Meaning
Effort leads to finding results.
Cultural Background
Serbians often use proverbs in daily speech to sound more authoritative or wise. It's a way of connecting to 'folk wisdom'. In Montenegro, the phrase is used with the same frequency, often emphasizing the 'čojstvo' (honor) of not giving up on a search. The phrase is common across all ethnic groups in Bosnia, showing the shared linguistic heritage of the region. In this region, the phrase might be said with a slower, more melodic accent, but the meaning remains a staple of household advice.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is feeling down about a search.
Don't forget the comma
In writing, always put a comma after 'traži'.
Meaning
Effort leads to finding results.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is feeling down about a search.
Don't forget the comma
In writing, always put a comma after 'traži'.
The 'Taj' factor
Including 'taj' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Ko traži, ___ nađe.
'Taj' is the correct correlative pronoun used in this proverb.
Which verb correctly completes the proverb?
Ko ____, taj nađe.
'Traži' (seeks) is the logical first half of 'finding'.
Match the Serbian parts to form the proverb.
Match the halves:
These are two distinct Serbian proverbs.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Izgubio sam novčanik i ne mogu da ga nađem nigde!' Speaker B: '_________________'
The proverb is used here to encourage the person to keep looking for their lost wallet.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKo traži, ___ nađe.
'Taj' is the correct correlative pronoun used in this proverb.
Ko ____, taj nađe.
'Traži' (seeks) is the logical first half of 'finding'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are two distinct Serbian proverbs.
Speaker A: 'Izgubio sam novčanik i ne mogu da ga nađem nigde!' Speaker B: '_________________'
The proverb is used here to encourage the person to keep looking for their lost wallet.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot at all! It is used daily by people of all ages in Serbia.
Yes, it's very common when someone loses their keys or phone.
Both are correct, but the first one is the classic proverb form.
Ко тражи, тај нађе.
Related Phrases
Ko kuca, otvoriće mu se
similarWho knocks, it will be opened to him.
Ko rano rani, dve sreće grabi
similarThe early bird catches two fortunes.
Tražiti iglu u plastu sena
specialized formTo look for a needle in a haystack.
Ko čeka, taj dočeka
contrastWho waits, eventually receives.
