Signification
To offer help or assistance.
Contexte culturel
Hospitality and helping neighbors (komšiluk) is a core value. Refusing to help a neighbor is seen as a major social taboo. The concept of 'Čojstvo' (protecting others from yourself) often involves 'pružanje ruke' to those you have defeated or disagreed with. During natural disasters like the 2014 floods, the phrase 'Pruži ruku' became a national slogan for solidarity across borders. In Serbian media, 'pružena ruka' is the standard metaphor for a country's willingness to join international unions or resolve border disputes.
Use the Dative
Always remember that the person you are helping must be in the Dative case (mi, ti, mu, joj, nam, vam, im).
Singular vs Plural
Stick to the singular 'ruku'. Saying 'pružiti ruke' sounds like you are surrendering or reaching for a hug, not necessarily helping.
Signification
To offer help or assistance.
Use the Dative
Always remember that the person you are helping must be in the Dative case (mi, ti, mu, joj, nam, vam, im).
Singular vs Plural
Stick to the singular 'ruku'. Saying 'pružiti ruke' sounds like you are surrendering or reaching for a hug, not necessarily helping.
Add 'Spasa'
If someone really saved your life or career, use 'pružiti ruku spasa' to show deep gratitude.
Reconciliation
In Serbia, being the first to 'pružiti ruku' after a fight is seen as a sign of strength and maturity, not weakness.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'pružiti' or 'pružati'.
On uvek _______ ruku onima kojima je teško.
We use the imperfective 'pruža' because the sentence says 'uvek' (always), indicating a habitual action.
Which sentence correctly uses the Dative case?
Choose the correct sentence:
The short form of the Dative pronoun 'mi' usually comes right after the verb in this construction.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the most common variations of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Marko: 'Ne mogu sam da završim ovaj posao.' Ivan: 'Ne brini, ja ću ti _______.'
'Pružiti ruku' means to help, while 'oprati ruke' means to wash one's hands (of responsibility) and 'imati pune ruke posla' means to be very busy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pružiti vs. Pružati
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOn uvek _______ ruku onima kojima je teško.
We use the imperfective 'pruža' because the sentence says 'uvek' (always), indicating a habitual action.
Choose the correct sentence:
The short form of the Dative pronoun 'mi' usually comes right after the verb in this construction.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most common variations of the idiom.
Marko: 'Ne mogu sam da završim ovaj posao.' Ivan: 'Ne brini, ja ću ti _______.'
'Pružiti ruku' means to help, while 'oprati ruke' means to wash one's hands (of responsibility) and 'imati pune ruke posla' means to be very busy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, if the money is a form of help or charity, you can say 'Pružili su mu ruku u finansijskom smislu'.
Both are correct. 'Pružiti ruku' is the idiom itself, while adding 'pomoći' (of help) makes it more explicit.
Absolutely. 'Želimo da vam pružimo ruku saradnje' is a very professional and polite way to suggest a partnership.
'Pružiti' is for a one-time action (I helped him once), while 'pružati' is for ongoing or repeated actions (I always help him).
Yes, it is identical and equally common in Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.
No! 'Pružiti nogu' (to stretch a leg) is used for walking or literally stretching, it has no idiomatic meaning of helping.
It is neutral. It's safe to use with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend.
You can say 'Nije hteo da mi pruži ruku'.
It can, but usually, if you mean a handshake, you say 'pružiti ruku za pozdrav'. Without context, it means 'to help'.
Yes, you can 'pružiti ruku' to an endangered species or a stray dog by helping them.
The opposite would be 'okrenuti leđa' (to turn one's back).
'Dati ruku' is more common for physical assistance, like helping someone carry a heavy box.
Yes: 'Pružio sam mu ruku' (I lent him a hand).
Because it is the direct object of the verb 'pružiti', so it must be in the Accusative case.
Expressions liées
Ići na ruku
similarTo play into someone's hands / to suit someone
Biti desna ruka
builds onTo be someone's right-hand man
Oprati ruke
contrastTo wash one's hands of something
Ruku na srce
similarHand on heart / honestly
Puna ruka brade
specialized formTo have plenty of something
