뜻
Being someone or something very annoying.
문화적 배경
The phrase is often linked to 'závisť' (envy), which is sometimes jokingly called the Slovak national sport. Being a 'thorn in the eye' often means you have something others want. Shared with Czech, Polish, and Hungarian cultures, this idiom reflects a common agrarian and biblical heritage where thorns were a daily nuisance. Because of its biblical origin, the phrase is sometimes used in sermons or religious texts to describe sin or temptation. Slovak tabloids love this phrase. They use it to describe celebrities who are controversial or politicians who are under fire.
Use with Dative
Always remember to add 'mi', 'ti', or 'mu' to show who is being annoyed. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Don't use for physical pain
If you actually have something in your eye, say 'Mám niečo v oku.'
뜻
Being someone or something very annoying.
Use with Dative
Always remember to add 'mi', 'ti', or 'mu' to show who is being annoyed. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.
Don't use for physical pain
If you actually have something in your eye, say 'Mám niečo v oku.'
Envy vs. Annoyance
In Slovakia, this phrase often implies that you are annoyed because the other person is successful. Use it carefully!
셀프 테스트
Fill in the correct form of the word 'tŕň' and 'oko'.
Jeho úspech je všetkým ______ v ______.
The idiom requires the instrumental 'tŕňom' and the locative singular 'oku'.
Which sentence correctly expresses that 'Peter annoys me'?
Select the correct sentence:
The standard construction uses the dative 'mi' to indicate who is annoyed.
Match the situation to the use of the idiom.
A very ugly, modern building is built in a historic village. How do the locals describe it?
'Tŕňom v oku' is perfect for describing an eyesore.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Prečo sa s ním nerozprávaš? B: Pretože mi je už roky ______ ______ ______.
This fits the context of long-term personal dislike.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Jeho úspech je všetkým ______ v ______.
The idiom requires the instrumental 'tŕňom' and the locative singular 'oku'.
Select the correct sentence:
The standard construction uses the dative 'mi' to indicate who is annoyed.
A very ugly, modern building is built in a historic village. How do the locals describe it?
'Tŕňom v oku' is perfect for describing an eyesore.
A: Prečo sa s ním nerozprávaš? B: Pretože mi je už roky ______ ______ ______.
This fits the context of long-term personal dislike.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It's not vulgar, but it is a strong expression of dislike. Use it with friends or when complaining, but not to the person's face in a professional setting.
Yes! It is very common to use it for ugly buildings, messy rooms, or even a bad piece of art.
'Liezť na nervy' is for temporary actions (like tapping a pen). 'Tŕň v oku' is for a person's constant presence or state.
No, the idiom is fixed in the singular: 'tŕňom v oku'.
Yes, to describe competitors or regulations that hinder a company.
Not always, but very often. It can also just mean a moral or aesthetic objection.
In Slovak, you just use this phrase: 'On mi je tŕňom v oku.' We don't use the 'side' version.
No, it is used daily in modern news and conversation.
Only if you are talking *about* your boss to someone else. Don't say it *to* your boss!
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'padnúť do oka' (to like someone) is close in terms of 'eye' imagery.
관련 표현
Ležať v žalúdku
similarTo be unable to stomach someone/something.
Liezť na nervy
synonymTo get on someone's nerves.
Byť proti srsti
similarTo go against the grain.
Kameň úrazu
builds onThe stumbling block / root of the problem.
Mať v oku
contrastTo have an eye on someone/something.
