Proverbs
Proverbs often leave out words, sometimes keep older forms, and rhyme or repeat sounds. They are quoted, not built.
How It Works
Proverbs are part of everyday Bosnian, and you hear them in conversation, on the news and in songs. A proverb is usually repeated unchanged. If you change a word, people may not recognise it.
| Proverb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi. | The early riser gets twice the luck. |
| Ko pita, ne skita. | Who asks does not get lost. |
| Ko tebe kamenom, ti njega hljebom. | Answer a stone with bread. |
| Bolje ikad nego nikad. | Better late than never. |
Look for the patterns. Many start with ko (who), which means "whoever". Many drop verbs, as in Ko tebe kamenom, ti njega hljebom. Many use two parallel halves, which make them easy to remember.
People often use a proverb with a smile after something has happened: "Well, ko pita, ne skita." It sounds warm and a little teasing. Many of these sayings are shared with Croatian and Serbian, with small spelling differences such as Tko tebe kamenom, ti njega kruhom in Croatian.
Examples (4)
- Ko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi.
Whoever rises early grabs two pieces of luck.
Ko means "whoever".
- Ko pita, ne skita.
Who asks does not wander.
Two short halves that rhyme.
- Ko tebe kamenom, ti njega hljebom.
If someone throws a stone at you, give them bread.
The verbs are left out.
- Bolje ikad nego nikad.
Better late than never.
Two short halves joined by nego.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Proverbs.
Related Patterns
Practice Proverbs in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Bosnian lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
