Signification
To watch something or someone carefully.
Contexte culturel
In Serbian 'komšiluk' (neighborhood) culture, 'držati na oku' is a social duty. Neighbors often watch each other's houses to prevent burglaries. In the tribal history of Montenegro, vigilance was a matter of life and death. The 'eye' was the first line of defense against invaders. In the flat plains of Vojvodina, you can see for miles. 'Držati na oku' here often refers to watching the horizon for changing weather, which is crucial for farmers. In the busy 'splavovi' (river clubs) or cafes, keeping an eye on your drinks and belongings is a standard modern survival skill.
Use it for safety
Whenever you feel a bit anxious about your belongings, use this phrase to ask a friend for help.
Singular only!
Never say 'na očima'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a learner.
Signification
To watch something or someone carefully.
Use it for safety
Whenever you feel a bit anxious about your belongings, use this phrase to ask a friend for help.
Singular only!
Never say 'na očima'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a learner.
The 'ga' placement
When using pronouns, place them right after the verb: 'Držim GA na oku.'
Neighborhood Watch
If a Serbian neighbor says they are 'holding an eye' on your house, they are being helpful, not creepy!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Molim te, drži na ____ moju torbu dok kupim kafu.
The idiom is always singular: 'na oku'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I am keeping an eye on him'?
You need the Accusative pronoun 'ga' and the correct preposition 'na'.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Drži na oku mleko!'
Milk is often monitored in the kitchen to prevent it from boiling over.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Moram do prodavnice. Možeš li da pripaziš na decu? B: Naravno, ____ ____ ____ ____.
'Držaću ih na oku' is the most natural way to say 'I will keep an eye on them'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Eye Idioms
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMolim te, drži na ____ moju torbu dok kupim kafu.
The idiom is always singular: 'na oku'.
How do you say 'I am keeping an eye on him'?
You need the Accusative pronoun 'ga' and the correct preposition 'na'.
'Drži na oku mleko!'
Milk is often monitored in the kitchen to prevent it from boiling over.
A: Moram do prodavnice. Možeš li da pripaziš na decu? B: Naravno, ____ ____ ____ ____.
'Držaću ih na oku' is the most natural way to say 'I will keep an eye on them'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually no. It is mostly protective or neutral. However, if said with a stern face, it can be a warning.
Only if you are watching her in a crowd so you don't lose her. Don't use it to mean 'I'm watching you' in a jealous way unless you want a fight!
'Paziti' is a general verb for 'to be careful' or 'to watch out.' 'Držati na oku' is a specific idiom for continuous monitoring.
Yes, very often. It's used for monitoring markets, competitors, and projects.
Use the past tense: 'Držao sam to na oku' (masculine) or 'Držala sam to na oku' (feminine).
No, use 'gledati film'.
Yes, it is used in journalism frequently.
The idiom itself doesn't take a case, but the object you are watching must be in the Accusative.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this at the park.
Not exactly. 'Keep an eye out' is 'paziti' or 'osmatrati'. 'Keep an eye on' is 'držati na oku'.
Expressions liées
Baciti oko
similarTo take a quick look or show interest.
Paziti
synonymTo watch out / take care.
Nadgledati
specialized formTo supervise.
Izgubiti iz vida
contrastTo lose sight of.
Biti na oprezu
builds onTo be on alert.
