Serbian Learning Community and Resource

• Bre (Бре) - The ultimate slang staple 

Let's kick things off with "BRE." This little gem is probably the most versatile and beloved slang term in Serbia. It's like salt in the Serbian linguistic stew – a little goes a long way. You can use it to emphasize emotions, create a friendly vibe, or even to scold someone playfully. Just imagine you're having a heated discussion with your Serbian friend, and they say, "Ma, BRE, šta pričaš?" It's like they're saying, "Dude, what are you even talking about?" And in no time, you'll be throwing "BRE" around like a true Belgradian.

• Brate (Брате) - Brother 

If you've ever wanted to sound like you belong in the Serbian mafia (which we don't recommend), "BRATE" is your word. It means "brother" and can be used for your closest friends. But here's the fun part: you can call pretty much anyone "BRATE" if you want to establish camaraderie or just make a point. "Hoću kafu, BRATE" literally means "I want coffee, brother," but you'll be understood as, "Give me some coffee, dude." And when in doubt, just throw "BRATE" in there – it works wonders!

• Šta ima? (Шта има?) - The casual conversation starter 

"Šta ima?" means "What's up?" It's the perfect way to break the ice and start a friendly conversation. Picture yourself at a Serbian café, sipping on a strong coffee while asking your neighbor, "Šta ima?" You'll get an earful of local gossip and make a friend for life in no time. This phrase is the magic portal to dive headfirst into Serbian daily life.

• Šmek (Шмек) - The 'Cool' factor 

So, you've mastered the art of "BRE," "BRATE," and "Šta ima?" But wait, there's more! To add that extra flair to your Serbian slang, try "šmek." It means "style" or "coolness." If someone's got "šmek," it means they've got the "cool factor." For example, "Taj auto ima baš šmek" means "That car has a lot of style."

• Jako (Јако) - Strong and аwesome 

"Jako" is the Serbian way to say something is "strong" or "awesome." Imagine tasting a fantastic dish and saying, "Ova sarma je baš jaka!" which means "This sarma is really awesome!" It's a word that's bound to earn you points for sounding like a local.

• Keva (Кева) - Mother 

This slang term is used to refer to one's mother. It's a more informal and colloquial way of saying "majka." So, if someone says, "Idem kod keve" it means "I'm going to my mom's place."

• Ful (Фул) - Full 

This word is used to express agreement or emphasize something. It's similar to saying "totally" or "really" in English. For instance, "Taj film je ful dobar" translates to "That movie is really good."

• Blejim (Блејим) - Chillin' and Hangin' Out 

Picture yourself on a sunny Belgrade afternoon, lounging with friends at a café. You're not doing anything in particular – just enjoying the moment. That, my friends, is "blejim." It's the Serbian way of saying, "I'm hanging out," or "I'm chilling." It encapsulates those laid-back moments when you're simply enjoying life. So, if someone asks, "Šta radiš?" (What are you doing?), you might reply with, "Ništa, blejim s ekipom" (Nothing, just chilling with the crew). In the literal sense, the word "blejim" represents the sound made by a sheep.

• Kida (Кида) - That's impressive! 

Serbian slang can be a whirlwind of emotions, and "kida" is a testament to that. This word is all about expressing awe and admiration. When you're watching an electrifying concert, a dazzling performance, or even just seeing something incredibly cool, you might exclaim, "Ovaj bend stvarno kida!" (This band is truly amazing!). "Kida" is a word that embodies enthusiasm and appreciation for the extraordinary.

• Kako Je? (Како је?) - The friendly greeting 

In the realm of Serbian slang, casual conversations are incomplete without "kako je?" This seemingly ordinary phrase is your key to asking someone, "How's it going?" It's the opening line to countless conversations and a gateway to learning about your friend's well-being. "Ćao! Kako je?" (Hi! How's it going?) is a perfect way to initiate a chat with a friend or an acquaintance, and you'll likely hear stories about their day.