Significado
It is better to finish late.
Contexto cultural
In Slovakia, the 'academic quarter-hour' (akademická štvrťhodinka) is a widely accepted social rule where being up to 15 minutes late is not considered rude in casual settings. Many Central European countries share this proverb due to their shared history in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the influence of Latin education. The phrase is frequently used in news headlines to sarcastically comment on long-delayed government projects or infrastructure. The legendary Slovak rock band Elán has a song titled 'Lepšie neskoro ako nikdy,' which helped cement the phrase in modern pop culture.
The Smile Factor
When using this phrase to apologize, always accompany it with a warm smile. It signals that you are aware of the inconvenience but hope for a friendly resolution.
Don't Overuse
If you use this every day at work, your boss will stop finding it charming. It's a proverb for exceptions, not for habits.
Significado
It is better to finish late.
The Smile Factor
When using this phrase to apologize, always accompany it with a warm smile. It signals that you are aware of the inconvenience but hope for a friendly resolution.
Don't Overuse
If you use this every day at work, your boss will stop finding it charming. It's a proverb for exceptions, not for habits.
Sarcastic Nuance
You can use this sarcastically when a friend finally does something they've promised for months. Just exaggerate the 'Konečne' (Finally) before it.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Lepšie ________ ako nikdy.
The proverb is 'Lepšie neskoro ako nikdy' (Better late than never).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Lepšie neskoro ako nikdy'?
Select the appropriate context:
The proverb is used when something happens late, but still happens.
Choose the correct Slovak translation for 'Better late than never'.
How do you say it in Slovak?
'Lepšie' is the correct comparative form for this proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Prepáč, že ti vraciam tú knihu až po mesiaci. B: To je v poriadku, ________.
The context of returning a book late perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Tone and Context
Positive/Encouraging
- • Learning a language at 70
- • Starting a business late
- • Finding love in old age
Apologetic/Neutral
- • Late for coffee
- • Late birthday wish
- • Returning a book
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosLepšie ________ ako nikdy.
The proverb is 'Lepšie neskoro ako nikdy' (Better late than never).
Select the appropriate context:
The proverb is used when something happens late, but still happens.
How do you say it in Slovak?
'Lepšie' is the correct comparative form for this proverb.
A: Prepáč, že ti vraciam tú knihu až po mesiaci. B: To je v poriadku, ________.
The context of returning a book late perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with colleagues in a relaxed office environment.
Yes, but 'ako' is much more common in this specific proverb. 'Než' sounds a bit more literary or Czech.
'Neskoro' means 'late' (adverb). 'Neskôr' means 'later' (comparative adverb). In this proverb, we use 'neskoro'.
It depends on the boss and the culture of the company. In a creative startup, it's fine. In a strict law firm, a formal apology is better.
No, it is generally positive, as it emphasizes that the action was completed despite the delay.
Absolutely! It is often used for life events like getting a degree or learning a skill late in life.
Pronounce it as 'LEP-she-ye'. The 'ie' is one syllable (a diphthong).
Not really, but people sometimes just say 'Neskoro, ale predsa' to mean something similar.
Yes, it appears frequently in folk tales and classic 19th-century Slovak novels.
No, that would be very disrespectful. Avoid using it in solemn or tragic contexts.
Frases relacionadas
Neskoro, ale predsa
synonymLate, but nonetheless.
Kto prv príde, ten prv melie
contrastFirst come, first served.
S krížikom po funuse
contrastWith a cross after the funeral.
Dočkať sa ako na spasenie
builds onTo wait for something like for salvation.
