Signification
To annoy someone intentionally.
Contexte culturel
Slovaks value 'ticho' (silence) in public spaces. Playing music loudly on a bus or talking loudly in a doctor's waiting room is considered a major breach of etiquette and will definitely 'hrať na nervy' to everyone around. The 'nerve' metaphor is common across the former Austro-Hungarian empire, reflecting a shared medical and cultural history where nerves were seen as the primary conductors of character and emotion. Directness is common. It is not considered extremely rude to tell a family member they are getting on your nerves; it's seen as a healthy way to set a boundary before a real argument starts. While Slovaks are generally formal at work, 'hrať na nervy' is a frequent topic of 'kuchynka' (kitchenette) talk, where employees bond over shared irritations regarding management or bureaucracy.
Use 'mi'
Always remember to include 'mi' (to me) to make it sound natural. Just saying 'Hráš na nervy' sounds like a textbook translation.
Not for the Boss
Even if your boss is annoying, don't use this phrase directly to them unless you want to find a new job!
Signification
To annoy someone intentionally.
Use 'mi'
Always remember to include 'mi' (to me) to make it sound natural. Just saying 'Hráš na nervy' sounds like a textbook translation.
Not for the Boss
Even if your boss is annoying, don't use this phrase directly to them unless you want to find a new job!
The Sigh
Slovaks often accompany this phrase with a long sigh or an eye roll. It's part of the 'frfľanie' culture.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct dative pronoun (mi, ti, mu, nám).
Môj brat ___ hrá na nervy, pretože stále spieva.
The idiom 'hrať na nervy' requires the short dative pronoun 'mi'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural Slovak idiom.
The preposition 'na' is the only correct one for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ten pes stále šteká! B: Ja viem, aj mne to už ___ na nervy.
In this context, 'hrá' completes the idiom 'hrá na nervy'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone is clicking a pen repeatedly during a quiet exam.
Repetitive, annoying sounds are the perfect context for this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Intensity Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMôj brat ___ hrá na nervy, pretože stále spieva.
The idiom 'hrať na nervy' requires the short dative pronoun 'mi'.
Select the natural Slovak idiom.
The preposition 'na' is the only correct one for this idiom.
A: Ten pes stále šteká! B: Ja viem, aj mne to už ___ na nervy.
In this context, 'hrá' completes the idiom 'hrá na nervy'.
Someone is clicking a pen repeatedly during a quiet exam.
Repetitive, annoying sounds are the perfect context for this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is informal, but not necessarily rude among friends. It's a direct way to express feelings.
Yes! You can say 'Tento budík mi hrá na nervy' (This alarm clock is getting on my nerves).
'Hrať' is more about the action of the person, 'liezť' is more about the feeling of the irritation crawling on you.
Use 'Hráte mi na nervy' (plural 'vy' form).
Not really an idiom, but you could say 'Vaše správanie ma vyrušuje' (Your behavior disturbs me).
Yes: 'Včera mi hral na nervy.'
It means you are irritated. You might become angry soon if they don't stop.
Yes, many Slovak pop and rock songs use it to describe relationships.
Add 'strašne' or 'neskutočne': 'Strašne mi hráš na nervy!'
Yes, parents use it with children very often.
Expressions liées
liezť na nervy
synonymTo crawl on nerves
piť krv
similarTo drink blood
mať nervy
builds onTo have nerves
stratiť nervy
builds onTo lose nerves
brnkať na nervy
specialized formTo strum on nerves
