Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. If you’re just starting out with Bosnian, you might feel overwhelmed by the vocabulary. However, mastering the basics can give you a strong foundation and boost your confidence. In this article, we will cover 50 essential words you need to know for Bosnian at the A1 level. These words will help you navigate everyday conversations and understand fundamental concepts.
Basic Greetings and Common Phrases
Starting with basic greetings and common phrases is always a good idea. These are often the first words you will use in any new language, and they can set the tone for your interactions.
1. **Zdravo** – Hello
2. **Dobar dan** – Good day
3. **Dobro jutro** – Good morning
4. **Dobro veče** – Good evening
5. **Laku noć** – Good night
6. **Molim** – Please
7. **Hvala** – Thank you
8. **Da** – Yes
9. **Ne** – No
10. **Izvinite** – Excuse me / Sorry
Numbers and Counting
Knowing how to count is fundamental in any language. Here are the basic numbers in Bosnian:
11. **Jedan** – One
12. **Dva** – Two
13. **Tri** – Three
14. **Četiri** – Four
15. **Pet** – Five
16. **Šest** – Six
17. **Sedam** – Seven
18. **Osam** – Eight
19. **Devet** – Nine
20. **Deset** – Ten
Days of the Week
Understanding the days of the week is essential for making plans and understanding schedules.
21. **Ponedjeljak** – Monday
22. **Utorak** – Tuesday
23. **Srijeda** – Wednesday
24. **Četvrtak** – Thursday
25. **Petak** – Friday
26. **Subota** – Saturday
27. **Nedjelja** – Sunday
Family Members
Talking about family is a common topic in many conversations. Here are the basic family terms:
28. **Majka** – Mother
29. **Otac** – Father
30. **Sestra** – Sister
31. **Brat** – Brother
32. **Djed** – Grandfather
33. **Baka** – Grandmother
Common Objects
Being able to name common objects around you is very useful. Here are some of the most frequently used nouns:
34. **Kuća** – House
35. **Stan** – Apartment
36. **Stol** – Table
37. **Stolica** – Chair
38. **Knjiga** – Book
39. **Telefon** – Phone
40. **Računar** – Computer
Food and Drinks
Talking about food and drinks is a part of everyday life. Here are some essential words:
41. **Voda** – Water
42. **Hljeb** – Bread
43. **Mlijeko** – Milk
44. **Kafa** – Coffee
45. **Čaj** – Tea
46. **Jabuka** – Apple
47. **Sir** – Cheese
Basic Adjectives
Adjectives help you describe things. Here are some fundamental adjectives you should know:
48. **Velik** – Big
49. **Mali** – Small
50. **Dobar** – Good
51. **Loš** – Bad
52. **Lijep** – Beautiful
53. **Ružan** – Ugly
Basic Verbs
Verbs are the action words in a sentence. Here are some essential verbs:
54. **Biti** – To be
55. **Imati** – To have
56. **Raditi** – To work
57. **Ići** – To go
58. **Vidjeti** – To see
59. **Čuti** – To hear
60. **Govori** – To speak
Prepositions
Prepositions are small words that can make a big difference. Here are a few you should know:
61. **Na** – On
62. **U** – In
63. **Ispod** – Under
64. **Pored** – Next to
65. **Preko** – Across
Pronouns
Pronouns are essential for constructing sentences. Here are some basic ones:
66. **Ja** – I
67. **Ti** – You (singular)
68. **On/ona/ono** – He/she/it
69. **Mi** – We
70. **Vi** – You (plural)
71. **Oni/one** – They
Colors
Knowing colors can help you describe objects more effectively. Here are some basic colors:
72. **Crvena** – Red
73. **Plava** – Blue
74. **Žuta** – Yellow
75. **Zelena** – Green
76. **Bijela** – White
77. **Crna** – Black
Directions
Understanding directions is crucial for navigating new places. Here are some basic directional words:
78. **Lijevo** – Left
79. **Desno** – Right
80. **Ravno** – Straight
81. **Nazad** – Back
82. **Naprijed** – Forward
Time Expressions
Talking about time is an everyday necessity. Here are some basic time expressions:
83. **Sada** – Now
84. **Kasnije** – Later
85. **Jutro** – Morning
86. **Veče** – Evening
87. **Dan** – Day
88. **Noć** – Night
Weather Terms
Discussing the weather is a common conversation starter. Here are some key terms:
89. **Sunce** – Sun
90. **Kiša** – Rain
91. **Snijeg** – Snow
92. **Vjetar** – Wind
93. **Oblak** – Cloud
94. **Toplo** – Warm
95. **Hladno** – Cold
Travel and Transportation
If you’re traveling, these words will be very useful:
96. **Aerodrom** – Airport
97. **Voz** – Train
98. **Autobus** – Bus
99. **Taksi** – Taxi
100. **Put** – Road
Putting it All Together
Now that you’ve been introduced to these essential words, the next step is to practice using them in sentences. Here are a few examples:
– **Zdravo**, ja sam Ana. – Hello, I am Ana.
– **Da li imate** knjigu? – Do you have a book?
– **Vidimo se** sutra. – See you tomorrow.
– **Idem** na posao. – I am going to work.
– **Kako je vrijeme** danas? – How is the weather today?
Practice Makes Perfect
It’s important to practice these words regularly. Try to use them in your daily conversations or write sentences using as many of these words as possible. Flashcards can also be a great tool for memorization.
Remember, learning a new language is a journey. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; they are part of the learning process. With consistent practice and exposure, you’ll find yourself becoming more comfortable and confident in Bosnian.
Happy learning!
