Signification
One cannot work without eating.
Contexte culturel
The 'malica' is a cultural institution. Most employers provide a meal allowance or a dedicated 30-minute break for a warm meal between 10 AM and 1 PM. In the past, the size of one's grain sacks was a sign of wealth and security. An empty sack was a sign of poverty and impending weakness. Slovenians often use this proverb to 'force' more food on guests. It's a way of showing care through caloric abundance. In the Julian Alps, mountain huts (koče) are essential. Hikers use this phrase to remind each other to refuel before steep ascents.
Use it for empathy
Use this phrase when you want to show someone you care about their well-being without being too intrusive.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'vreča' is feminine. Using the masculine 'prazen' is a very common learner mistake.
Signification
One cannot work without eating.
Use it for empathy
Use this phrase when you want to show someone you care about their well-being without being too intrusive.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'vreča' is feminine. Using the masculine 'prazen' is a very common learner mistake.
The Malica Culture
If you are working in Slovenia, don't be surprised if the whole office empties out at 11 AM. It's 'prazna vreča' time!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Prazna ______ ne stoji pokonci.
'Vreča' (sack) is the traditional word used in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Your friend is trying to study for 8 hours without eating.
This proverb is specifically about the need for food to perform tasks.
Match the Slovenian words with their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the four core components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Zelo sem utrujen in ne morem delati.' B: 'Si kaj jedel? Veš, da...'
The context of being tired and unable to work points to hunger.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPrazna ______ ne stoji pokonci.
'Vreča' (sack) is the traditional word used in this proverb.
Your friend is trying to study for 8 hours without eating.
This proverb is specifically about the need for food to perform tasks.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four core components of the phrase.
A: 'Zelo sem utrujen in ne morem delati.' B: 'Si kaj jedel? Veš, da...'
The context of being tired and unable to work points to hunger.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it is generally considered helpful and caring. It's a friendly way to remind someone to take care of themselves.
It's rarely used for animals. It's almost exclusively a human-centric proverb about work and energy.
Yes, though perhaps less frequently than by older generations, it is still a universally understood part of the Slovenian language.
There isn't a direct proverbial opposite, but 'Sit trebuh težko študira' (A full belly studies with difficulty) is sometimes used to describe the sleepiness after a big meal.
Expressions liées
Brez jedi ni moči
synonymWithout food, there is no strength.
Lačen trebuh nima ušes
similarA hungry belly has no ears.
Kdor ne dela, naj ne je
contrastHe who does not work, shall not eat.
Ljubezen gre skozi želodec
builds onLove goes through the stomach.
