Signification
Prevention is better than fixing a problem.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is often used by grandmothers (bake) to justify traditional remedies like wearing thick socks or eating garlic to prevent the flu. There is a cultural obsession with 'promaja' (a draft). This proverb is the ultimate justification for closing windows even in summer. In professional settings, using this proverb shows you are a 'domaćin'—a responsible, forward-thinking person. The phrase is the official motto of many health campaigns in Serbia, especially for cancer screening and vaccinations.
Use it for small things
Don't wait for a big crisis. Use it when you take an umbrella or save a document.
Don't be a 'know-it-all'
Avoid saying this to someone who is already suffering from a mistake.
Signification
Prevention is better than fixing a problem.
Use it for small things
Don't wait for a big crisis. Use it when you take an umbrella or save a document.
Don't be a 'know-it-all'
Avoid saying this to someone who is already suffering from a mistake.
The 'nego' contrast
Emphasize the word 'sprečiti' to sound more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Bolje ________ nego ________.
The standard order is 'prevent' then 'cure'.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Bolje sprečiti nego lečiti'?
A) Your friend just broke their leg. B) You are buying insurance for your new house. C) You are eating a cake.
Insurance is a preventive measure. Saying it to someone with a broken leg is rude.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Zašto nosiš kišobran? Nema oblaka.' Marko: 'Pa, ________.'
Marko is being cautious about the weather.
Which verb in the proverb is perfective?
Bolje sprečiti nego lečiti.
'Sprečiti' is perfective (to prevent once), 'lečiti' is imperfective (to treat over time).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sprečiti vs Lečiti
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBolje ________ nego ________.
The standard order is 'prevent' then 'cure'.
A) Your friend just broke their leg. B) You are buying insurance for your new house. C) You are eating a cake.
Insurance is a preventive measure. Saying it to someone with a broken leg is rude.
Ana: 'Zašto nosiš kišobran? Nema oblaka.' Marko: 'Pa, ________.'
Marko is being cautious about the weather.
Bolje sprečiti nego lečiti.
'Sprečiti' is perfective (to prevent once), 'lečiti' is imperfective (to treat over time).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is used for everything from car repairs to computer backups and relationships.
No, that would mean it's better to get sick and then fix it, which makes no sense!
It is neutral. You can use it in any setting.
'Lečiti' implies the long process of treatment, which sounds more daunting than a quick cure.
Yes, though often with a bit of irony or when talking about tech/work.
Expressions liées
Ispeci pa reci
similarThink before you speak.
Ko se čuva, i Bog ga čuva
similarGod helps those who help themselves.
Kasno Janko na Kosovo stiže
contrastTo be too late to help.
Preventiva je pola zdravlja
synonymPrevention is half of health.
