Meaning
Being very open and kind.
Cultural Background
The idiom is often used in folk songs and poetry to describe the 'ideal' Slovak—hardworking but with a soft, generous heart. It's a core part of the national self-image. Similar idioms exist across Czech, Polish, and Hungarian cultures, reflecting a shared value of hospitality and communal support in rural history. In Slovak internet slang, the heart emoji ❤️ is often used alongside this phrase to express support for activists or kind strangers. In Slovak workplaces, having 'srdce na dlani' is increasingly valued in leadership as part of 'authentic leadership' and empathy.
Use it as a compliment
This is one of the highest compliments you can give a Slovak person. It suggests they are a 'true' person.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'srdce na dlani' together. Only change the verb 'mať' to match the person you are talking about.
Meaning
Being very open and kind.
Use it as a compliment
This is one of the highest compliments you can give a Slovak person. It suggests they are a 'true' person.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'srdce na dlani' together. Only change the verb 'mať' to match the person you are talking about.
Hospitality connection
If someone invites you into their home and offers you everything they have, this is the perfect phrase to describe them later.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Môj starý otec bol úžasný človek, mal srdce na _______.
The correct form is 'na dlani' (on the palm).
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom to describe a kind person?
Vyberte správnu vetu:
The idiom is used to describe kindness and positive character traits.
Match the situation with the most appropriate use of the idiom.
Ktorá situácia sa hodí pre tento idiom?
The neighbor shows both generosity and emotional openness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Prečo jej tak dôveruješ? B: Pretože ju poznám roky a viem, že _______.
'Má srdce na dlani' explains why someone is trustworthy and sincere.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMôj starý otec bol úžasný človek, mal srdce na _______.
The correct form is 'na dlani' (on the palm).
Vyberte správnu vetu:
The idiom is used to describe kindness and positive character traits.
Ktorá situácia sa hodí pre tento idiom?
The neighbor shows both generosity and emotional openness.
A: Prečo jej tak dôveruješ? B: Pretože ju poznám roky a viem, že _______.
'Má srdce na dlani' explains why someone is trustworthy and sincere.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it might sound a bit boastful. It's better to use it when someone else says it about you, or when you are explaining your actions: 'Ja už som taký, mám srdce na dlani.'
Usually, yes. You wouldn't use it for an animal or an organization, though you could say a 'charity has a heart on its palm' in a very poetic sense.
They are very similar. However, 'srdce na dlani' emphasizes kindness and generosity slightly more than just showing emotions.
Not at all. It is used by all generations, from grandparents to teenagers on social media.
Only if the context implies the person is 'too' kind and gets hurt because of it. 'Má srdce na dlani, a preto ho každý sklame.'
Use the past tense of 'mať': 'Mal srdce na dlani.'
It is feminine. This is important for other grammar rules, but in this fixed idiom, you just need to remember 'na dlani'.
No, that sounds like you have blood on your hands or something medical. Stick to 'dlani'.
Not a direct one, but 'dobrák' is a common noun for such a person.
Culturally, yes. Both represent the Slovak value of giving what you have to others with an open heart.
Related Phrases
Byť dobrák od kosti
synonymTo be a good person to the core.
Rozdať sa pre druhých
similarTo give oneself away for others.
Mať srdce z kameňa
contrastTo have a heart of stone.
Mať srdce na pravom mieste
similarTo have one's heart in the right place.
