Meaning
Patience is rewarded eventually.
Cultural Background
This proverb is often used to explain the slow pace of bureaucracy in Croatia. People use it with a bit of resignation when dealing with government offices. In the coastal regions, this proverb is part of the 'pomalo' lifestyle. It's not just a saying; it's a way of life where rushing is seen as a character flaw. In the agricultural east, it relates to the patience required for crops to grow. It's a very 'earthy' proverb there. On Croatian social media, you'll see this as a hashtag (#tkočekatajdočeka) for 'glow-up' photos or when someone finally travels after the pandemic.
Use it for encouragement
If a Croatian friend is complaining about a delay, use this phrase. It shows deep cultural empathy.
Don't over-rely on it
If you use it for every single delay, you might sound a bit like a cliché machine. Save it for meaningful waits.
Meaning
Patience is rewarded eventually.
Use it for encouragement
If a Croatian friend is complaining about a delay, use this phrase. It shows deep cultural empathy.
Don't over-rely on it
If you use it for every single delay, you might sound a bit like a cliché machine. Save it for meaningful waits.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Tko ______, taj ______.
The proverb is 'Tko čeka, taj dočeka'.
In which situation would you most likely say 'Tko čeka, taj dočeka'?
Situation: Your friend is waiting for the results of a blood test and is very nervous.
The phrase is used to encourage patience during a stressful waiting period.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
Marko: 'Već tri godine štedim za auto.' Ivan: 'Samo nastavi, Marko. Znaš kako se kaže: ________.'
Marko is waiting/saving for a long time, so 'Tko čeka, taj dočeka' is the perfect fit.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Tko čeka, taj dočeka'
Success
- • Promotions
- • Graduation
- • Goals
Daily Life
- • Bus
- • Food
- • Packages
Practice Bank
3 exercisesTko ______, taj ______.
The proverb is 'Tko čeka, taj dočeka'.
Situation: Your friend is waiting for the results of a blood test and is very nervous.
The phrase is used to encourage patience during a stressful waiting period.
Marko: 'Već tri godine štedim za auto.' Ivan: 'Samo nastavi, Marko. Znaš kako se kaže: ________.'
Marko is waiting/saving for a long time, so 'Tko čeka, taj dočeka' is the perfect fit.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot inherently, though it aligns with Christian values of patience. It is considered secular folk wisdom.
Usually no. It implies a positive reward. You wouldn't say it about waiting for a storm, unless you're being very sarcastic.
'Čeka' is the process of waiting. 'Dočeka' is the moment the waiting ends because the thing has arrived.
Related Phrases
Strpljen, spašen
synonymThe patient one is saved.
Sve u svoje vrijeme
similarEverything in its own time.
Tko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi
contrastThe early bird catches the worm.
Ispeci pa reci
builds onBake it, then say it (Think before you speak).
