Meaning
To worry about unnecessary things.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a certain 'stoic' approach to life. Russians often value the ability to ignore minor inconveniences to focus on survival or 'the big picture.' In schools, students are often told not to 'забивать голову' with subjects that aren't their 'profile' (specialization), reflecting a very focused educational path. With the rise of 'mental health awareness' in cities like Moscow, this phrase is sometimes criticized as being 'dismissive' of anxiety, leading to more nuanced usage.
Use 'всякой всячиной'
To sound very native, say 'забить голову всякой всячиной' (all sorts of things).
Don't use with 'в'
Remember: 'забить голову', NOT 'забить в голову'.
Meaning
To worry about unnecessary things.
Use 'всякой всячиной'
To sound very native, say 'забить голову всякой всячиной' (all sorts of things).
Don't use with 'в'
Remember: 'забить голову', NOT 'забить в голову'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun and the correct form of 'голова'.
Не забивай ___ (self) ___ (head) всякой ерундой!
We use the dative 'себе' and the accusative 'голову' as the direct object.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend to stop overthinking a small mistake?
Твой друг переживает из-за пустяка. Что ты скажешь?
The negative imperative with 'себе' is the standard way to give this advice.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
— Завтра будет очень сложный тест, я боюсь! — Слушай, сейчас вечер. Посмотри фильм и ...
'Don't worry in advance' is a very common use of this phrase.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesНе забивай ___ (self) ___ (head) всякой ерундой!
We use the dative 'себе' and the accusative 'голову' as the direct object.
Твой друг переживает из-за пустяка. Что ты скажешь?
The negative imperative with 'себе' is the standard way to give this advice.
— Завтра будет очень сложный тест, я боюсь! — Слушай, сейчас вечер. Посмотри фильм и ...
'Don't worry in advance' is a very common use of this phrase.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it's quite informal. Use it only with people you know well.
Usually no. It almost always implies the information is 'junk' or 'unnecessary.'
'Забивать' is the process (Don't start doing it!), 'забить' is the result (It's already full).
Related Phrases
морочить голову
similarTo deceive or confuse someone.
ломать голову
similarTo rack one's brains (solve a hard problem).
вылететь из головы
contrastTo forget something completely.
каша в голове
builds onTo be confused (mush in the head).
