Significado
Value what you have.
Contexto cultural
The proverb reflects a deep-seated national pragmatism. Czechs often value 'jistota' (security/certainty) very highly due to a history of political and economic shifts. The proverb is identical in Slovak ('Lepší vrabec v hrsti ako holub na streche'), reflecting the shared linguistic and cultural history of the two nations. In many Central European cultures (Poland, Hungary, Austria), similar bird-based proverbs exist, showing a shared agricultural and folk wisdom heritage. In modern Czech startups, this proverb is sometimes criticized as being too conservative, with younger generations preferring 'Risk je zisk' (Risk is gain).
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, just say 'Vrabec v hrsti.' It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't be a dream-killer
Be careful using this with someone who is very excited about a new, risky project. It can sound like you don't believe in them.
Significado
Value what you have.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, just say 'Vrabec v hrsti.' It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't be a dream-killer
Be careful using this with someone who is very excited about a new, risky project. It can sound like you don't believe in them.
Grammar Hack
Use this phrase to practice your Locative case. If you can remember 'v hrsti' and 'na střeše', you've mastered two tricky feminine and masculine endings.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Lepší vrabec v _______ než holub na _______.
The standard form uses 'hrsti' (locative of hrst) and 'střeše' (locative of střecha).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Lepší vrabec v hrsti než holub na střeše'?
Petr has a guaranteed 5% bonus now, or a 50% chance of a 10% bonus later.
The proverb advises taking the certain, smaller gain over the uncertain, larger one.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the proverb.
A: 'Mám prodat ty akcie teď, nebo počkat na zítřek?' B: 'Nevíme, co bude zítra. ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for a situation involving financial risk and certainty.
Which of these is a common informal shortening of the proverb?
How do Czechs often say this in casual conversation?
Czechs often shorten long proverbs to just the first meaningful part.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosLepší vrabec v _______ než holub na _______.
The standard form uses 'hrsti' (locative of hrst) and 'střeše' (locative of střecha).
Petr has a guaranteed 5% bonus now, or a 50% chance of a 10% bonus later.
The proverb advises taking the certain, smaller gain over the uncertain, larger one.
A: 'Mám prodat ty akcie teď, nebo počkat na zítřek?' B: 'Nevíme, co bude zítra. ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for a situation involving financial risk and certainty.
How do Czechs often say this in casual conversation?
Czechs often shorten long proverbs to just the first meaningful part.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasIt is always 'v hrsti'. The word 'hrst' is feminine, and this is its specific locative form in this proverb.
No. While 'vrabec' is a type of 'pták' (bird), the proverb is a fixed expression. Changing the bird makes it sound wrong.
Not at all. It is used daily in news, business, and personal conversations.
The closest opposite is 'Risk je zisk' (Risk is gain).
It depends on the context. If you are discussing a safe strategy, it's fine. If you are telling them to stop being ambitious, it's rude.
Frases relacionadas
Risk je zisk
contrastRisk is gain (Nothing ventured, nothing gained).
Kdo dřív přijde, ten dřív mele
similarFirst come, first served.
Sliby se slibují, blázni se radují
builds onPromises are made, fools rejoice.
Péct holuby, kteří sami padají do huby
specialized formTo wait for roasted pigeons to fly into one's mouth.
