When learning a new language, understanding the nuances between similar terms can be quite challenging. In Bosnian, the terms for “house” and “apartment” are **kuća** and **stan** respectively. Knowing when and how to use these words will greatly enhance your proficiency in the language. This article aims to clarify the differences between **kuća** and **stan**, along with providing related vocabulary that will help you navigate conversations about living spaces in Bosnian.

Kuća – House

Kuća – This word translates to “house” in English. It refers to a standalone building where people live. A **kuća** typically has a yard and multiple rooms and is designed for a single family.

Živim u velikoj kući sa svojim roditeljima.

Dvorište – This word means “yard” or “garden” and is commonly found in houses rather than apartments.

Djeca se igraju u dvorištu iza kuće.

Sprat – This means “floor” or “story” in a building. Houses often have multiple **spratovi** (floors).

Na prvom spratu kuće nalazi se dnevni boravak.

Potkrovlje – This refers to the “attic” or “loft,” a space under the roof of a house.

Skladištimo stare stvari u potkrovlju.

Terasa – This word translates to “terrace” or “patio,” an outdoor space attached to a house.

Ljeti volimo sjediti na terasi i piti kafu.

Garaža – This is a “garage,” a space typically found in houses for parking vehicles.

Auto je parkiran u garaži pored kuće.

Podrum – This word means “basement,” a space below the ground floor of a house used for storage or additional rooms.

Podrum koristimo za skladištenje zimnice.

Ograditi – This verb means “to fence” or “to enclose,” and it is often used in the context of houses with yards.

Planiramo ograditi dvorište zbog sigurnosti.

Krov – This means “roof,” the top covering of a house.

Krov kuće je obnovljen prošle godine.

Prozor – This word translates to “window,” an essential feature in any house.

Gledam kroz prozor i vidim prelijepi vrt.

Stan – Apartment

Stan – This word translates to “apartment” in English. It refers to a residential unit within a larger building, designed for individual households.

Živim u stanu na trećem spratu zgrade.

Zgrada – This means “building,” typically one that contains multiple apartments.

Naša zgrada ima deset spratova.

Lift – This word translates to “elevator,” a common feature in apartment buildings.

Koristimo lift da se popnemo do našeg stana.

Ulaz – This means “entrance,” the area where you enter a building or apartment.

Ulaz u zgradu je uvijek čist i uredan.

Hodnik – This word translates to “hallway” or “corridor,” a common area in apartment buildings.

Hodnik je osvijetljen i vodi do svih stanova.

Balkon – This means “balcony,” an outdoor extension of an apartment.

Volim piti jutarnju kafu na balkonu.

Komšija – This word translates to “neighbor,” someone who lives in close proximity, often in the same apartment building.

Naš komšija je vrlo ljubazan i uvijek pomaže.

Interfon – This word means “intercom,” a device used in apartment buildings for communication between the entrance and individual units.

Interfon nam omogućava da provjerimo ko je na ulazu.

Stanodavac – This translates to “landlord,” the person who owns the apartment you rent.

Naš stanodavac je vrlo razumljiv i brzo popravlja kvarove.

Stanarina – This word means “rent,” the money paid regularly for living in an apartment.

Moramo platiti stanarinu do petnaestog u mjesecu.

Stanovati – This verb means “to reside” or “to live,” typically used in the context of living in an apartment.

Stanovao sam u tom stanu pet godina prije nego što sam se preselio.

Comparing Kuća and Stan

While both **kuća** and **stan** refer to places where people live, the contexts in which they are used differ significantly. A **kuća** is a standalone structure, often with more space and amenities like yards, garages, and multiple floors. In contrast, a **stan** is a unit within a larger building, sharing walls with other units and often featuring amenities like elevators and common areas.

Additional Vocabulary for Both Kuća and Stan

Soba – This word means “room,” a common term for both houses and apartments.

U stanu imamo tri sobe i kuhinju.

Kuhinja – This translates to “kitchen,” a room for cooking found in both houses and apartments.

Kuhinja u našoj kući je vrlo prostrana.

Kupatilo – This means “bathroom,” a necessary room in both living spaces.

Kupatilo je renovirano prošle godine.

Dnevni boravak – This translates to “living room,” a common area for relaxation in both houses and apartments.

Volimo provoditi večeri u dnevnom boravku.

Spavaća soba – This means “bedroom,” a room for sleeping.

Spavaća soba ima veliki prozor s pogledom na park.

Namještaj – This word translates to “furniture,” which is essential for both houses and apartments.

Kupili smo novi namještaj za dnevni boravak.

Ključevi – This means “keys,” used to lock and unlock doors in both living spaces.

Zaboravio sam ključeve u stanu.

Zakup – This word translates to “lease,” a contract for renting a house or apartment.

Potpisali smo zakup na godinu dana.

Preseliti se – This verb means “to move” or “to relocate,” used when changing living spaces.

Planiramo se preseliti u veći stan.

Popraviti – This means “to repair,” a common activity in maintaining both houses and apartments.

Trebamo popraviti slavinu u kuhinji.

Održavati – This verb means “to maintain,” referring to the upkeep of a living space.

Važno je redovno održavati kuću.

Practical Usage in Conversations

Understanding the practical usage of these terms will help you in everyday conversations. For example, if someone asks you where you live, you can specify whether it’s a **kuća** or a **stan**.

Gdje živiš? – This means “Where do you live?”

Živim u stanu na petom spratu.

Koliko soba ima tvoja kuća? – This translates to “How many rooms does your house have?”

Naša kuća ima četiri sobe.

Da li vaša zgrada ima lift? – This means “Does your building have an elevator?”

Da, naša zgrada ima lift.

Ko održava dvorište? – This translates to “Who maintains the yard?”

Mi sami održavamo dvorište.

Kada plaćaš stanarinu? – This means “When do you pay rent?”

Plaćam stanarinu prvog u mjesecu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between **kuća** and **stan** is crucial for mastering Bosnian vocabulary related to living spaces. While a **kuća** offers more privacy and space, a **stan** provides the convenience of shared amenities. By familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary and practical usage examples provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss your living situation and understand others’ in Bosnian. Happy learning!