Meaning
Feeling a sense of relief.
Cultural Background
In Serbia, people often touch their chest when saying this to emphasize the physical feeling of relief. The idiom is shared across Bosnia, Croatia, and Montenegro with the same meaning and structure. The concept of a 'stone' on the heart is sometimes linked to the idea of 'okamenjeno srce' (a heart turned to stone), which means a lack of empathy. Dropping the stone can symbolize returning to a state of grace or emotional openness. Serbian youth use the emoji 🪨❤️ on platforms like TikTok or Instagram to represent this phrase without words.
Use it for others
You can say 'Palo mu je...' or 'Palo joj je...' to show empathy for someone else's relief.
The 'Je' is vital
Don't forget the 'je'. 'Pao mi kamen' is okay in very fast slang, but 'Pao mi je kamen' is the correct standard.
Meaning
Feeling a sense of relief.
Use it for others
You can say 'Palo mu je...' or 'Palo joj je...' to show empathy for someone else's relief.
The 'Je' is vital
Don't forget the 'je'. 'Pao mi kamen' is okay in very fast slang, but 'Pao mi je kamen' is the correct standard.
Combine with 'Uf'
Starting the sentence with the exhale sound 'Uf...' makes you sound like a native speaker.
Response
If someone says this to you, respond with 'Blago tebi!' (Lucky you!) or 'Super!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Pao mi je ______ sa ______.
The standard idiom uses 'kamen' (stone) and 'srca' (heart).
Which situation best fits this idiom?
Kada kažemo 'Pao mi je kamen sa srca'?
The idiom is used exclusively for relief after worry.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Našao sam tvoj novčanik! B: Jao, hvala ti! ________________.
Finding a lost wallet is a perfect situation for this idiom.
Match the person to the correct form of the idiom.
If 'Marko' (he) feels relief, we say:
'Mu' is the dative clitic for 'him' (Marko).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPao mi je ______ sa ______.
The standard idiom uses 'kamen' (stone) and 'srca' (heart).
Kada kažemo 'Pao mi je kamen sa srca'?
The idiom is used exclusively for relief after worry.
A: Našao sam tvoj novčanik! B: Jao, hvala ti! ________________.
Finding a lost wallet is a perfect situation for this idiom.
If 'Marko' (he) feels relief, we say:
'Mu' is the dative clitic for 'him' (Marko).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's usually reserved for things that caused at least a little bit of genuine worry.
It is always 'sa srca' (off/from the heart). 'Iz srca' means 'from the heart' in the sense of sincerity (e.g., a gift from the heart).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your grandmother.
Kamenje (stones). But in this idiom, we always use the singular 'kamen'.
Yes! 'Stena' means boulder. Use it for massive, life-changing relief.
Yes: 'Pašće mi kamen sa srca kad ovo završim' (A stone will fall from my heart when I finish this).
Yes, it is identical in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian.
Serbian uses the dative of interest ('mi' - to me) for body parts and emotions rather than possessive adjectives ('moje' - my).
No. It specifically requires a prior state of worry or stress.
There isn't one perfect opposite, but 'Pao mi je mrak na oči' (anger) or 'Steglo mi se srce' (my heart tightened - sadness) are common.
Related Phrases
Laknulo mi je
synonymIt became lighter for me.
Skinuti teret
similarTo take off a burden.
Srce mi je na mestu
builds onMy heart is in its place.
Kamen na srcu
contrastA stone on the heart.
Prodisati
similarTo start breathing again.
