A1 Proverb 중립

Poklonu se u zube ne gleda

poklonu se u zube ne gleda

Don't look a gift horse in mouth

Don't criticize something you received for free.

🌍

문화적 배경

During a Slava (patron saint day), guests bring gifts like wine, coffee, or flowers. The host will never open or critique the gift in front of the guest, embodying the spirit of this proverb. Refusing food or a small gift in a village home is often seen as more rude than giving a 'bad' gift. The proverb reinforces the idea that the gesture is sacred. In the 90s, during hyperinflation, people shared whatever they had. This proverb was a daily reality—you were lucky to get anything for free, so you never complained. In cities like Belgrade, the phrase is now used ironically among friends when someone gives a 'bad' gift as a joke.

💡

The 'Se' Trick

Remember that 'se' makes it a general rule. It's like saying 'It is done this way' in Serbian culture.

💬

Say it with a smile

When you use this phrase, a small shrug or a smile helps convey that you are being humble, not just reciting a rule.

Don't criticize something you received for free.

💡

The 'Se' Trick

Remember that 'se' makes it a general rule. It's like saying 'It is done this way' in Serbian culture.

💬

Say it with a smile

When you use this phrase, a small shrug or a smile helps convey that you are being humble, not just reciting a rule.

셀프 테스트

Fill in the missing word in the correct case.

________ se u zube ne gleda.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Poklonu

The proverb requires the Dative case ('Poklonu').

Which situation best fits the proverb?

Marko receives a free sandwich from a colleague, but it has too much mayo. What should he say?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Hvala, poklonu se u zube ne gleda.

This is the polite way to acknowledge a free gift despite its flaws.

Match the Serbian phrase parts.

Match the left and right sides.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a-1, b-2, c-3

These are the standard pairings for the proverb and its variations.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Dobio sam ovaj stari sat od dede. Malo kasni. B: Pa šta, ________________________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: poklonu se u zube ne gleda

This fits the context of receiving a sentimental but imperfect gift.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the missing word in the correct case. Fill Blank A1

________ se u zube ne gleda.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Poklonu

The proverb requires the Dative case ('Poklonu').

Which situation best fits the proverb? Choose A1

Marko receives a free sandwich from a colleague, but it has too much mayo. What should he say?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Hvala, poklonu se u zube ne gleda.

This is the polite way to acknowledge a free gift despite its flaws.

Match the Serbian phrase parts. Match A2

왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: a-1, b-2, c-3

These are the standard pairings for the proverb and its variations.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Dobio sam ovaj stari sat od dede. Malo kasni. B: Pa šta, ________________________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: poklonu se u zube ne gleda

This fits the context of receiving a sentimental but imperfect gift.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

2 질문

Yes, but it's more common for small or 'useful' gifts. For very expensive gifts, it might sound like you're downplaying the giver's generosity.

Usually, yes. It's better to say it to a third person or to yourself. If you say it to the giver, it implies their gift has flaws you are choosing to ignore.

관련 표현

🔗

Daj šta daš

similar

Give whatever you can / I'll take anything.

🔗

Čist račun, duga ljubav

contrast

Clear accounts make for long-lasting love.

🔗

Ko rano rani, dve sreće grabi

builds on

The early bird catches the worm.

도움이 되었나요?
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!