Language/Serbian/Grammar/Adjectives:-Comparative-and-Superlative

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Serbian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Adjectives: Comparative and Superlative

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will explore the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives in Serbian. Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns, and they play an important role in building sentences and expressing comparisons. Understanding how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Serbian. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently compare and describe things using different degrees of comparison.

Comparative Adjectives[edit | edit source]

Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things or people. In Serbian, the comparative form of an adjective is formed by adding the suffix "-iji" to the base form of the adjective. Let's look at some examples:

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
visok	vee-sok	tall
viši	vee-shee	taller
pametan	pa-meh-tan	smart
pametniji	pa-meh-tee-nee	smarter
lep	lep	beautiful
lepši	lep-shee	more beautiful

As you can see from the examples, the comparative form of an adjective is created by adding the suffix "-iji" to the base form of the adjective. It is important to note that the comparative form agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Let's see some examples in context:

Marko je viši od Petra. (Marko is taller than Peter.)
Ana je pametnija od Jovana. (Ana is smarter than Jovan.)
Ova slika je lepša od one. (This picture is more beautiful than that one.)

In these examples, we can see how the comparative adjectives are used to compare two things or people. Note that the noun being compared is in the same case as the adjective.

Superlative Adjectives[edit | edit source]

Superlative adjectives are used to describe the highest degree of a certain quality. In Serbian, the superlative form of an adjective is formed by adding the suffix "-i" to the base form of the adjective. Let's look at some examples:

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
visok	vee-sok	tall
najviši	nai-vee-shee	tallest
pametan	pa-meh-tan	smart
najpametniji	nai-pa-meh-tee-nee	smartest
lep	lep	beautiful
najlepši	nai-lep-shee	most beautiful

As you can see from the examples, the superlative form of an adjective is created by adding the prefix "naj-" and the suffix "-i" to the base form of the adjective. Similar to the comparative form, the superlative form agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Let's see some examples in context:

Marko je najviši u razredu. (Marko is the tallest in the class.)
Ana je najpametnija u porodici. (Ana is the smartest in the family.)
Ova slika je najlepša u galeriji. (This picture is the most beautiful in the gallery.)

In these examples, we can see how the superlative adjectives are used to describe the highest degree of a certain quality. Note that the noun being described is in the same case as the adjective.

Regional Variations and Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]

It is important to note that there can be regional variations in the usage of comparative and superlative adjectives in Serbian. For example, in some dialects, the prefix "naj-" is not used to form the superlative, and instead, the suffix "-ši" is added directly to the base form of the adjective. Additionally, there may be variations in the pronunciation of certain adjectives.

In Serbian culture, expressing comparisons is a common practice in everyday conversations. People often compare things like height, intelligence, beauty, and many other qualities. It is considered polite to use the comparative form of adjectives when making comparisons, as it shows respect and acknowledges the differences between things or people. Superlative adjectives are used to emphasize the highest degree of a certain quality and are often used to praise or highlight someone or something.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of comparative and superlative adjectives in Serbian. Solutions and explanations will be provided after each exercise.

Exercise 1: Forming Comparative Adjectives For each adjective given, form the comparative adjective in Serbian.

Example: visok (tall) → viši (taller)
lep (beautiful) → lepši (more beautiful)
pametan (smart) → ___________
jak (strong) → ___________
bogat (rich) → ___________

Exercise 2: Forming Superlative Adjectives For each adjective given, form the superlative adjective in Serbian.

Example: visok (tall) → najviši (tallest)
lep (beautiful) → najlepši (most beautiful)
pametan (smart) → ___________
jak (strong) → ___________
bogat (rich) → ___________

Exercise 3: Translating Sentences Translate the following sentences from English to Serbian, using the appropriate form of comparative or superlative adjectives.

Example: This book is more interesting than that one.
Ova knjiga je interesantnija od one.

This car is faster than mine.
Ana is the smartest person I know.
That movie is the best I've ever seen.

Solutions[edit | edit source]

Exercise 1: Forming Comparative Adjectives

pametan (smart) → pametniji (smarter)
jak (strong) → jači (stronger)
bogat (rich) → bogatiji (richer)

Exercise 2: Forming Superlative Adjectives

pametan (smart) → najpametniji (smartest)
jak (strong) → najjači (strongest)
bogat (rich) → najbogatiji (richest)

Exercise 3: Translating Sentences

Ovaj auto je brži od mog.
Ana je najpametnija osoba koju poznajem.
Taj film je najbolji koji sam ikada gledao.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives in Serbian. This knowledge will greatly enhance your ability to describe and compare things in everyday conversations. Keep practicing and incorporating these forms into your speaking and writing, and soon you will become even more proficient in Serbian. Good luck!

Table of Contents - Serbian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Course Presentation

Introduction to Serbian Grammar

Introduction to Serbian Vocabulary

Introduction to Serbian Culture

Pronouns: Possessive Pronouns

Shopping

Sports and Recreation

Adjectives: Declension

Jobs and Professions

Literature and Poetry

Verbs: Conditional

Entertainment and Media

Art and Artists

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

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