Significado
To pretend not to understand
Contexto cultural
In Croatia, this phrase is often used with a wink or a smile. It's a way of acknowledging that everyone 'cheats' a little bit in social situations, and calling it out is part of the social game. Across the former Yugoslavia, variations of this phrase exist. It highlights a shared history of dealing with foreign powers and using 'misunderstanding' as a form of passive resistance. British people living in Croatia often find this idiom hilarious once explained. It's a great conversation starter to explain how their nationality became a synonym for 'playing dumb.' In Dalmatia, where 'fjaka' (the art of doing nothing) is a lifestyle, 'praviti se Englez' is a common tool to protect one's peace and avoid unnecessary work.
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'Engleskinja' for women. It shows you really know the grammar!
Don't be too aggressive
This is a humorous phrase. If you say it with a very angry face, it might still sound like a joke, which could confuse the situation.
Significado
To pretend not to understand
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'Engleskinja' for women. It shows you really know the grammar!
Don't be too aggressive
This is a humorous phrase. If you say it with a very angry face, it might still sound like a joke, which could confuse the situation.
The 'Tu' Addition
Adding 'tu' (here) as in 'Nemoj mi se tu praviti Englez' adds a layer of 'right now' and 'in my face' that makes it sound very native.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form for a female subject.
Maja se ____.
Since Maja is female, the noun must be 'Engleskinja'.
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun.
Nemoj ____ praviti Englez!
The verb 'praviti se' always requires the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'praviti se Englez'?
Select the correct scenario:
The idiom means feigning ignorance to avoid responsibility.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Znaš li gdje je moj ključ?' B: 'Nemam pojma.' A: 'Daj, vidio sam ga u tvojoj ruci! Ne ____.'
'Ne pravi se Englez' is the standard way to tell someone to stop playing dumb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMaja se ____.
Since Maja is female, the noun must be 'Engleskinja'.
Nemoj ____ praviti Englez!
The verb 'praviti se' always requires the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
Select the correct scenario:
The idiom means feigning ignorance to avoid responsibility.
A: 'Znaš li gdje je moj ključ?' B: 'Nemam pojma.' A: 'Daj, vidio sam ga u tvojoj ruci! Ne ____.'
'Ne pravi se Englez' is the standard way to tell someone to stop playing dumb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's a standard idiom and isn't meant as a slur. Most English people find it funny.
Probably not. It's too informal. Use 'izbjegavati odgovor' instead.
The plural is 'Praviti se Englezi'.
Mostly, but it can also mean pretending you aren't involved in something.
No, that's not an idiom. It has to be 'Englez'.
Yes, it is understood and used across the entire region.
'Lagati' is general. 'Praviti se Englez' is a specific type of lie where you pretend to be oblivious.
'Prestani se praviti Englez.'
Not a direct idiom, but 'pretvarati se da ne razumijete' works.
It's historical—based on the image of detached British travelers in the past.
Frases relacionadas
Praviti se blesav
synonymTo act stupid/silly.
Praviti se grbav
similarTo act hunched/crooked.
Gledati kao tele u šarena vrata
similarTo look like a calf at a colorful door.
Prodavati maglu
contrastTo sell fog.
