Ways to say it
| Serbian | IPA |
|---|---|
| godno | |
| čedno | |
| dobro | /dǒbro/ |
These terms are used to describe things that are pleasant or enjoyable. The form dobro is also very common as an interjection meaning 'okay', 'alright' or 'fine' when you are agreeing to something. To express the general sentiment that 'it is good', Serbian speakers often use the phrase dobro je. Additionally, when referring to 'the forces of good' as a noun, you would use dobro.
Which one should you use?
The forms provided vary depending on the grammatical context. Use dobro as an adverb meaning 'well' or as a neuter singular adjective. However, if you are describing a masculine noun, such as a 'good man', you must use the masculine adjective form dobar instead of the adverbial dobro.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dobro is versatile. It functions both as an adverb meaning 'well' and as a neuter singular adjective meaning 'good'.
Did you know?
- The English word 'dobro' used to describe a type of resonator guitar was actually borrowed from the Slovak word dobro, which means 'good'.
- The word dobro can be used sarcastically to signal a reluctant agreement, similar to saying 'fine' in English when you are not actually happy with the result.
- While English uses 'good' as a general positive descriptor, using the Serbian čedno to describe something as 'good' implies a very specific sense of moral uprightness or chastity.
Examples in context
- Dobro, kao i uvek.Good, as always.This sentence shows how to use dobro to mean 'good'.Tatoeba #5806618 by dzoja, translation #4538755 by mailohilohi
- On ima dobro srce.He has a good heart.This sentence demonstrates the use of dobro.Tatoeba #6791478 by dzoja, translation #2845362 by CM
- Baš je bilo dobro.That was very good.This sentence uses dobro to describe an experience as being very good.Tatoeba #6897442 by dzoja, translation #1897770 by CK
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marko and Marija are tasting a new dish.
- MarkoDa li je ovo godno?Is this palatable?
- MarijaDa, zapravo je baš godno.Yes, it is actually quite tasty.
- MarkoDrago mi je što je godno.I am glad it is good.
- MarijaSlažem se, Marko.I agree, Marko.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good” translations and entries dobro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dobro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
