Learning a new language is always an exciting journey, and reaching the intermediate level in Serbian is a significant achievement. At this stage, you’re likely looking to expand your vocabulary, improve your fluency, and gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in the Serbian language. This article will introduce you to some essential Serbian words and phrases that are particularly useful for intermediate learners. These words will help you navigate various situations, from casual conversations to more formal interactions, and will enhance your overall communication skills.
Common Verbs
Verbs are the backbone of any language, and knowing a variety of them can significantly improve your ability to express yourself. Here are some commonly used Serbian verbs that every intermediate learner should know:
1. Razumeti (to understand)
– Example: Da li me razumeš? (Do you understand me?)
2. Govoriti (to speak)
– Example: Govorim srpski. (I speak Serbian.)
3. Pisati (to write)
– Example: Pišem pismo. (I am writing a letter.)
4. Čitati (to read)
– Example: Čitam knjigu. (I am reading a book.)
5. Slušati (to listen)
– Example: Slušam muziku. (I am listening to music.)
6. Videti (to see)
– Example: Vidim te. (I see you.)
7. Ići (to go)
– Example: Idem kući. (I am going home.)
8. Dolaziti (to come)
– Example: Dolazim za pet minuta. (I am coming in five minutes.)
9. Jesti (to eat)
– Example: Jedem jabuku. (I am eating an apple.)
10. Piti (to drink)
– Example: Pijem vodu. (I am drinking water.)
Useful Adjectives
Adjectives help you describe people, places, and things, adding detail and color to your conversations. Here are some useful Serbian adjectives:
1. Lep (beautiful)
– Example: Ovo je lep dan. (This is a beautiful day.)
2. Ružan (ugly)
– Example: Ovo je ružan san. (This is an ugly dream.)
3. Velik (big)
– Example: Ovo je velika kuća. (This is a big house.)
4. Mali (small)
– Example: Ovo je mali pas. (This is a small dog.)
5. Dobar (good)
– Example: Ovo je dobra ideja. (This is a good idea.)
6. Loš (bad)
– Example: Ovo je loša vest. (This is bad news.)
7. Brz (fast)
– Example: On je brz trkač. (He is a fast runner.)
8. Spor (slow)
– Example: Ona je spora vozačica. (She is a slow driver.)
9. Težak (heavy)
– Example: Ova kutija je teška. (This box is heavy.)
10. Lak (light)
– Example: Ova torba je laka. (This bag is light.)
Important Nouns
Nouns are essential for naming things, people, and places. Here are some important Serbian nouns that you should know:
1. Kuća (house)
– Example: Moja kuća je velika. (My house is big.)
2. Škola (school)
– Example: Idem u školu. (I am going to school.)
3. Posao (job)
– Example: Imam novi posao. (I have a new job.)
4. Porodica (family)
– Example: Volim svoju porodicu. (I love my family.)
5. Prijatelj (friend)
– Example: Moj prijatelj je dobar čovek. (My friend is a good person.)
6. Vreme (time)
– Example: Nema vremena. (There is no time.)
7. Grad (city)
– Example: Beograd je lep grad. (Belgrade is a beautiful city.)
8. Ljubav (love)
– Example: Ljubav je važna. (Love is important.)
9. Novac (money)
– Example: Treba mi novac. (I need money.)
10. Muzika (music)
– Example: Volim slušati muziku. (I love listening to music.)
Common Phrases and Expressions
Knowing some common phrases and expressions can help you sound more natural and fluent. Here are some useful Serbian phrases:
1. Kako si? (How are you?)
– Response: Dobro sam, hvala. (I am fine, thank you.)
2. Šta radiš? (What are you doing?)
– Response: Radim na projektu. (I am working on a project.)
3. Molim te (Please)
– Example: Molim te, pomozi mi. (Please, help me.)
4. Hvala (Thank you)
– Response: Nema na čemu. (You’re welcome.)
5. Izvini (Sorry)
– Example: Izvini za kašnjenje. (Sorry for being late.)
6. Dobar dan (Good day)
– Example: Dobar dan, kako ste? (Good day, how are you?)
7. Laku noć (Good night)
– Example: Laku noć, vidimo se sutra. (Good night, see you tomorrow.)
8. Vidimo se (See you)
– Example: Vidimo se kasnije. (See you later.)
9. Koliko košta? (How much does it cost?)
– Response: Košta pet evra. (It costs five euros.)
10. Mogu li vam pomoći? (Can I help you?)
– Response: Da, molim vas. (Yes, please.)
Numbers
Being able to count and understand numbers is crucial for everyday tasks. Here are the numbers from one to ten in Serbian:
1. Jedan (one)
2. Dva (two)
3. Tri (three)
4. Četiri (four)
5. Pet (five)
6. Šest (six)
7. Sedam (seven)
8. Osam (eight)
9. Devet (nine)
10. Deset (ten)
Days of the Week
Knowing the days of the week can help you make plans and understand schedules. Here are the days of the week in Serbian:
1. Ponedeljak (Monday)
2. Utorak (Tuesday)
3. Sreda (Wednesday)
4. Četvrtak (Thursday)
5. Petak (Friday)
6. Subota (Saturday)
7. Nedelja (Sunday)
Months of the Year
Here are the months of the year in Serbian:
1. Januar (January)
2. Februar (February)
3. Mart (March)
4. April (April)
5. Maj (May)
6. Jun (June)
7. Jul (July)
8. Avgust (August)
9. Septembar (September)
10. Oktobar (October)
11. Novembar (November)
12. Decembar (December)
Foods and Drinks
Talking about food and drinks is a common topic of conversation. Here are some useful words related to food and drinks in Serbian:
1. Hleb (bread)
– Example: Kupio sam hleb. (I bought bread.)
2. Mleko (milk)
– Example: Pijem mleko. (I drink milk.)
3. Voda (water)
– Example: Pijem vodu. (I drink water.)
4. Kafa (coffee)
– Example: Volim piti kafu. (I love drinking coffee.)
5. Čaj (tea)
– Example: Pijem čaj svako jutro. (I drink tea every morning.)
6. Voće (fruit)
– Example: Voće je zdravo. (Fruit is healthy.)
7. Povrće (vegetables)
– Example: Volim jesti povrće. (I love eating vegetables.)
8. Meso (meat)
– Example: Da li jedeš meso? (Do you eat meat?)
9. Riba (fish)
– Example: Volim ribu. (I love fish.)
10. Sir (cheese)
– Example: Sir je ukusan. (Cheese is tasty.)
Travel Vocabulary
If you are planning to travel to Serbia or any Serbian-speaking region, knowing travel-related vocabulary can be very helpful. Here are some useful words:
1. Avion (airplane)
– Example: Letim avionom. (I am flying by airplane.)
2. Voz (train)
– Example: Vozom idem u Beograd. (I am going to Belgrade by train.)
3. Autobus (bus)
– Example: Čekam autobus. (I am waiting for the bus.)
4. Taksi (taxi)
– Example: Vozim se taksijem. (I am taking a taxi.)
5. Stanica (station)
– Example: Gde je autobuska stanica? (Where is the bus station?)
6. Karta (ticket)
– Example: Kupio sam kartu. (I bought a ticket.)
7. Prtljag (luggage)
– Example: Gde je moj prtljag? (Where is my luggage?)
8. Pasoš (passport)
– Example: Trebam svoj pasoš. (I need my passport.)
9. Hotel (hotel)
– Example: Rezervisao sam hotel. (I have booked a hotel.)
10. Soba (room)
– Example: Moja soba je na trećem spratu. (My room is on the third floor.)
Health and Emergencies
Knowing how to talk about health and emergencies is crucial. Here are some important words and phrases:
1. Doktor (doctor)
– Example: Trebam doktora. (I need a doctor.)
2. Bolnica (hospital)
– Example: Gde je najbliža bolnica? (Where is the nearest hospital?)
3. Hitna pomoć (emergency)
– Example: Zovite hitnu pomoć! (Call an ambulance!)
4. Apoteka (pharmacy)
– Example: Idem u apoteku. (I am going to the pharmacy.)
5. Lek (medicine)
– Example: Trebam lek za bol. (I need pain medicine.)
6. Bol (pain)
– Example: Imam bol u stomaku. (I have stomach pain.)
7. Povreda (injury)
– Example: Imam povredu na ruci. (I have an injury on my hand.)
8. Prehlada (cold)
– Example: Imam prehladu. (I have a cold.)
9. Groznica (fever)
– Example: Imam groznicu. (I have a fever.)
10. Alergija (allergy)
– Example: Imam alergiju na polen. (I am allergic to pollen.)
Conclusion
Reaching an intermediate level in Serbian is a commendable achievement, and expanding your vocabulary is a crucial part of becoming more fluent and confident in the language. The words and phrases provided in this article cover a wide range of topics and situations, helping you to communicate more effectively in Serbian. Practice using these words in your daily conversations, and you’ll soon find yourself speaking Serbian with greater ease and confidence. Happy learning!
