In this lesson you will learn simple Serbian phrases for meeting someone: saying your own name, asking another person's name in an informal and a polite way, and responding when you are introduced. The phrases are short and useful for everyday conversations.
Objectives
- Say your own name using Ja sam and Moje ime je.
- Ask someone's name informally with Kako se zoveš? and politely with Kako se zovete?.
- Respond appropriately when you meet someone, including Drago mi je.
Phrases
I am Ana.
Use Ja sam + your name to state your name.My name is Ana.
Moje ime je + name is another common way to say your name.What is your name? (informal)
Use with a friend or someone you address informally.What is your name? (polite)
Use with someone you do not know well, someone you address formally, or more than one person.Nice to meet you.
Say this after an introduction.Explanations
Saying your name
Use Ja sam + name to state your name, as in Ja sam Ana. You can also say Moje ime je + name, as in Moje ime je Ana, which means 'My name is Ana'. Both patterns are common and natural in everyday Serbian.
Asking someone's name
Kako se zoveš? is the informal way to ask 'What is your name?'. Use Kako se zovete? when you speak politely, with someone you do not know well, or with more than one person. The reflexive particle se stays next to the verb.
Responding to an introduction
Drago mi je means 'Nice to meet you'. Say it after you are introduced to someone, as in Drago mi je, Marko. It is a short, friendly response that fits the dialogues in this lesson.
Dialogue
Hello! I am Ana. What is your name? (informal)
Hello! I am Marko.
Nice to meet you, Marko. What is your name? (polite)
My name is Marko Petrović.
Pronunciation
Listen carefully to the recording and repeat each phrase, copying the speaker's rhythm and intonation. Say the phrases aloud several times, then try the dialogue with a partner, taking both roles. Focus on saying the whole phrase smoothly rather than pausing between words.
Common mistake
Using the informal Kako se zoveš? with someone you have just met or address politely.
Use Kako se zovete? in polite or unfamiliar situations, and keep Kako se zoveš? for friends and people you address informally.
Practice
Say 'I am Ana' in Serbian.
Use Ja sam + the name.
Show answer
Ja sam Ana.Ja sam Ana uses Ja sam ('I am') with the name Ana.
Ask a friend 'What is your name?' in Serbian.
Use the informal question form.
Show answer
Kako se zoveš?Kako se zoveš? is the informal way to ask 'What is your name?'.
Say 'Nice to meet you' in Serbian after an introduction.
Use the short response from the dialogue.
Show answer
Drago mi je.Drago mi je means 'Nice to meet you' and is used after an introduction.
You can now introduce yourself in Serbian with Ja sam or Moje ime je, ask someone's name informally or politely, and respond with Drago mi je when you meet someone.
Practice with Yapr
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