Learning Serbian can be an enriching experience, opening doors to understanding the culture, history, and daily life in Serbia. One of the most practical steps in mastering any language is learning vocabulary that you can use in everyday situations. This article focuses on essential Serbian vocabulary for common errands and tasks, helping you navigate daily life more smoothly whether you are visiting or planning a longer stay.
At the Grocery Store
One of the most common errands is grocery shopping. Here are some key words and phrases you’ll find useful:
– **prodavnica** (store)
– **supermarket** (supermarket)
– **pijaca** (market)
– **voće** (fruits)
– **povrće** (vegetables)
– **meso** (meat)
– **kruh** (bread)
– **mleko** (milk)
– **jaja** (eggs)
– **sir** (cheese)
– **riba** (fish)
When you need to find something specific, you can ask:
– Gde mogu da nađem…? (Where can I find…?)
– Koliko košta? (How much does it cost?)
– Mogu li da platim karticom? (Can I pay by card?)
Sample Dialogue
Customer: Dobar dan! Gde mogu da nađem mleko?
Store Clerk: Dobar dan! Mleko je u trećem redu, pored sira.
Customer: Hvala!
At the Post Office
Sending and receiving mail is another common task. Here are some words to help you at the post office:
– **pošta** (post office)
– **pismo** (letter)
– **pošiljka** (parcel)
– **marka** (stamp)
– **koverat** (envelope)
– **poštanski broj** (postal code)
– **poštar** (mailman)
When you need to send a letter or package, you can use:
– Želim da pošaljem ovo pismo. (I want to send this letter.)
– Koliko košta poštarina? (How much is the postage?)
– Da li mogu da dobijem marku? (Can I get a stamp?)
Sample Dialogue
Customer: Dobar dan! Želim da pošaljem ovaj paket u inostranstvo.
Post Office Clerk: Dobar dan! Morate popuniti ovaj formular i platiti poštarinu.
Customer: U redu, hvala!
At the Bank
Managing your finances is crucial, and knowing some banking vocabulary can be very helpful:
– **banka** (bank)
– **račun** (account)
– **novac** (money)
– **kreditna kartica** (credit card)
– **bankomat** (ATM)
– **depozit** (deposit)
– **isplata** (withdrawal)
Here are some phrases to help you in a bank:
– Želim da otvorim račun. (I want to open an account.)
– Kolika je kamata? (What is the interest rate?)
– Mogu li podići novac? (Can I withdraw money?)
Sample Dialogue
Customer: Dobar dan! Želim da otvorim štedni račun.
Bank Clerk: Dobar dan! Molim vas, popunite ovaj formular i priložite ličnu kartu.
Customer: U redu, hvala!
At the Pharmacy
Whether you need medication or just some advice, visiting a pharmacy is another common errand. Key words include:
– **apoteka** (pharmacy)
– **lek** (medicine)
– **recept** (prescription)
– **tablete** (tablets)
– **sirup** (syrup)
– **masti** (ointment)
– **bol** (pain)
Useful phrases include:
– Imam recept za lek. (I have a prescription for medicine.)
– Da li imate nešto za glavobolju? (Do you have something for a headache?)
– Koliko često treba da uzimam ovaj lek? (How often should I take this medicine?)
Sample Dialogue
Customer: Dobar dan! Imam recept za ovaj lek.
Pharmacist: Dobar dan! Samo trenutak, da proverim.
Customer: Hvala! I da li imate nešto za prehladu?
Pharmacist: Da, imamo sirup i tablete. Šta preferirate?
At the Dry Cleaners
Taking your clothes to the dry cleaners is another task you might need to do. Here are some useful terms:
– **hemijska čistionica** (dry cleaners)
– **odeća** (clothes)
– **pranje** (washing)
– **peglanje** (ironing)
– **fleka** (stain)
– **odelo** (suit)
When you drop off your clothes, you might say:
– Želim da očistim ovo odelo. (I want to clean this suit.)
– Koliko vremena treba za čišćenje? (How long does it take to clean?)
– Možete li ukloniti ovu fleku? (Can you remove this stain?)
Sample Dialogue
Customer: Dobar dan! Želim da očistim ovo odelo.
Dry Cleaner: Dobar dan! Trebaće dva dana. Da li želite i peglanje?
Customer: Da, molim vas. Hvala!
At the Hair Salon
Getting a haircut or any other hair treatment is a common task. Key vocabulary includes:
– **frizer** (hairdresser)
– **frizerski salon** (hair salon)
– **šišanje** (haircut)
– **bojenje** (coloring)
– **fudbalerka** (buzz cut)
– **uvijanje** (curling)
When you visit the hair salon, you can use these phrases:
– Želim šišanje. (I want a haircut.)
– Mogu li zakazati termin? (Can I make an appointment?)
– Koliko košta bojenje? (How much does coloring cost?)
Sample Dialogue
Customer: Dobar dan! Želim šišanje i bojenje.
Hairdresser: Dobar dan! Koju boju želite?
Customer: Plavu, molim vas. Koliko košta?
Hairdresser: Cena je 1500 dinara.
At the Doctor’s Office
Health is a priority, and knowing how to communicate at the doctor’s office is vital. Here are some important words:
– **lekar** (doctor)
– **ordinacija** (clinic)
– **pregled** (examination)
– **temperatura** (fever)
– **bol** (pain)
– **simptomi** (symptoms)
Useful phrases include:
– Želim zakazati pregled. (I want to schedule an appointment.)
– Imam temperaturu. (I have a fever.)
– Boli me glava. (My head hurts.)
Sample Dialogue
Patient: Dobar dan! Želim zakazati pregled kod doktora.
Receptionist: Dobar dan! Kada vam odgovara?
Patient: Što pre, imam temperaturu i bol u grlu.
Receptionist: U redu, imamo termin sutra ujutro.
Public Transportation
Using public transportation is often essential. Key terms include:
– **autobus** (bus)
– **tramvaj** (tram)
– **voz** (train)
– **stanica** (station)
– **karta** (ticket)
– **linija** (line)
When you need to ask for directions or buy a ticket, you can use:
– Gde je najbliža stanica? (Where is the nearest station?)
– Koliko košta karta? (How much is a ticket?)
– Koja linija ide do centra? (Which line goes to the center?)
Sample Dialogue
Passenger: Dobar dan! Gde je najbliža autobuska stanica?
Local: Dobar dan! Idite pravo, pa levo, stanica je iza ugla.
Passenger: Hvala! Koja linija ide do centra?
Local: Linija 2. Srećan put!
Conclusion
Learning everyday Serbian vocabulary for errands and tasks can significantly enhance your experience and independence while in Serbia. With these essential words and phrases, you’ll be better equipped to navigate daily life, whether you’re shopping, banking, or getting a haircut. Practice these terms, and don’t be afraid to use them in real-life situations. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your Serbian language skills.
Happy learning! Srećno učenje!
