Croatian literature is rich with unique expressions that reflect the culture, history, and soul of Croatia and its people. To truly appreciate the depth of Croatian literature, understanding these expressions is key. Here are several examples of them, along with definitions and sentences to grasp their meanings in context.
Vječni sanjar – Eternal dreamer
This expression refers to someone who is a perpetual idealist, always lost in dreams and often detached from the harsh realities of the world.
Bez obzira na sve prepreke, ostao je vječni sanjar.
Zlatna mladost – Golden youth
This term captures the idealism and beauty of youth, a time often romanticized for its innocence and endless possibilities.
Njegove priče su pune uspomena na zlatnu mladost.
Oluja strasti – Storm of passions
It represents a tumultuous emotional state, akin to a tempest of feelings, such as love, anger, or jealousy, that overwhelms a person.
Roman je bio pun oluje strasti koja je nosila glavne junake.
Srce od kamena – Heart of stone
This poignant expression describes a person devoid of sympathy or emotions, unable to be moved or compassionate.
Kako možeš biti tako hladan? Čini se da imaš srce od kamena.
Vrijeme izgubljenih prilika – The time of lost opportunities
Reflecting on moments or phases of life characterized by missed chances and what-ifs, this expression speaks to the regret of not taking action.
Gledao je unatrag, na vrijeme izgubljenih prilika, s bolom u srcu.
More tuge – Sea of sorrow
A very expressive way to describe a great depth of sadness, as if one is drowning in their own sorrows.
Njegova poezija plivala je u moru tuge nakon gubitka ljubavi.
Svjetionik nade – Beacon of hope
This expression symbolizes a source of hope or inspiration, much like a lighthouse provides guidance to ships at sea.
U teškim trenutcima, njegova vjera postala je svjetionik nade.
Igra riječima – Play on words
Often used in poetry and prose, it refers to a clever or witty manipulation of language, creating multiple meanings or puns.
Njegov humor bio je ispunjen igrom riječima koja je uvijek izmamila osmijeh.
Zvijezda vodilja – Guiding star
Meaning a guide or an inspiration in life, this expression signifies someone or something that provides direction and purpose.
Njegova majka bila je zvijezda vodilja u njegovoj karijeri.
Mirno more – Calm sea
Usually implying a peaceful, tranquil situation, this expression is synonymous with a lack of trouble or disturbance.
Nakon oluje u njegovom životu, konačno je nastupilo mirno more.
Understanding these expressions not only adds a layer of depth to your comprehension of Croatian literature but also provides a poetic and nuanced way to express emotions and situations in everyday conversation. Delving into Croatian literary works can thus enrich your knowledge of the language and the cultural nuances embedded within it.
