Language/Serbian/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Serbian Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Serbian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn Serbian idiomatic expressions that will help you sound like a native speaker. Serbian idioms can be tricky, but with the right explanation, you will have no problem understanding them. Let's get started!

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Asking Directions & Kitchen.

What are Serbian Idiomatic Expressions?

An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is not predictable from the literal definitions of the individual words. For example, the English idiom "kick the bucket" does not literally mean to kick a bucket; it means to die. Similarly, Serbian idioms may not make sense at first glance, but they are widely used in Serbian culture.

Learning idioms will help you to understand the Serbian language, its culture and its people. Serbian idioms may be confusing, but they are an integral part of everyday life in Serbia. By learning these expressions, you will be able to communicate more effectively with Serbian speakers.

Serbian Idiomatic Expressions

Let us now look at some Serbian idiomatic expressions with their meanings and examples:

1. Biti na konju

This phrase means to be in a good situation, to be successful. It is translated literally as "to be on a horse."

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Biti na konju	['bɪti na kɔɲu]	to be in a good situation; to be successful

• Person 1: Kako si se snašao u novoj firmi? (How have you been doing in the new company?)
• Person 2: Odlično! Biti na konju uvek pomaže. (Great! Being on a horse always helps.)

2. Brže bolje

This phrase means to do something as quickly as possible. It is translated literally as "faster, better."

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Brže bolje	['brʒɛ 'bɔljɛ]	hastily

• Person 1: Moram da završim ovaj projekat do sutra. (I have to finish this project by tomorrow.)
• Person 2: Znači, treba da radiš brže bolje. (So, you need to work hastily.)

3. Ne lupetaj!

This phrase means to stop talking nonsense, to stop saying something foolish. It is translated literally as "don't slap!"

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Ne lupetaj!	[nɛ lʊpɛtaːj]	Don't talk nonsense!

• Person 1: Videla sam danas lava na ulici. (I saw a lion on the street today.)
• Person 2: Ne lupetaj! To nije moguće. (Don't talk nonsense! That's not possible.)

4. Izgorećeš od dosade.

This phrase means to be very bored, to be extremely uninterested in something. It is translated literally as "you will burn from boredom."

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Izgorećeš od dosade!	[izɡɔrɛtʃɛʃ ɔd dɔsadɛ]	You will burn from boredom.

• Person 1: Idemo na koncert klasične muzike. (Let's go to a classical music concert.)
• Person 2: Ne, izgoreću od dosade ako odem tamo. (No, I will be extremely bored if I go there.)

Usage and Practice

To improve your Serbian vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Idiomatic expressions are often used in daily conversations among Serbians. By memorizing idioms and using them appropriately in a conversation, you can improve your Serbian language skills while sounding more like a native speaker.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we've covered some common Serbian idiomatic expressions. Remember, if you want to sound like a native Serbian speaker, you need to learn the idioms and use them in your conversations. Practice makes perfect! Keep studying and using Serbian idiomatic expressions, and soon you'll be speaking like a pro.

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Impressive work on finishing this lesson! Explore these additional pages to enhance your understanding: Colors & Weather.

Other Lessons

• How to say Good Bye?
• Greetings
• Bird
• At the Beach
• Family members
• Clothes
• Travel
• Feelings and Emotions
• School

Sources

• 55 Easy Serbian Sayings You Need To Know - Ling App
• 380 Serbian english idioms ideas