Learning a new language is like opening a door to a new world. It provides not only the means to communicate but also the opportunity to understand a new culture and connect with people on a deeper level. If you’re looking to explore the beautiful language of Bosnian, one of the South Slavic languages spoken predominantly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will delve into some common greetings and phrases that are essential for everyday conversations in Bosnian.
Greetings
Greetings are the cornerstone of any language. They are the first words you utter when you meet someone, and they set the tone for the conversation. Here are some essential greetings in Bosnian:
1. Hello – “Zdravo” or “Ćao”
“Zdravo” is the standard way to say “hello” in Bosnian. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. “Ćao” is more casual and is equivalent to “hi” or “bye” in English.
2. Good Morning – “Dobro jutro”
When you want to greet someone in the morning, “dobro jutro” is the phrase to use. It’s a polite and friendly way to start the day.
3. Good Afternoon – “Dobar dan”
As the day progresses, “dobar dan” becomes the appropriate greeting. This phrase is commonly used from late morning until early evening.
4. Good Evening – “Dobro veče”
In the evening, switch to “dobro veče” to greet people. It’s a courteous way to acknowledge the time of day.
5. Good Night – “Laku noć”
When it’s time to part ways for the night or go to bed, “laku noć” is the phrase to use. It conveys a sense of warmth and care.
Basic Phrases
Beyond greetings, there are several basic phrases that can help you navigate daily interactions in Bosnian. Here are some to get you started:
1. How are you? – “Kako si?” (informal) / “Kako ste?” (formal)
Asking someone how they are is a common courtesy. “Kako si?” is used in informal settings, while “Kako ste?” is the formal version.
2. I am fine, thank you – “Dobro sam, hvala”
When someone asks how you are, you can respond with “dobro sam, hvala,” which means “I am fine, thank you.”
3. What is your name? – “Kako se zoveš?” (informal) / “Kako se zovete?” (formal)
To ask someone their name, use “kako se zoveš?” in informal settings and “kako se zovete?” in formal settings.
4. My name is… – “Zovem se…”
When introducing yourself, say “zovem se…” followed by your name.
5. Nice to meet you – “Drago mi je”
When you meet someone new, “drago mi je” is the phrase to use. It translates to “nice to meet you.”
6. Please – “Molim”
“Molim” is a versatile word that can mean “please” or “you’re welcome” depending on the context.
7. Thank you – “Hvala”
Expressing gratitude is important in any language. “Hvala” means “thank you.”
8. You’re welcome – “Nema na čemu”
When someone thanks you, respond with “nema na čemu,” which means “you’re welcome.”
9. Excuse me / Sorry – “Izvinite” (formal) / “Izvini” (informal)
“Izvinite” and “izvini” are used to get someone’s attention or to apologize.
10. Yes – “Da”
A simple affirmation. “Da” means “yes.”
11. No – “Ne”
Conversely, “ne” means “no.”
Common Phrases for Daily Activities
These phrases will help you with everyday activities and make your interactions more fluid:
1. Where is the bathroom? – “Gdje je toalet?”
If you need to find the restroom, “gdje je toalet?” is the phrase to use.
2. How much does this cost? – “Koliko ovo košta?”
When shopping, you might need to ask, “koliko ovo košta?” which means “how much does this cost?”
3. I would like… – “Želio/željela bih…”
To express a desire for something, say “želio bih” if you are male or “željela bih” if you are female, followed by what you want.
4. Can you help me? – “Možete li mi pomoći?”
If you need assistance, “možete li mi pomoći?” is the way to ask.
5. I don’t understand – “Ne razumijem”
If you don’t understand something, simply say “ne razumijem.”
6. Do you speak English? – “Govoriš li engleski?” (informal) / “Govorite li engleski?” (formal)
To find out if someone speaks English, use “govoriš li engleski?” in informal settings or “govorite li engleski?” in formal settings.
7. I speak a little Bosnian – “Govorim malo bosanski”
If you’re just starting out, you might need to say “govorim malo bosanski,” which means “I speak a little Bosnian.”
Polite Expressions
Politeness is key in any language. Here are some expressions to help you sound more courteous in Bosnian:
1. Excuse me (to pass by) – “Oprostite”
When you need to get past someone, say “oprostite.”
2. Bless you (after sneezing) – “Nazdravlje”
After someone sneezes, it’s polite to say “nazdravlje.”
3. Have a nice day – “Lijep dan”
To wish someone well, say “lijep dan.”
4. Cheers! – “Živjeli!”
When raising a glass for a toast, “živjeli!” is the appropriate word.
Conversational Phrases
Engaging in a conversation requires more than just greetings. Here are some phrases that can help you keep the conversation going:
1. What are you doing? – “Šta radiš?” (informal) / “Šta radite?” (formal)
To ask someone what they are doing, use “šta radiš?” informally or “šta radite?” formally.
2. Where are you from? – “Odakle si?” (informal) / “Odakle ste?” (formal)
To inquire about someone’s origin, ask “odakle si?” in informal settings and “odakle ste?” in formal settings.
3. I am from… – “Ja sam iz…”
When responding, say “ja sam iz…” followed by your country or city.
4. What do you do? – “Čime se baviš?” (informal) / “Čime se bavite?” (formal)
To ask someone about their profession, use “čime se baviš?” informally or “čime se bavite?” formally.
5. I like… – “Sviđa mi se…”
To express your likes, say “sviđa mi se…” followed by what you like.
6. I don’t like… – “Ne sviđa mi se…”
Conversely, to express dislikes, use “ne sviđa mi se…”
Emergency Phrases
In case of emergencies, knowing a few key phrases can be incredibly helpful:
1. Help! – “Upomoć!”
If you need urgent assistance, shout “upomoć!”
2. Call the police – “Zovite policiju”
To ask someone to call the police, say “zovite policiju.”
3. I need a doctor – “Treba mi doktor”
If you require medical help, “treba mi doktor” is the phrase to use.
4. I am lost – “Izgubio/izgubila sam se”
If you’re lost, say “izgubio sam se” if you are male or “izgubila sam se” if you are female.
Numbers and Time
Understanding numbers and how to tell time are fundamental skills in any language. Here are some basics in Bosnian:
1. Numbers 1-10
1 – jedan
2 – dva
3 – tri
4 – četiri
5 – pet
6 – šest
7 – sedam
8 – osam
9 – devet
10 – deset
2. What time is it? – “Koliko je sati?”
To ask for the time, say “koliko je sati?”
3. It is … o’clock – “Sada je … sati”
To tell the time, use “sada je … sati,” filling in the appropriate number.
4. Days of the week
Monday – ponedjeljak
Tuesday – utorak
Wednesday – srijeda
Thursday – četvrtak
Friday – petak
Saturday – subota
Sunday – nedjelja
5. Months of the year
January – januar
February – februar
March – mart
April – april
May – maj
June – juni
July – juli
August – august
September – septembar
October – oktobar
November – novembar
December – decembar
Conclusion
Mastering these common greetings and phrases in Bosnian will provide you with a solid foundation for basic communication. Whether you’re traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina, meeting Bosnian speakers, or simply exploring a new language, these expressions will help you navigate everyday interactions with ease. Remember, language learning is a journey. Practice regularly, immerse yourself in the language, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every step you take brings you closer to fluency and a deeper understanding of the rich Bosnian culture. Sretno! (Good luck!)
