Meaning
Being very close or in agreement with someone.
Cultural Background
In Slovak villages, being 'jedna ruka' with neighbors was essential for survival during harvest season. The phrase is common across Slavic and Germanic borders, reflecting shared history of guild work. It is often used to describe 'power couples' in business who dominate decision-making. Many folk tales feature brothers who are 'jedna ruka' to defeat a dragon, emphasizing unity over individual strength.
Use it for duos
Remember this is almost always for two people. If you have three friends, it's better to say 'sme skvelá partia'.
Watch the gender
Never say 'jeden ruka'. Ruka is feminine, so it must be 'jedna'.
Meaning
Being very close or in agreement with someone.
Use it for duos
Remember this is almost always for two people. If you have three friends, it's better to say 'sme skvelá partia'.
Watch the gender
Never say 'jeden ruka'. Ruka is feminine, so it must be 'jedna'.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use it sarcastically to describe two people who are clearly plotting something together.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Môj brat a ja sme ________ ruka.
The idiom is always 'jedna ruka'.
Which sentence correctly uses the instrumental case?
Select the correct sentence:
The preposition 's' requires the instrumental case 'mojou sestrou'.
Match the situation to the meaning of the idiom.
The boss and the secretary are 'jedna ruka'. What does it mean?
In a work context, it implies high cooperation or favoritism.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Poznáš Petra a Michala? B: Áno, tí dvaja sú ________.
The idiom specifically uses 'ruka' (hand).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Unity Idioms
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMôj brat a ja sme ________ ruka.
The idiom is always 'jedna ruka'.
Select the correct sentence:
The preposition 's' requires the instrumental case 'mojou sestrou'.
The boss and the secretary are 'jedna ruka'. What does it mean?
In a work context, it implies high cooperation or favoritism.
A: Poznáš Petra a Michala? B: Áno, tí dvaja sú ________.
The idiom specifically uses 'ruka' (hand).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it describes your friendship and cooperation rather than your romantic feelings. 'Byť jedna duša' is more romantic.
Only if the email is very informal to a close colleague. In a formal report, use 'úzko spolupracovať'.
No, it is purely figurative. Holding hands is 'držať sa za ruky'.
The idiom itself doesn't change much: 'Oni sú jedna ruka'. You don't say 'sú jedny ruky'.
Only sarcastically, to imply they are secretly working together.
Not at all! It is used daily by all generations in Slovakia.
You can say 'Nie sme jedna ruka' or 'Nie sme si blízki'.
Yes! It's very cute to say you and your dog are 'jedna ruka'.
The instrumental case. For example: 's Petrom', 's ňou', 's bratom'.
No, 'jedna noha' is not an idiom for friendship in Slovak.
Related Phrases
ťahať za jeden povraz
similarTo pull on one rope.
byť jedna duša
similarTo be one soul.
byť na nože
contrastTo be on knives.
ruka ruku umýva
builds onOne hand washes the other.
