Significado
Effort is required for learning.
Contexto cultural
The proverb is often used by grandparents to instill a strong work ethic in children. It's not just a saying; it's a cultural value that prizes 'trud' (effort) over innate talent. In coastal Croatia, this phrase is often linked to the sea. Just as you can't catch fish without the 'muka' of the waves, you can't gain knowledge without effort. In the agricultural heartland, this proverb is often paired with 'Nema kruha bez motike' (No bread without a hoe), emphasizing the physical reality of hard work. Younger generations use it ironically or in fitness contexts, often tagging it on Instagram posts of their workouts or late-night study sessions.
Rhyme Time
Use the rhyme to help you remember the Genitive endings. Both words end in '-e'!
Don't Overuse
If someone is genuinely suffering, this phrase can sound cold. Use it for 'good' struggles like learning or sports.
Significado
Effort is required for learning.
Rhyme Time
Use the rhyme to help you remember the Genitive endings. Both words end in '-e'!
Don't Overuse
If someone is genuinely suffering, this phrase can sound cold. Use it for 'good' struggles like learning or sports.
Social Media
This is a great phrase to use in a caption when you post a photo of your study notes or a gym selfie.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Bez ______ nema ______.
The preposition 'bez' and the negative 'nema' both require the Genitive case endings (-e for feminine nouns like muka and nauka).
In which situation would you most likely use this proverb?
Your friend is complaining that learning Croatian grammar is too hard.
This proverb is used to encourage someone who is struggling with a difficult learning task.
Match the Croatian word with its English meaning in the context of the proverb.
Match the following:
Understanding the literal components helps in memorizing the whole phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Učim već pet sati, glava me boli!' B: 'Znam, ali izdrži još malo. ______.'
The context of studying for five hours and having a headache is a perfect setup for this motivational proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosBez ______ nema ______.
The preposition 'bez' and the negative 'nema' both require the Genitive case endings (-e for feminine nouns like muka and nauka).
Your friend is complaining that learning Croatian grammar is too hard.
This proverb is used to encourage someone who is struggling with a difficult learning task.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
Understanding the literal components helps in memorizing the whole phrase.
A: 'Učim već pet sati, glava me boli!' B: 'Znam, ali izdrži još malo. ______.'
The context of studying for five hours and having a headache is a perfect setup for this motivational proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIn modern Croatian, yes, but in this proverb, it refers to learning or knowledge in general.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even teachers.
You can, and people will understand you, but it's not the traditional proverb and it doesn't rhyme.
It means torment, suffering, or very hard labor. It's a strong word!
Not really. The phrase is already quite short and punchy.
Yes, if you are talking about a difficult project that requires a lot of effort to succeed.
Because the preposition 'bez' requires the Genitive case.
Yes, this proverb is common across all BCMS (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, Serbian) speaking areas.
Yes, it's very common in sports and the gym.
The closest equivalent is 'No pain, no gain.'
Frases relacionadas
Nema kruha bez motike
similarThere is no bread without a hoe.
Bez alata nema zanata
similarWithout tools there is no craft.
Tko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi
builds onThe early bird catches two fortunes.
Trud se isplati
synonymEffort pays off.
