Signification
Honesty in money keeps friendships.
Contexte culturel
In Serbian 'kafanas', there is a ritual called 'otimanje oko računa' (fighting over the bill). Using this phrase is a polite way to end the fight and allow for a fair split. In Montenegro, honor (čojstvo) is paramount. Failing to pay a debt is seen as a stain on the family name. This proverb is taken very seriously here. Even in modern IT sectors in Belgrade, this phrase is used to justify why contracts need to be detailed, even between friends. Serbian parents often use this to teach children about the value of money and not relying on others' generosity too much.
Use it to say 'No'
If someone asks for a favor that makes you uncomfortable, you can use this phrase to politely insist on a formal arrangement.
The 'Kafana' Rule
If you say this while paying, it signals that you are a person of integrity who doesn't like to be 'beholden' to others.
Signification
Honesty in money keeps friendships.
Use it to say 'No'
If someone asks for a favor that makes you uncomfortable, you can use this phrase to politely insist on a formal arrangement.
The 'Kafana' Rule
If you say this while paying, it signals that you are a person of integrity who doesn't like to be 'beholden' to others.
Don't be too robotic
If you use it for a 10-dinar debt, you might sound like a 'stipsa' (stingy person). Use it for meaningful amounts.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Čist _______, duga _______.
The standard proverb is 'Čist račun, duga ljubav'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Čist račun, duga ljubav'?
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is used for settling debts and financial clarity.
Complete the dialogue.
Marko: 'Evo tvoj deo kusura.' Ivan: 'Hvala! _________.'
Ivan is acknowledging the fair return of money.
Which adjective form is correct for 'ljubav' (feminine)?
Čist račun, ____ ljubav.
'Ljubav' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'duga'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesČist _______, duga _______.
The standard proverb is 'Čist račun, duga ljubav'.
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is used for settling debts and financial clarity.
Marko: 'Evo tvoj deo kusura.' Ivan: 'Hvala! _________.'
Ivan is acknowledging the fair return of money.
Čist račun, ____ ljubav.
'Ljubav' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'duga'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsPrimarily yes, but it can also refer to being honest about feelings and expectations in any relationship.
It's a bit informal for a boss. Better to use it with colleagues or business partners you know well.
No, it's actually seen as a sign of respect for the friendship. It shows you want to keep the relationship 'clean'.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Prljavi računi' (dirty accounts) is the state you want to avoid.
No, in this context, it refers to any strong bond, especially deep friendship.
You can say 'Sada smo kvit' and then add 'Čist račun, duga ljubav'.
Yes, it is used throughout the former Yugoslavia with the same meaning.
Proverbs often drop the verb 'to be' to sound more rhythmic and ancient.
Absolutely! It works for any kind of borrowing.
Just saying 'Čist račun...' and nodding is often enough; people will know what you mean.
Expressions liées
Dug je loš drug
similarDebt is a bad friend.
Ko tebe kamenom, ti njega hlebom
contrastIf someone throws a stone at you, throw bread at them.
Prijatelj se u nevolji poznaje
builds onA friend in need is a friend indeed.
Pare kvare ljude
similarMoney spoils people.
