If you’ve been learning Macedonian for a while, you’re ready to add some flair to your speech with idiomatic expressions. Idioms are a great way to sound more natural and connect with the culture. In this post, we’ll explore three interesting Macedonian idioms, breaking down their meanings and showing how they’re used in everyday conversation. Let’s dive in!
Му крои капа на нероден Петко
Literal Translation: “Sewing a hat for unborn Petko.”
Meaning: This idiom refers to making plans or assumptions about something that hasn’t happened yet, similar to the English expression “putting the cart before the horse.” It often suggests that someone is rushing ahead without considering all the necessary details or steps.
„Кога им кажав на пријателите за мојот план да објавам книга, тие веднаш ми рекоа дека ќе се јават на неколку издавачки куќи. Тогаш им реков: „Чекајте, на нероден Петко капа не му се крои!“. Прво, треба да ја напишам книгата, па да ја објавам.“
“When I told my friends about my plan to publish a book, they immediately told me they would contact a few publishing houses. I then said to them, ‘Wait, you can’t sew a hat for unborn Petko!’. First, I need to write the book, then publish it.”
Цвеќе за мирисање
Literal Translation: “Flowers for smelling.”
Meaning: Used sarcastically, implying that something or someone is not as perfect or flawless as it may appear. It’s often used to suggest that someone is pretending things are ideal when, in fact, they are far from it.
Бојан се жали дека колегите му се дволични. Ама и тој не е цвеќе за мирисање.
“Bojan is complaining that his colleagues are two-faced. But he’s no flower for smelling either.”
Фаќа магла
Literal Translation: “Catch fog.”
Meaning: This idiom describes someone who disappears, gets lost, or runs away, especially when trying to avoid responsibility or a difficult situation.
„Како ќе го завршиме проектот ако постојано фаќа магла секогаш кога треба да се работи?“
“How will we finish the project if he keeps catching fog every time it’s time to work?”
Mastering idioms is a crucial step in becoming fluent in any language. Not only do they make your speech sound more natural, but they also help you understand the cultural nuances embedded in the language. Integrating idioms like “му крои капа на нероден Петко,” “цвеќе за мирисање,” and “фаќа магла” into your Macedonian conversations will make you sound more natural and add richness to your language skills.
Subscribe to get more lessons like these, updates, and resources on Macedonian.
P.S. You can now get my 70-page comprehensive crash course here with a 20% discount!
Macedonian Language Corner 