뜻
To remain completely silent
문화적 배경
The phrase is deeply linked to the visual of beer foam, which is a staple of Slovak social life. A 'good' beer must have a thick, silent head of foam. In many Slavic countries, silence is associated with respect for elders and authority figures, especially in domestic settings. Teachers in Slovakia traditionally use this phrase to manage classrooms. It is a gentler way to ask for silence than shouting. In old Slovak fairy tales, heroes often have to be 'ticho ako pena' to sneak past dragons or villains, emphasizing the life-saving nature of silence.
Use with children
This is the most natural way to ask kids to be quiet without sounding mean.
Don't say 'tichý'
Remember to use the adverb 'ticho'. 'Byť tichý ako pena' sounds like you are describing a permanent personality trait rather than a current state.
뜻
To remain completely silent
Use with children
This is the most natural way to ask kids to be quiet without sounding mean.
Don't say 'tichý'
Remember to use the adverb 'ticho'. 'Byť tichý ako pena' sounds like you are describing a permanent personality trait rather than a current state.
Combine with 'sedieť'
Saying 'sedieť ako pena' emphasizes that the person is not moving a muscle.
Beer context
If you are at a pub, mentioning the 'tichá pena' on a beer is a great way to start a conversation about quality.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
V kostole musíme byť ticho ako _______.
The correct idiom is 'ticho ako pena'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the best option:
'Ticho ako pena' is the standard form, and 'ticho' is used as an adverbial predicate.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are hiding in a closet during a game. What do you do?
This idiom is perfect for describing the silence needed while hiding.
Complete the dialogue.
Mama: 'Deti, otec spí!' Deti: 'Dobre, mami, budeme ________.'
This is the most natural way for children to respond to a request for silence.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Silence Levels in Slovak
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제V kostole musíme byť ticho ako _______.
The correct idiom is 'ticho ako pena'.
Select the best option:
'Ticho ako pena' is the standard form, and 'ticho' is used as an adverbial predicate.
You are hiding in a closet during a game. What do you do?
This idiom is perfect for describing the silence needed while hiding.
Mama: 'Deti, otec spí!' Deti: 'Dobre, mami, budeme ________.'
This is the most natural way for children to respond to a request for silence.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
14 질문Not really. It's best for people or animals. For a room, just say 'V izbe je ticho'.
No, it's quite neutral and often used affectionately with children.
It means foam or froth, like on beer, coffee, or soap.
The idiom stays the same, only the verb 'byť' changes. 'Oni sú ticho ako pena'.
People will understand you, but it's an anglicism. 'Pena' is the authentic Slovak way.
Rarely. In a meeting, you'd say 'Všetci mlčali' (Everyone was silent).
Yes, you can say 'On je ticho ako pena', meaning he doesn't talk much.
It's a raspy sound from the back of the throat, like clearing your throat gently.
Yes, 'tá pena' is a feminine noun, but it doesn't change form in this idiom.
Yes: 'Bol som ticho ako pena'.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'robiť veľký krik' (to make a big shout/noise).
Yes, very common in Slovak literature and fairy tales.
Yes, 'Spí ticho ako pena' is a lovely way to describe a peaceful sleeper.
No, it's a standard idiom taught in schools.
관련 표현
ticho ako v hrobe
similarQuiet as in a grave
ani muk
synonymNot a word
ani neceknúť
similarNot to make a peep
držať jazyk za zubami
builds onTo keep one's tongue behind teeth
tichá voda brehy mýva
contrastStill waters run deep
