Significado
You must be prepared for what you do.
Contexto cultural
The 'hospoda' is a sacred space in Czech culture. Entering one implies a social contract where you are expected to consume and pay. This proverb reinforces that social responsibility. Slovaks use the same proverb ('Bez peňazí do krčmy nelez'). The word for pub changes to 'krčma', but the sentiment of preparedness remains identical. Across Central Europe, there is a strong emphasis on 'peasant logic'—being prepared for winter, for work, and for social outings. This proverb is a linguistic artifact of that mindset. In the era of 'paywalls' and 'freemium' apps, Czechs often use this proverb jokingly when they encounter a website that asks for a subscription.
Rhyme is Key
If you forget the exact words, remember it must rhyme. Peněz/Nelez is the heart of the phrase.
Don't be too literal
If you use this only for money, you miss 80% of its usage. Use it for any lack of preparation!
Significado
You must be prepared for what you do.
Rhyme is Key
If you forget the exact words, remember it must rhyme. Peněz/Nelez is the heart of the phrase.
Don't be too literal
If you use this only for money, you miss 80% of its usage. Use it for any lack of preparation!
The 'Lézt' Nuance
Using 'nelez' instead of 'nechoď' makes you sound much more like a native speaker who understands folk idioms.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words in the proverb.
Bez ______ do ______ nelez.
Both 'bez' and 'do' require the genitive case (peněz, hospody).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend wants to take a difficult exam but hasn't studied at all.
The proverb is used to warn someone they are unprepared for a challenge.
Which verb is traditionally used in this proverb?
Bez peněz do hospody ______.
'Nelez' (from lézt - to crawl/climb) is the traditional rhyming verb used.
Complete the dialogue.
Petr: 'Chci si koupit nové auto, ale nemám žádné úspory.' Jana: 'No, víš, co se říká...'
Jana is warning Petr that he shouldn't start a big purchase without resources.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosBez ______ do ______ nelez.
Both 'bez' and 'do' require the genitive case (peněz, hospody).
Your friend wants to take a difficult exam but hasn't studied at all.
The proverb is used to warn someone they are unprepared for a challenge.
Bez peněz do hospody ______.
'Nelez' (from lézt - to crawl/climb) is the traditional rhyming verb used.
Petr: 'Chci si koupit nové auto, ale nemám žádné úspory.' Jana: 'No, víš, co se říká...'
Jana is warning Petr that he shouldn't start a big purchase without resources.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but it sounds a bit funny because 'hospoda' is a pub. It adds a touch of irony.
Not inherently, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'don't go crawling in'.
It will be grammatically incorrect and people will know you are a learner, but they will still understand you.
Yes, the longer version: 'Bez rozumu do světa nejez'.
Yes, it is very common even among Gen Z, often used sarcastically.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's too casual.
Peníze is an irregular noun in the genitive plural. 'Peněz' is the correct historical form.
Metaphorically, yes. If you have a card, you have 'money'.
No, that makes no sense because you go to the pub TO GET beer!
Frequently. It appears in classic Czech literature to depict village life.
Frases relacionadas
Dvakrát měř, jednou řež
similarMeasure twice, cut once.
Kdo nic nedělá, nic nezkazí
contrastHe who does nothing, spoils nothing.
Bez práce nejsou koláče
builds onWithout work, there are no cakes (No pain, no gain).
Mít hluboko do kapsy
specialized formTo have deep into one's pocket (to be broke).
