When it comes to pets, dogs and cats are among the most popular choices worldwide. In Bosnia, these beloved animals are no exception. If you’re a language learner looking to enhance your vocabulary while learning about Bosnian culture, understanding the terms related to pets, specifically dogs and cats, can be an exciting and practical way to expand your knowledge. This article will delve into the Bosnian vocabulary for dogs and cats, along with their behaviors, characteristics, and common phrases associated with these animals.

Pas – Dog

The Bosnian word for dog is pas. Dogs are known for their loyalty, companionship, and often serve as protectors of their homes and families. Here are some essential terms and phrases related to dogs in Bosnian:

Štene – Puppy
Štene refers to a young dog, typically under a year old.
Kupili smo novo štene za djecu.

Lajati – To bark
Lajati is the verb used to describe the sound a dog makes.
Pas je počeo lajati kada je vidio stranca.

Ogrlica – Collar
An ogrlica is a piece of material placed around the dog’s neck, often used for identification or control.
Stavili smo novu ogrlica na našeg psa.

Vodič – Leash
A vodič is a strap or cord used to lead a dog.
Uvijek koristimo vodič kada šetamo psa.

Kućica – Doghouse
A kućica is a small shelter for a dog, typically found in the backyard.
Pas spava u svojoj kućica noću.

Hrana za pse – Dog food
Hrana za pse refers to the food specifically made for dogs.
Kupili smo kvalitetnu hrana za pse za našeg ljubimca.

Veterinar – Veterinarian
A veterinar is a medical professional who treats animals.
Moramo odvesti psa kod veterinar za vakcinaciju.

Trener – Trainer
A trener is someone who trains dogs, often in obedience or specific tasks.
Angažirali smo trener da nauči našeg psa osnovnim komandama.

Komanda – Command
A komanda is an instruction given to a dog.
Pas je naučio slijediti svaku komanda.

Šetnja – Walk
Šetnja refers to taking a dog out for exercise.
Idemo u šetnja svako jutro sa psom.

Common Dog Breeds in Bosnia

Bosnians, like people everywhere, have their favorite dog breeds. Here are a few popular breeds and their Bosnian terms:

Nemački ovčar – German Shepherd
Nemački ovčar is known for its intelligence and versatility.
Imamo nemački ovčar koji čuva našu kuću.

Zlatni retriver – Golden Retriever
Zlatni retriver is a friendly and tolerant dog breed.
Naš zlatni retriver voli igrati u parku.

Jazavičar – Dachshund
Jazavičar is a small dog breed with a long body and short legs.
Moja baka ima jazavičar koji je vrlo znatiželjan.

Bulldog – Bulldog
The bulldog is known for its distinctive pushed-in nose and muscular build.
Bulldog našeg susjeda je vrlo prijateljski nastrojen.

Mačka – Cat

The Bosnian word for cat is mačka. Cats are often appreciated for their independence, elegance, and playful nature. Here are some essential terms and phrases related to cats in Bosnian:

Mače – Kitten
Mače refers to a young cat, typically under a year old.
Naša mačka je upravo rodila mače.

Presti – To purr
Presti is the verb used to describe the sound a cat makes when it is content.
Mačka je počela presti dok sam je mazio.

Grebalica – Scratching post
A grebalica is a post or pad that cats use to scratch.
Kupili smo novu grebalica za našu mačku.

Posuda za mačke – Litter box
A posuda za mačke is a box where cats go to the bathroom.
Moram očistiti posuda za mačke svaki dan.

Hrana za mačke – Cat food
Hrana za mačke refers to the food specifically made for cats.
Naša mačka preferira suvu hrana za mačke.

Veterinar – Veterinarian
Just like for dogs, a veterinar treats cats as well.
Mačka mora ići kod veterinar za godišnji pregled.

Igračka – Toy
An igračka is an object cats play with.
Naša mačka voli svoju novu igračka.

Penjalica – Climbing tree
A penjalica is a structure designed for cats to climb.
Instalirali smo penjalica u dnevnoj sobi za mačku.

Krzno – Fur
Krzno refers to the soft hair that covers a cat’s body.
Moramo četkati krzno naše mačke svakodnevno.

Umiljat – Affectionate
Umiljat describes a cat that is loving and seeks attention.
Naša mačka je vrlo umiljat i voli da se mazi.

Common Cat Breeds in Bosnia

Cats in Bosnia come in various breeds, each with unique characteristics. Here are a few popular breeds and their Bosnian terms:

Perzijska mačka – Persian Cat
The perzijska mačka is known for its long fur and calm demeanor.
Imamo perzijska mačka koja voli da spava na kauču.

Sijamska mačka – Siamese Cat
Sijamska mačka is known for its vocal nature and slender body.
Naša sijamska mačka je vrlo pričljiva.

Maine Coon – Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large and friendly cat breed.
Prijateljica ima Maine Coon koji je ogroman i ljubazan.

Bengalska mačka – Bengal Cat
Bengalska mačka is known for its wild appearance and energetic nature.
Vidjeli smo bengalska mačka na izložbi mačaka.

Common Phrases and Idioms

Understanding common phrases and idioms related to dogs and cats can give you deeper insights into the Bosnian language and culture. Here are a few:

Pas i mačka – Dog and cat
This phrase is often used to describe people who are always fighting.
Oni se ponašaju kao pas i mačka, stalno se svađaju.

Mačji kašalj – Cat’s cough
This idiom means something is very easy to do.
Taj zadatak je bio mačji kašalj za njega.

Pasji život – Dog’s life
This phrase describes a difficult or miserable life.
On vodi pasji život otkako je izgubio posao.

Mačka u džaku – Cat in a sack
This idiom means a risky or uncertain deal.
Kupovina bez provjere je kao mačka u džaku.

Imati devet života – To have nine lives
This phrase is used to describe someone who repeatedly escapes danger.
On kao da ima devet života, uvijek izbjegne nevolje.

Trčati kao pas za repom – To run like a dog after its tail
This idiom means doing something pointless or futile.
Pokušavaš riješiti taj problem, ali to je kao da trčiš kao pas za repom.

Conclusion

Learning the Bosnian language through the lens of pets, specifically dogs and cats, offers a unique and engaging way to expand your vocabulary and cultural understanding. Whether you are describing the loyal nature of a pas or the independent spirit of a mačka, these terms and phrases will enrich your language skills and provide a deeper connection to Bosnian culture. Keep practicing these words and idioms in context, and soon you’ll be able to talk about your furry friends with ease in Bosnian.