Significado
Rumors usually have some truth.
Contexto cultural
Most rumors in Serbia are exchanged over a long, slow 'domaća kafa' (Turkish coffee). This proverb is the unofficial motto of these coffee sessions. Serbian tabloids (like Kurir or Informer) are famous for sensationalism. Readers often use this phrase to justify reading them, believing there's a grain of truth in every scandal. In Balkan towns, the 'čaršija' (market/town center) acts as a collective consciousness. If the čaršija says something, this proverb is used to validate that collective intuition. Due to history, many Serbs trust rumors more than official government statements. This proverb is a linguistic shield against being 'fooled' by official denials.
Use it to sound like a local
Instead of saying 'Mislim da je to istina' (I think that's true), use this proverb to sound more idiomatic and culturally aware.
Don't be a 'tračara'
If you use this phrase too often about people's private lives, you might be seen as someone who loves gossip (tračara).
Significado
Rumors usually have some truth.
Use it to sound like a local
Instead of saying 'Mislim da je to istina' (I think that's true), use this proverb to sound more idiomatic and culturally aware.
Don't be a 'tračara'
If you use this phrase too often about people's private lives, you might be seen as someone who loves gossip (tračara).
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words in the genitive case.
Gde ima ____, ima i ____.
The existential 'ima' requires the genitive case.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
You hear a rumor that your favorite cafe is closing, and then you see a 'For Rent' sign in the window.
The 'For Rent' sign is the 'smoke' confirming the rumor 'fire'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Da li veruješ da se sele u Ameriku? B: Pa, već su prodali auto i nameštaj. ____.
The selling of items is the sign (smoke) of the move (fire).
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosGde ima ____, ima i ____.
The existential 'ima' requires the genitive case.
You hear a rumor that your favorite cafe is closing, and then you see a 'For Rent' sign in the window.
The 'For Rent' sign is the 'smoke' confirming the rumor 'fire'.
A: Da li veruješ da se sele u Ameriku? B: Pa, već su prodali auto i nameštaj. ____.
The selling of items is the sign (smoke) of the move (fire).
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
3 perguntasYes, especially in journalism and opinion pieces, but it's considered slightly informal for academic or legal papers.
Technically yes, but it's not the proverb. That would mean 'where there is a fact, there is a rumor,' which is the opposite logic.
Because the verb 'ima' (there is) requires the genitive case for the object.
Frases relacionadas
Nema dima bez vatre
synonymThere is no smoke without fire.
Iver ne pada daleko od klade
similarThe chip doesn't fall far from the block (Like father, like son).
Tresla se gora, rodio se miš
contrastThe mountain shook, a mouse was born.
