Meaning
To worry about something.
Cultural Background
Slovaks often use 'pohoda' (chill/well-being) as a life goal. 'Nerob si hlavu' is the verbal bridge to get someone back to 'pohoda'. There is a shared linguistic heritage with German ('sich einen Kopf machen'), reflecting centuries of cultural exchange in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. On Slovak TikTok and Instagram, 'nerieš' (don't solve/don't deal with it) is a shorter, more modern alternative to 'nerob si hlavu'. Using 'nerobte si hlavu' with a boss is risky; it might sound too informal. It's better to use 'to je v poriadku' (that is okay).
The 'Z' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'z'. If you say 'Robím si hlavu o tom', people will understand, but it sounds like a translation from English.
Don't be too casual
If someone is crying about something serious, 'nerob si hlavu' might sound like you don't care. Use it for small stuff!
Meaning
To worry about something.
The 'Z' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'z'. If you say 'Robím si hlavu o tom', people will understand, but it sounds like a translation from English.
Don't be too casual
If someone is crying about something serious, 'nerob si hlavu' might sound like you don't care. Use it for small stuff!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Nerob ___ ___ toho hlavu.
The idiom requires 'si' (dative reflexive) and 'z' (from/out of).
Which sentence is the most natural way to comfort a friend who failed a small quiz?
Kamarát dostal zlú známku z malého testu. Čo povieš?
This is the standard, friendly way to downplay a minor failure.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. Robiť si hlavu, 2. Lámať si hlavu, 3. Mať hlavu v smútku
Robiť si hlavu = worry, Lámať si hlavu = solve/puzzle, Mať hlavu v smútku = deep sadness.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNerob ___ ___ toho hlavu.
The idiom requires 'si' (dative reflexive) and 'z' (from/out of).
Kamarát dostal zlú známku z malého testu. Čo povieš?
This is the standard, friendly way to downplay a minor failure.
Match: 1. Robiť si hlavu, 2. Lámať si hlavu, 3. Mať hlavu v smútku
Robiť si hlavu = worry, Lámať si hlavu = solve/puzzle, Mať hlavu v smútku = deep sadness.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's better to avoid it. Use 'mám obavy' (I have concerns) or 'záleží mi na tom' (I care about this) to sound more professional.
It must be 'robiť si hlavu'. The 'si' is essential.
'Báť sa' is fear (like of spiders or failing). 'Robiť si hlavu' is the mental process of worrying and overthinking.
Related Phrases
lámať si hlavu
similarTo puzzle over something difficult.
mať hlavu v smútku
builds onTo be very sad or depressed.
hodiť za hlavu
contrastTo stop worrying and forget about it.
mať hlavu na pravom mieste
contrastTo be sensible and smart.
