Meaning
To speak and not be heard.
Cultural Background
In Slovenian culture, direct confrontation is often avoided. Using an idiom like 'govoriti v veter' is a socially acceptable way to express frustration without directly attacking the listener's character. The wind (Burja, Jugo) is a major part of life in Slovenia. Many idioms involve the wind because it is a force that people have had to live with and respect for centuries. Across the Balkans, similar 'wind' metaphors exist, reflecting a shared history of feeling that one's voice is lost in the larger geopolitical 'winds' of the region. Slovenian youth use this idiom frequently when discussing 'ghosting' or being ignored on messaging apps like Viber or WhatsApp.
Use it for empathy
If a friend is complaining that no one listens to them, say: 'Vem, kako je, ko govoriš v veter.' It shows you understand their frustration.
Don't use with 'na'
Remember, it's 'v' (into), not 'na' (on). 'Govoriti na veter' sounds like you are standing on top of the wind.
Meaning
To speak and not be heard.
Use it for empathy
If a friend is complaining that no one listens to them, say: 'Vem, kako je, ko govoriš v veter.' It shows you understand their frustration.
Don't use with 'na'
Remember, it's 'v' (into), not 'na' (on). 'Govoriti na veter' sounds like you are standing on top of the wind.
Combine with 'zdi se mi'
To sound more natural and less aggressive, start with 'Zdi se mi, da...' (It seems to me that...).
Test Yourself
Dopolni stavek s pravilno obliko idioma.
Lahko mu razlagam cel dan, ampak se počutim, kot da govorim v ______.
Idiom uporablja tožilnik (accusative) samostalnika 'veter'.
Kateri stavek najbolje opiše situacijo, ko te nihče ne posluša?
Na sestanku sem imel odlično idejo, vendar...
'Govoriti v veter' je edini idiom, ki pomeni, da te nihče ne posluša.
Poveži slovenski idiom z angleškim pomenom.
Poveži pare:
Vsi ti izrazi so povezani s neuspešno komunikacijo.
Dopolni dialog.
A: 'Ali si mu povedal, da mora priti ob osmih?' B: 'Sem, ampak on vedno ______.'
Potrebujemo tretjo osebo ednine (on govori).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLahko mu razlagam cel dan, ampak se počutim, kot da govorim v ______.
Idiom uporablja tožilnik (accusative) samostalnika 'veter'.
Na sestanku sem imel odlično idejo, vendar...
'Govoriti v veter' je edini idiom, ki pomeni, da te nihče ne posluša.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Vsi ti izrazi so povezani s neuspešno komunikacijo.
A: 'Ali si mu povedal, da mora priti ob osmih?' B: 'Sem, ampak on vedno ______.'
Potrebujemo tretjo osebo ednine (on govori).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it expresses frustration. It's safe to use with friends and family.
Yes! 'Govoril sem v veter' (I was speaking into the wind).
'Govoriti steni' implies the person is stubborn. 'Govoriti v veter' implies the words are just lost.
Only if you are describing a past challenge you overcame. Don't use it to describe the current interview!
Yes, 'veter' is a masculine noun in Slovenian.
Very common. You will hear it in movies, songs, and daily conversations.
Technically yes (plural), but the singular 'v veter' is the standard idiom.
No, this idiom is inherently about a negative or frustrating experience.
Yes, in opinion pieces or literature to show a lack of social response.
Translating 'talking to a wall' literally instead of using the 'wind' metaphor.
Related Phrases
Metati besede v veter
similarTo throw words into the wind.
Govoriti steni
synonymTo speak to a wall.
Gluhemu pridigati
synonymTo preach to a deaf person.
Vzeti veter iz jader
contrastTo take the wind out of someone's sails.
Iskati veter v polju
similarTo look for wind in a field.
