10+ Serbian Greetings Everyone Should Know
Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/sr/serbian-greetings-2/
When you aim to learn the Serbian language, you should first note to understand the Serbian greetings. Greetings are always a part of everyday conversation, whether with someone you know or a stranger.
It does not need a formal occasion to speak with Serbian people like any other nationalities. But you may ask, what kind of Serbian greetings would fit to start a conversation? There are many ways to say hello using the Serbian language. One is formally, and the other is in a casual situation.
It is essential to learn which Serbian greetings you would use to fit the occasion so you will not appear awkward or trying hard. You do not have to feel pressured, though, because there is much space for consideration for beginners like you. But it will be helpful to dig in and learn it diligently.
Serbian Greetings
Formal Ways To Politely Greet People In Serbian
The word ‘hello,’ in Serbian greetings comes in different forms. The good thing about it is that when you use it formally, it does not solely depend on the person you are talking to; sometimes, it has something to do with the time.
You can take note of the following Serbian greetings the formal way.
Dobro Jutro
English translation: good morning
This phrase means “good morning” because dobro means good and jutro means morning. It equates to the way how any other hello would start a conversation. But you can only express it in the time before sunrise until 11 AM.
Dobro Dan!
English translation: good day!
Although these two words mean good” and “day” individually and respectively, they mean “good day” as a way to greet people formally, this Serbian greeting is best expressed from 11 AM up until sunset.
Dobro Veče
English translation: good evening
This Serbian greeting means “good evening,” which you can use from sunset to dawn. Veče stands for the word evening in the Serbian language.
Greetings are indeed important in a formal conversation. It shows how respectful you are as a person, and it is an excellent way to dignify the person you are talking with, even if you do not know them personally. When you prove yourself respectful to others, and the person you are conversing with feels dignified, it can be the start of a smooth conversation.
The Casual Ways To Greet Your Serbian Friends
When speaking casually, it does not mean that you have less respect toward the person with whom you are talking. Casual situations refer to a setting where both sides are less intimidated and more confident in expressing their sides.
When talking with somebody the same age as you, or someone you fully know beyond name, you can express yourself in a casual way of speaking.
The two simple ways of Serbian greetings involve the word ćao and zdravo. As spoken the way Italian people do, ćao, of Italian origin, means “hello.” On the other hand, zdravo stands for the term “healthy.” It is fitting for a casual way of greeting as you extend your warmth to the person, wishing them well.
You usually hear the latter from older adults and middle-aged ones as this Serbian greeting was birthed in the 19th century.
However, the most common phrase from the Serbian greetings in an everyday situation is pozdrav. Millennials and Gen-Z are using it to greet their friends and colleagues, and this greeting has been prominent in recent years.
Like any other language, the Serbian language also evolves and adapts with time and the current situation. It would take time and effort to learn the language; that is why tools like the Ling app help you learn the language, even the most recently evolved terms that you can use casually.
More Serbian Greetings You Need To Know
Other Serbian Conversation Starter Phrases
Learning Serbian greetings can be a compelling start to communicating with other people, especially Serbians. Still, if you stop learning more, you might only build small talk and not a conversation. That is why it will be helpful if you have a language tool, such as the Ling app, that you can carry along with you as a reliable language reference.
Greeting people and making them smile is one thing but keeping the conversation going is another. Therefore, you need to learn other introductory questions and phrases to keep the communication line open between you and the other person.
Meanwhile, these are the other conversation starters aside from the Serbian greetings, on any occasions, which you can use to know a person, to approach someone, and even to make friends with them:
Kako ste?
English translation: how are you?
It is a way to say, “how are you?” which also belongs to Serbian greetings that render “a pleasure meeting you.”
Odakle ste vi?
English translation: where are you from?
One of the questions you can ask casually is their place of residence. You can say this if you want to ask them, “where are you from?” However, be careful in asking such questions and avoid sounding like you are meddling with their business.
Moje ime je …
English translation: my name is…
If you do not want to ask questions, you might as well begin with a self-introduction. An excellent way to start is by telling your name. This Serbian phrase means “my name is..” and you can ask them right after you tell yours by saying, “Kako je vaše ime?” or “what is your name?”
Wrapping Up!
Sometimes it is tricky to imagine how you would keep the flow of conversation smooth, whether in a formal situation or a casual setting. But the truth is, starting it is already a challenge. Indeed, learning a new language like the Serbian language can be intimidating.
Still, as you know the Serbian greetings, you will realize that it can be an excellent start to an enjoyable ride of learning the language.
If you want to learn more Serbian words, phrases, and sentences, Ling App will help you achieve your goals. Through the Ling app, you will be able to improve all your skills. This will help you learn to speak the language and accurately!
