molim
The English phrase "please" is translated into Bosnian as molim.
molim is used as an interjection to make a polite request. When used with a rising intonation, it serves as a way to say "Pardon?" when you want someone to repeat what they just said. Additionally, molim is the standard way to say "You're welcome!" in response to hvala (thank you).
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word molim is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb moliti, which literally means "I beg" or "I pray".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding vas after molim makes the request more polite or indicates that you are addressing more than one person.
When do people say it?
In Bosnian culture, if someone says hvala (thank you), you should respond with Molim! to mean "You're welcome!"
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, molim? can be used to express disbelief or shock, similar to saying 'I beg your pardon!' in an offended manner.
- Bosnian is part of a linguistic continuum where molim is used almost identically in Serbian and Croatian, making it a universal 'key' for politeness across the Balkans.
- While molim is the standard 'please', Bosnian speakers often use the phrase budite ljubazni to be exceptionally formal, which literally means 'be kind'.
Examples in context
- Molim vas nosite masku.Please wear a mask.This sentence shows how to use molim when making a request.Tatoeba #9044783 by Boshnjanin, translation #9042288 by CM
- Ribu, molim.Fish, please.This sentence demonstrates using molim at the end of a request for an item.Tatoeba #10198920 by bokalabocca, translation #19342 by CK
- Račun, molim.Check, please.This sentence shows the use of molim when asking for a bill.Tatoeba #10198939 by bokalabocca, translation #21098 by CK
- Molim Vas, možete li mi donijeti meni?Please, can you bring me the menu?
- Molim Vas ljubazno, možete li mi pomoći s ovim zadatkom?Please, could you kindly help me with this task?
- Molim, možeš li mi posuditi olovku?Please, can you lend me a pencil?
- Ajde molim te, dođi na večeru kod mene.Please, come to my place for dinner.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amra and Adnan are at a cafe.
- AmraJednu kafu, molim.One coffee, please.
- AdnanIzvolite, Amra.Here you go, Amra.
- AmraHvala vam puno.Thank you very much.
- AdnanNema na čemu.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry molim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
