Meaning
Stopping trying to do something.
Cultural Background
In Georgian culture, persistence is highly valued, but so is 'realism.' Waving the hand is a common sight in public transport or markets when something isn't working. Younger generations use the slang 'დავიკიდე' more often, but 'ხელის ჩაქნევა' remains the standard for deeper emotional resignation. Classic authors like Ilia Chavchavadze used this concept to describe the 'lethargy' of the nation during certain historical periods. Parents often use 'ხელი არ ჩაიქნიო' as a standard motivational phrase for children struggling in school.
Prefix Power
The prefix 'cha-' (down) is what gives this idiom its meaning of resignation. Always look for prefixes in Georgian!
Don't be too casual
While common, using this about a serious person (like a spouse) can sound very harsh, implying they are a 'lost cause.'
Meaning
Stopping trying to do something.
Prefix Power
The prefix 'cha-' (down) is what gives this idiom its meaning of resignation. Always look for prefixes in Georgian!
Don't be too casual
While common, using this about a serious person (like a spouse) can sound very harsh, implying they are a 'lost cause.'
The '-ზე' Postposition
When giving up ON something, always use the noun + -ზე (e.g., სწავლაზე, მასზე).
Body Language
If you say this phrase, a small downward wave of your hand will make you look like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
ნიკამ მათემატიკის სწავლაზე ______ ______.
ხელი ჩაიქნია means he gave up. ხელი დაუქნია would mean he waved hello to math.
Which sentence means 'Don't give up'?
აირჩიეთ სწორი პასუხი:
The negative particle 'არ' makes it 'Don't give up.'
Match the situation to the phrase.
You tried to fix your bike for 3 hours and now you are going home without it.
This is the perfect situation for 'giving up' due to frustration.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ისევ წვალობ ამ კროსვორდზე? B: არა, ______.
Person B is saying they stopped trying to solve the crossword.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Waving: Cha- vs Da-
Practice Bank
4 exercisesნიკამ მათემატიკის სწავლაზე ______ ______.
ხელი ჩაიქნია means he gave up. ხელი დაუქნია would mean he waved hello to math.
აირჩიეთ სწორი პასუხი:
The negative particle 'არ' makes it 'Don't give up.'
You tried to fix your bike for 3 hours and now you are going home without it.
This is the perfect situation for 'giving up' due to frustration.
A: ისევ წვალობ ამ კროსვორდზე? B: არა, ______.
Person B is saying they stopped trying to solve the crossword.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It expresses your own frustration or resignation.
Yes, 'მასზე ხელი ჩავიქნიე' means 'I gave up on him.' It's quite common.
'დანებება' is more general and formal. 'ხელის ჩაქნევა' is more idiomatic and visual.
You say 'ხელი არ ჩაიქნიო!'
Yes, to describe abandoning a project that isn't working.
No, for habits use 'თავის დანებება'.
Yes, 'დავიკიდე' (I hung it up/I don't care).
Usually, yes, as it implies failure or loss of hope.
Yes, 'ხელები ჩავიქნიეთ' (We gave up), but the singular 'ხელი' is more common even for groups.
In the past (aorist), it takes the Nominative case: 'ხელი ჩავიქნიე'.
Very common in emotional or motivational pop songs.
No! That is 'ხელის დაქნევა'.
Related Phrases
იმედის დაკარგვა
synonymTo lose hope
დანებება
synonymTo surrender/give up
ბრძოლის გაგრძელება
contrastTo continue the fight
თავის დანებება
similarTo quit a habit
ფარ-ხმლის დაყრა
specialized formTo lay down shield and sword
