Significado
Value what you have over risks.
Contexto cultural
In Croatia, pigeons (golubovi) are everywhere in city squares like Zagreb's Jelačić square. They are seen as slightly more 'noble' or 'larger' than sparrows, but still common. The proverb uses them to represent a 'better' but still realistic goal that is just out of reach. Across the Balkans, there is a shared cultural history of economic instability. This has made proverbs about 'holding onto what you have' extremely popular and deeply respected as survival wisdom. In village life, sparrows were often seen as pests that ate grain, but they were always present. Having one 'in hand' meant you at least had something tangible, perhaps for a small meal in desperate times. Younger generations use the phrase ironically when they settle for a mediocre coffee or a boring night out, acknowledging they are being 'safe' rather than 'adventurous'.
Shorten it!
In casual talk, you can just say 'Bolje vrabac u ruci...' and trail off. Everyone knows the rest.
Don't sound lazy
If you use this too often, people might think you lack ambition. Use it for 'smart' safety, not 'lazy' safety.
Significado
Value what you have over risks.
Shorten it!
In casual talk, you can just say 'Bolje vrabac u ruci...' and trail off. Everyone knows the rest.
Don't sound lazy
If you use this too often, people might think you lack ambition. Use it for 'smart' safety, not 'lazy' safety.
Grammar Hack
Remember the 'k' to 'c' change in 'ruka' -> 'ruci'. This happens in many Croatian words in the Locative case!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words in the proverb.
Bolje vrabac u ______, nego ______ na grani.
The correct words are 'ruci' (Locative of ruka) and 'golub' (pigeon).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Marko has a safe job but wants to quit to become a famous YouTuber, even though he has no followers.
The proverb warns against leaving a certain thing for an uncertain dream.
What is the literal meaning of 'vrabac'?
Vrabac je...
Vrabac is the Croatian word for sparrow.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Nude mi 200 eura za ovaj stari mobitel, ali možda sutra dobijem 250.' B: 'Prodaj ga danas! ______.'
B is advising A to take the certain money now.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
The Choice: Sparrow vs. Pigeon
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosBolje vrabac u ______, nego ______ na grani.
The correct words are 'ruci' (Locative of ruka) and 'golub' (pigeon).
Marko has a safe job but wants to quit to become a famous YouTuber, even though he has no followers.
The proverb warns against leaving a certain thing for an uncertain dream.
Vrabac je...
Vrabac is the Croatian word for sparrow.
A: 'Nude mi 200 eura za ovaj stari mobitel, ali možda sutra dobijem 250.' B: 'Prodaj ga danas! ______.'
B is advising A to take the certain money now.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all. While it's an old proverb, it's used daily in news, business, and casual conversation.
No, the proverb is fixed. Using 'ptica' would make it sound like a mistake, not a proverb.
Pigeons were historically more valuable than sparrows, making them a good 'higher prize' metaphor.
It is 'u ruci' (Locative) because the bird is already there. 'U ruku' (Accusative) would mean it's moving into the hand.
Use 'Tko ne riskira, ne profitira' (Who doesn't risk, doesn't profit) instead.
Yes, from Zagreb to Split to Osijek, this is a universal Croatian proverb.
Yes, in a consultative or semi-formal email it's fine to use to justify a conservative decision.
In Croatian, 'golub' covers both. In this context, it usually implies a common pigeon.
Not a direct one, but people might say 'Drži se onoga što imaš' (Stick to what you have).
Trying to say 'two in the bush' (dva u grmu). Croatians will understand, but it sounds foreign.
Frases relacionadas
Bolje danas jaje nego sutra kokoš
similarBetter an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
Tko želi veće, izgubi iz vreće
similarHe who wants more, loses what's in the bag.
Pruži se koliko ti je pokrivač dug
builds onStretch only as far as your blanket is long.
Sreća prati hrabre
contrastFortune favors the bold.
