Serbian, a South Slavic language, has both formal and informal ways to express the word “kiss.” In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “kiss” in Serbian, offer regional variations if necessary, and provide you with plenty of tips and examples to enhance your understanding. So, let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
1. How to Say “Kiss” Informally
When speaking in an informal context, Serbians typically use the word “kiss” interchangeably with the English term. So, if you want to say “kiss” casually to someone in Serbian, you can simply use the English word:
Ćao, daj mi jedan kiss. (Hi, give me a kiss.)
Note that Serbian pronunciation may slightly differ from English pronunciation. The “k” sound is softer in Serbian, more like the “k” in “sky.”
2. How to Say “Kiss” Formally
Formal situations usually require a more polite approach. Therefore, it’s best to use the formal equivalent of “kiss” when addressing someone you are not familiar with or want to show respect towards. In Serbian, the formal way to say “kiss” is:
Poljubac (Pohl-yoo-bats)
When using the formal term, it’s common to add a more polite phrase before or after. Here are a few examples:
- Molim vas, pošaljite mi poljubac. (Please, send me a kiss.)
- Da vam pošaljem poljubac? (Should I send you a kiss?)
3. Popular Regional Variations
In Serbia, different regions may have variations in their dialects and local slang. While the word for “kiss” remains relatively constant, you may occasionally encounter slight differences when traveling between regions. Let’s look at a few popular regional variations:
- Bosnian: In Bosnia, the term “kiss” is usually expressed as pussa. For example: Daj mi jednu pussu.
- Croatian: In Croatian, the word “kiss” is pusa. For instance: Daj mi jednu pusu.
Remember, these variations are not significant and should not pose any communication difficulties within Serbia or the neighboring countries using similar dialects. It’s always fascinating to learn these subtle differences to appreciate the regional diversity.
4. Additional Tips and Expressions
Here are a few additional tips, expressions, and romantic phrases related to “kiss” in Serbian that could be handy to know:
- Volim te. (I love you.)
- Voliš li da se ljubiš? (Do you like to kiss?)
- Jedan poljubac doviđenja. (One goodbye kiss.)
- Poljubi me sada. (Kiss me now.)
- Daj mi poljubac u obraz. (Give me a kiss on the cheek.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to say “kiss” in Serbian entails understanding both the informal and formal ways to express this affectionate gesture. In general, using the English word “kiss” in a casual setting suffices. However, in a formal situation, Serbians use the term poljubac to convey respect and politeness. Should you come across regional variations, such as pussa in Bosnia or pusa in Croatia, remember that they are minor dialectal differences and should not present any issues in communication among Serbians. Armed with this guide, you are now well-equipped to express affection with a simple “kiss” in Serbian!
