majmun
/mǎjmun/Latin, masculine
The Bosnian word for monkey is majmun. Wiktionary also lists opica (zoological) and jopac.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bosnian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| majmun | /mǎjmun/ | Latin, masculine |
| opica (zoological) | Latin, feminine, regional | |
| jopac | Latin, masculine, regional |
The term majmun refers to a primate. Beyond its literal meaning, it is often used colloquially as a derogatory term for a person, similar to calling someone a 'jerk' or a 'fool'.
Which one should you use?
While majmun is the standard masculine form, opica is a feminine term used in zoological contexts and jopac is another regional masculine variant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word opica is a regional term used in certain parts of the Balkans, and jopac is also a regional masculine form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun majmun has several inflected forms: the plural is majmuni and the dative singular (to the monkey) is majmunu. The diminutive form for a little monkey is majmunče.
How do you pronounce it?
/mǎjmun/
Did you know?
- The Bosnian word majmun shares its roots with the Arabic word maymūn, which historically meant 'blessed' or 'fortunate'.
- In certain Bosnian idioms, the majmun is associated with mimicry and blind imitation rather than just intelligence or lack thereof.
- The diminutive majmunče is often used affectionately for children, similar to how English speakers might use 'little monkey' to describe a mischievous child.
Examples in context
- Psa gledaju mali majmun i velika mačka.The dog is watched by the small monkey and the big cat.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form majmun.
- Vidjela sam majmuna u zoološkom vrtu.I saw a monkey at the zoo.
- Gledaj kako se majmunčić penje po drvetu!Look at how the little monkey is climbing the tree!
- Vidi, onaj majmun jede bananu.Look, that monkey is eating a banana.
Example conversation
Tarik and Selma are visiting the city zoo.
- TarikPogledaj Selma, vidiš li onog majmuna?Look Selma, do you see that monkey?
- SelmaDa, vidi se da je veoma smiješan.Yes, you can see that he is very funny.
- TarikOni stvarno vole jesti banane.They really love eating bananas.
- SelmaSlažem se, majmun je moja omiljena životinja.I agree, the monkey is my favorite animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries majmun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries majmun, opica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
