Language/Bosnian/Vocabulary/Greetings-and-Introductions
As a Bosnian language teacher for over 20 years, I have found that mastering basic greetings and introductions is key to starting any conversation in Bosnian. Whether you plan to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina or simply want to surprise Bosnian friends with your language skills, learning to greet people and introduce yourself is a great place to start. In this lesson, I will provide you with essential Bosnian phrases and cultural information to help you feel confident in your interactions with Bosnian speakers.
Basic Greetings
When meeting someone for the first time, saying hello and introducing yourself is the standard protocol. Try practicing the following phrases:
| Bosnian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Zdravo | zdrah-voh | Hello (informal) |
| Dobar dan | doh-bahr dahn | Good afternoon/day (formal) |
| Dobro veče | doh-broh veh-chay | Good evening (formal) |
| Hvala | hvah-lah | Thank you |
| Molim | moh-leem | Please |
As a newcomer to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may find that locals are eager to engage in conversation with you. In response to their initial greeting, consider using one of the following common responses:
- Pozdrav! - Greetings!
- Kako si? - How are you? (informal)
- Kako ste? - How are you? (formal)
- Dobro sam, hvala. A vi? - I'm fine, thank you. And you? (formal)
Introducing Yourself
After greeting someone, it's natural to introduce yourself. Here are some phrases you can use to introduce yourself to others:
| Bosnian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ja sam... | yah sahm... | My name is... |
| Drago mi je | drah-goh mee yay | Nice to meet you |
| Odakle ste? | oh-dah-kleh steh | Where are you from? (formal) |
| Iz koje si ti države? | eez koh-yeh see tee dhr-zhah-veh | Which country are you from? (informal) |
When answering questions about yourself, you may want to include some additional information, such as your occupation or hobbies. Here are some sample phrases:
| Bosnian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Radim kao... | rah-deem kao... | I work as... |
| Volim... | vo-leem... | I like... |
Social Etiquette
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it's important to be aware of the local customs and social etiquette. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- When greeting someone, it's customary to shake hands and make eye contact.
- Address elders and people in positions of authority with proper respect (gospodin for men and gospođa for women).
- It's considered rude to interrupt someone while they're speaking.
- When meeting someone for the first time, avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics and religion.
Conclusion
By mastering basic greetings and introductions in Bosnian, you'll be able to connect with locals and make a positive impression. In addition to these common phrases, try practicing other conversational topics such as asking for directions, ordering food, or discussing the weather. Remember to stay positive, speak slowly and clearly, and make an effort to understand and appreciate the Bosnian culture.
Related Lessons
- Food
- Directions
- Count to 10
- Food and Drink
- Transportation
- Weather and Climate
- Transportation and Travel
- Months of the year
- Numbers and Counting
Sources