...'
Marko is advising Ana to stay quiet to avoid trouble at work.
Which of these is the correct verbal noun for 'to be silent'?
The word 'Ćutanje' comes from:
'Ćutanje' is the verbal noun of 'ćutati' (to be silent). 'Čuti' means 'to hear'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesĆutanje je ______.
The proverb is 'Ćutanje je zlato' (Silence is gold).
Choose the best scenario:
Silence is 'gold' when it comes to secrets and avoiding gossip.
Ana: 'Tako sam ljuta na šefa, reći ću mu sve u lice!' Marko: 'Smiri se, Ana. Ponekad je...'
Marko is advising Ana to stay quiet to avoid trouble at work.
The word 'Ćutanje' comes from:
'Ćutanje' is the verbal noun of 'ćutati' (to be silent). 'Čuti' means 'to hear'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's a proverb for specific social situations. In emergencies or when fighting for justice, speaking up is much more valuable.
Yes, it's very common, but 'ćutanje' is more precise when talking about a person's choice not to speak.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your friends.
Because gold is the most precious metal in traditional metaphors, representing the highest level of wisdom.
Not at all! It just means you should choose your moments of silence carefully.
It can be. It's better to use it as a general observation or advice for yourself rather than a direct command to someone else.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Ko ne traži, taj ne dobije' (He who doesn't ask, doesn't get) suggests that speaking up is necessary.
It's a very soft 'ch'. Put your tongue behind your lower teeth and try to say 'ch'.
Yes, it is identical and equally common in Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin.
It might be a bit too informal/proverbial for a standard business email unless you are giving friendly advice to a colleague.
Expressions liées
Ispeci pa reci
similarThink carefully before you speak.
Ko mnogo priča, malo uradi
similarHe who talks much, does little.
Jezik kosti nema, ali kosti lomi
builds onThe tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones.
Prazna burad najviše zveče
contrastEmpty barrels make the most noise.
