здраво, зовем се
zdravo, zovem se
The English phrase "hi, my name is" is translated into Serbian as здраво, зовем се (zdravo, zovem se).
This phrase is a friendly greeting used when introducing yourself to someone for the first time. It consists of the greeting здраво, which means "hi" or "hello", followed by the phrase зовем се, which means "my name is".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase зовем се literally translates to "I am called".
Which one should you use?
You can also use the alternative phrase Здраво, ја сам, which means "Hi, I am". While the default form uses the verb "to call", this alternative uses the verb "to be".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase зовем се, the word зовем is the first-person singular present tense of the verb звати (to call).
How do you pronounce it?
zdravo, zovem se
Did you know?
- The greeting здраво comes from the word for 'health'. When you say 'hi' in Serbian, you are essentially wishing the other person good health.
- When introducing yourself with зовем се, the accompanying gesture is often a firm handshake and direct eye contact, which is considered essential for establishing trust in Serbian culture.
- In Serbian, there is a distinct difference between using здраво for a first-time introduction and using it with a close friend, as the latter can function as both 'hello' and 'goodbye'.
Examples in context
- Cao, ja sam Marko.Hi, I am Marko.
- Здраво, зовем се Марко.Hi, my name is Marko.
- Здраво, зовем се Јелена.Hi, my name is Jelena.
- Здраво, зовем се Никола и драго ми је.Hi, my name is Nikola and nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Stefan and Ana meet for the first time at a party.
- StefanЗдраво, зовем се Стефан.Hi, my name is Stefan.
- AnaЋао Стефане, ја сам Ана.Hi Stefan, I am Ana.
- StefanДраго ми је, Ана.Nice to meet you, Ana.
- AnaТакође, драго ми је.Nice to meet you too.
