Significado
A supportive expression used when saying goodbye.
Contexto cultural
Slovaks often value 'tichá sila' (quiet strength). Saying 'Držte sa' is a way of acknowledging someone's struggle without making them feel weak or pitied. In the former Eastern Bloc, phrases of endurance became a way to signal solidarity against systemic hardships. Among Slovaks living abroad (e.g., in the USA or UK), 'Držte sa' is often the last bit of Slovak used in an otherwise English conversation to maintain a cultural bond. On Slovak Instagram and Facebook, #drztesa is a popular hashtag for posts about overcoming illness, fitness challenges, or political activism.
The 'Sa' Rule
Never forget the 'sa'. Without it, you're just telling someone to hold something, which sounds confusing in a goodbye.
Formality Matters
Using 'Drž sa' with your 70-year-old neighbor might be seen as slightly disrespectful. Stick to 'Držte sa'.
Significado
A supportive expression used when saying goodbye.
The 'Sa' Rule
Never forget the 'sa'. Without it, you're just telling someone to hold something, which sounds confusing in a goodbye.
Formality Matters
Using 'Drž sa' with your 70-year-old neighbor might be seen as slightly disrespectful. Stick to 'Držte sa'.
Add 'mi'
Saying 'Drž sa mi' (Hold on for me) adds a layer of personal affection, common between close friends or partners.
Email Closings
In a semi-formal email, 'Držte sa' is a great way to end if you know the recipient is busy or stressed.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form to say to your boss as you leave the office.
Dovidenia, pán riaditeľ, ________.
You must use the formal 'Vy' form (plural) for a boss.
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun.
Máš zajtra ťažkú skúšku? Tak ____ drž!
The phrase 'držať sa' always requires the reflexive pronoun 'sa'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is sad because they lost their pet.
'Drž sa' is the appropriate way to offer support during a difficult emotional time.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
A: 'Odchádzam na tú operáciu.' B: 'Budem na vás myslieť. ________.'
Since they use 'vás' (formal), the response must be 'Držte sa'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Drž sa vs. Držte sa
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosDovidenia, pán riaditeľ, ________.
You must use the formal 'Vy' form (plural) for a boss.
Máš zajtra ťažkú skúšku? Tak ____ drž!
The phrase 'držať sa' always requires the reflexive pronoun 'sa'.
Situation: Your friend is sad because they lost their pet.
'Drž sa' is the appropriate way to offer support during a difficult emotional time.
A: 'Odchádzam na tú operáciu.' B: 'Budem na vás myslieť. ________.'
Since they use 'vás' (formal), the response must be 'Držte sa'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, if you are using the formal 'Vy' (you) address. It is the standard formal way to say 'take care' to an individual.
Yes, it is very appropriate. It expresses support for the bereaved to stay strong during their grief.
'Maj sa' is a casual 'Have a good one'. 'Drž sa' is more supportive and implies the person might need strength or luck.
Rarely as a greeting, but you can say 'Dobre ste sa držali' (You held up well/You did a good job).
No, it sounds a bit too serious. Use 'Všetko najlepšie' (All the best) instead.
You can say 'Ďakujem, aj ty!' (Thanks, you too!) or simply 'Budem' (I will).
No, it is a standard expression used by all age groups and in most social classes.
No. 'Hold me' would be 'Drž ma'. 'Drž sa' is reflexive—you are holding yourself.
Yes, at the very end as people are leaving, especially if the meeting was about a difficult project.
It is used universally across the whole country, from Bratislava to Košice.
Frases relacionadas
Držím palce
similarFingers crossed / I'm rooting for you
Dávaj na seba pozor
similarTake care of yourself
Vydrž
builds onEndure / Hold on
Pusti to
contrastLet it go
Zlom väz
specialized formBreak a leg
