Meaning
Your actions have consequences.
Cultural Background
Slovenians value 'pridnost' (diligence) above almost all else. This proverb is the ultimate linguistic expression of that value. In rural Slovenia, the harvest (žetev) was historically a communal event. The proverb also implies that your actions affect the whole community. Due to the strong Catholic heritage in Slovenia, many people associate this proverb with divine justice and the afterlife. In the modern Slovenian startup scene, this is used to describe 'sweat equity' and long-term investment.
Use it for motivation
If you're feeling tired of studying, say this to yourself. It reminds you that the effort is worth it.
Don't be too judgmental
Be careful using this when someone is suffering. It can sound like you are saying they deserve their pain.
Meaning
Your actions have consequences.
Use it for motivation
If you're feeling tired of studying, say this to yourself. It reminds you that the effort is worth it.
Don't be too judgmental
Be careful using this when someone is suffering. It can sound like you are saying they deserve their pain.
Master the 'Ž'
The 'ž' in žanješ is a key Slovenian sound. Practice it by buzzing like a bee while keeping your tongue near the roof of your mouth.
Test Yourself
Dopolni pregovor s pravilno obliko glagola.
Kar seješ, to ______.
The proverb uses the second person singular (ti) form.
V kateri situaciji bi uporabili ta pregovor?
Marko je celo leto varčeval denar, zdaj pa si je kupil nov avto.
This situation shows a direct result of long-term effort/saving.
Dopolni dialog.
A: 'Tine je bil vedno nesramen do sodelavcev, zdaj pa mu nihče ne želi pomagati pri projektu.' B: 'Ja, ______.'
The context describes negative social consequences for past behavior.
Izberi pravilno trditev o pregovoru.
Kaj pomeni ta pregovor?
The proverb is a metaphor for cause and effect.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKar seješ, to ______.
The proverb uses the second person singular (ti) form.
Marko je celo leto varčeval denar, zdaj pa si je kupil nov avto.
This situation shows a direct result of long-term effort/saving.
A: 'Tine je bil vedno nesramen do sodelavcev, zdaj pa mu nihče ne želi pomagati pri projektu.' B: 'Ja, ______.'
The context describes negative social consequences for past behavior.
Kaj pomeni ta pregovor?
The proverb is a metaphor for cause and effect.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt has biblical origins, but today it is used by everyone, regardless of religion, as a general piece of wisdom.
Yes, it is very appropriate when discussing long-term strategy or the results of a project.
'Sejati' is to plant seeds; 'žeti' is to harvest the grown crops.
No! It is often used positively to praise someone's success.
It's a soft sound, similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon' or the Spanish 'ñ'.
Yes, that is a common future-tense variation that means the same thing.
Extremely. It is one of the top 5 most recognized proverbs in the country.
Yes, if the context is right (e.g., discussing a successful project), it's perfectly fine.
The sentence will be grammatically incomplete. 'Kar' needs its partner 'to'.
Younger people might just say 'Karma je prasica' (Karma is a bitch), but that's much more aggressive.
Related Phrases
Brez muje se še čevelj ne obuje
similarWithout effort, you can't even put on a shoe.
Vse se vrne, vse se plača
synonymEverything returns, everything is paid for.
Kdor seje veter, žanje vihar
specialized formHe who sows the wind reaps the storm.
Sreča je na strani pogumnih
builds onLuck is on the side of the brave.
