Meaning
Owning a pet feline.
Cultural Background
Cats are highly respected in Slovenian rural culture for keeping barns free of mice. Most farms will 'have a cat' (imeti mačko) specifically for this purpose. The 'cat' metaphor for hangovers is shared with Germany, Austria, and Hungary, reflecting a shared history of tavern culture and student life. In cities like Ljubljana, 'cat cafes' have become popular, where people who cannot 'have a cat' at home go to spend time with them. Black cats are sometimes seen as bad luck, but generally, having a cat in the house is seen as a sign of a warm, welcoming home.
The 'Hangover' Gender
Always use the masculine 'maček' for hangovers. If you use the feminine, people will look for a literal cat in the room.
Negation Case
Don't forget: 'Imam mačko' but 'Nimam mačke'. The case changes to Genitive when you say 'no'.
Meaning
Owning a pet feline.
The 'Hangover' Gender
Always use the masculine 'maček' for hangovers. If you use the feminine, people will look for a literal cat in the room.
Negation Case
Don't forget: 'Imam mačko' but 'Nimam mačke'. The case changes to Genitive when you say 'no'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the word 'mačka' or 'maček'.
Včeraj sem pil preveč vina, zato imam danes ____.
For a hangover, we use the masculine Accusative form 'mačka'.
Which sentence is correct for someone who wants a pet?
Izberi pravilni stavek:
'Imeti' requires the Accusative case. 'Mačka' becomes 'mačko'.
Match the Slovenian phrase with its English meaning.
Poveži pare:
Matches literal and figurative meanings correctly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ali greš z nami na zabavo? B: Ne, ne smem več piti, ker sem imel zadnjič groznega ____.
The context of drinking implies a hangover.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Two Faces of 'Imeti Mačko/a'
Literal (Pet)
- • Imam mačko (Female)
- • Imam mačka (Male)
- • Hrana za mačke
- • Igranje
Figurative (Hangover)
- • Imam mačka (Hangover)
- • Glavobol
- • Piti vodo
- • Biti mačkast
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVčeraj sem pil preveč vina, zato imam danes ____.
For a hangover, we use the masculine Accusative form 'mačka'.
Izberi pravilni stavek:
'Imeti' requires the Accusative case. 'Mačka' becomes 'mačko'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches literal and figurative meanings correctly.
A: Ali greš z nami na zabavo? B: Ne, ne smem več piti, ker sem imel zadnjič groznega ____.
The context of drinking implies a hangover.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTechnically, 'mačka' is feminine. If your pet is male, you should say 'imam mačka', but be aware of the hangover double meaning!
It's informal. If you have a friendly relationship, it's fine. If not, just say you are 'indisposed' (nerazpoložen).
It is 'imeti mačke' (to have cats).
Related Phrases
imeti psa
similarTo have a dog.
biti mačkast
specialized formTo feel hungover.
mačji kašelj
idiomA piece of cake / very easy.
