Meaning
To panic or act without thinking.
Cultural Background
In Slovak folklore, heroes are often tested on their ability to stay calm. A hero who 'stráca hlavu' is usually the one who fails the quest. There is a shared cultural emphasis on 'stoicism' in professional life. Losing one's head in a meeting is seen as a major lack of professionalism. On Slovak social media, 'stratiť hlavu' is often used to describe 'viral panic' or overreacting to fake news.
Use it for Love
Don't be afraid to use this in romantic contexts. It's a very natural way to say someone is 'head over heels'.
No 'My'
Never say 'moju hlavu'. It marks you as a beginner immediately.
Meaning
To panic or act without thinking.
Use it for Love
Don't be afraid to use this in romantic contexts. It's a very natural way to say someone is 'head over heels'.
No 'My'
Never say 'moju hlavu'. It marks you as a beginner immediately.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'stratiť' for a specific event and 'strácať' for general advice like 'Don't lose your head!' (Nestrácaj hlavu!).
Test Yourself
Doplň správny tvar slovesa 'stratiť' alebo 'strácať'.
Nestrácaj ______, všetko bude v poriadku!
The idiom always uses the accusative case 'hlavu'.
Ktorá veta je správna?
Čo sa stalo Petrovi?
Possessive pronouns are not used with body parts in this idiom.
Priraď situáciu k významu.
Situácia: 'Vodič v panike po nehode ušiel.'
Running away in panic is a classic example of 'losing one's head'.
Doplň dialóg.
A: 'Mám hrozný stres z toho pohovoru.' B: 'Hlavne ______.'
The imperative 'nestrať hlavu' is used to give advice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNestrácaj ______, všetko bude v poriadku!
The idiom always uses the accusative case 'hlavu'.
Čo sa stalo Petrovi?
Possessive pronouns are not used with body parts in this idiom.
Situácia: 'Vodič v panike po nehode ušiel.'
Running away in panic is a classic example of 'losing one's head'.
A: 'Mám hrozný stres z toho pohovoru.' B: 'Hlavne ______.'
The imperative 'nestrať hlavu' is used to give advice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but keep it professional. For example: 'Dúfame, že investori nestratia hlavu kvôli zmenám na trhu.'
No, it's neutral. However, telling someone 'Nestrácaj hlavu!' can sound a bit patronizing if they are genuinely in trouble.
The opposite is 'zachovať si chladnú hlavu' (to keep a cool head).
Only temporarily. 'Stratiť hlavu' is about a moment of panic, not a permanent mental illness.
No, that is not an idiom in Slovak. Stick to 'hlavu'.
Yes, because it is the object of the verb 'stratiť'.
Yes, if the anger makes you act without thinking.
Very often! It's a staple of Slovak pop and rock lyrics.
Not really. For being drunk, we use 'mať v hlave' (to have [it] in the head).
Yes, you will see it in headlines frequently.
Related Phrases
Mať chladnú hlavu
contrastTo stay calm
Hlava-nehlava
builds onRecklessly
Prísť o rozum
similarTo go crazy
Mať hlavu v smútku
similarTo be worried
