뜻
It is better to have too much than too little.
문화적 배경
During a Slava (patron saint day), hosts prepare massive amounts of food. If a guest notices the abundance, the host will often use this phrase to show their hospitality. The tradition of preparing 'zimnica' (pickled vegetables for winter) is rooted in this proverb. Families make hundreds of jars of ajvar and pickles, ensuring they have a 'višak' for the winter. In Montenegro, offering 'extra' is a point of honor. Refusing a surplus can sometimes be seen as a slight, so the phrase is used to ease the social pressure of accepting more. Younger people use this phrase ironically when they buy too many gadgets or clothes, acknowledging their own consumerism with a traditional wink.
The 'Just in Case' Phrase
Use this whenever you want to sound practical and prepared. It’s the ultimate 'just in case' justification.
Don't Overuse with Bosses
If you use this to justify wasting company money, it might not go down well. Use it for small, practical extras.
뜻
It is better to have too much than too little.
The 'Just in Case' Phrase
Use this whenever you want to sound practical and prepared. It’s the ultimate 'just in case' justification.
Don't Overuse with Bosses
If you use this to justify wasting company money, it might not go down well. Use it for small, practical extras.
Hospitality Hack
If a Serbian host offers you more food, saying 'Od viška glava ne boli' while accepting it will make them very happy.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Od ______ glava ne boli.
The preposition 'od' requires the Genitive case, which for 'višak' is 'viška'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Od viška glava ne boli'?
Situation: You are at a supermarket with a friend.
The phrase is used to justify a reasonable surplus for safety or hospitality.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Da li da ponesem i rezervne ključeve? B: Naravno, ________.
This is the standard form of the proverb.
What is the literal meaning of 'glava ne boli'?
Choose the correct translation.
'Glava' means head, 'ne' is not, and 'boli' is hurts.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Od ______ glava ne boli.
The preposition 'od' requires the Genitive case, which for 'višak' is 'viška'.
Situation: You are at a supermarket with a friend.
The phrase is used to justify a reasonable surplus for safety or hospitality.
A: Da li da ponesem i rezervne ključeve? B: Naravno, ________.
This is the standard form of the proverb.
Choose the correct translation.
'Glava' means head, 'ne' is not, and 'boli' is hurts.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and in most professional settings.
Yes, if you are talking about having extra staff or helpers. 'Pozovi još dva radnika, od viška glava ne boli.'
There isn't a direct proverb opposite, but 'fali mi' (I'm missing/lacking) is the state this phrase tries to avoid.
Because the head is where we feel stress and worry. No surplus = no worry = no headache.
In this phrase, it is always 'viška' because of the preposition 'od'.
Yes, it is very much alive in modern Serbian speech.
Yes, switching the word order is common and perfectly natural.
Yes, the phrase is identical and equally common in Croatian and Bosnian.
Absolutely. It's very common when talking about savings or budgets.
Close, but 'The more the merrier' is usually about people and fun, while this is about resources and safety.
관련 표현
Neka se nađe
similarLet it be found (when needed).
Što je previše, ni s hlebom nije dobro
contrastEven with bread, too much is not good.
Bolje sprečiti nego lečiti
builds onBetter to prevent than to cure.
Ispeci pa reci
similarBake it, then say it (Think before you speak).
