Serbia is loud, fun, chaotic and completely unfiltered. That’s why we love it. But whether you are necking rakija in Belgrade or getting lost on the night trains across the Balkans, knowing a few essential Serbian phrases will take you far.
And I’m not talking Duolingo owl nonsense. I’m talking about the real phrases Serbs actually use. The ones that get you respect in a kafana or save your ass when your bus randomly disappears.
This is the ultimate guide to Serbian phrases. Learn them. Use them and by god abuse them!!!
Why learning Serbian phrases matters
Serbia is not like Western Europe. People are warm but blunt. They will be shocked if you sit in silence or try to speak to them in English without at least making an effort. Serbian phrases are your key to opening doors, making friends and surviving weird situations that only happen in the Balkans. Trust me, knowing how to say “two beers please” or “where the hell is the bus” is more useful than asking for a museum ticket.
Also, Serbs respect people who try to speak their language. Screw it up and they’ll still appreciate the effort. Just don’t be surprised if they respond in perfect English anyway. It’s not a test. It’s a Balkan thing.

Basic Serbian phrases to not sound like a total tourist
- Hello – Zdravo (Здраво)
- Goodbye – Doviđenja (Довиђења)
- Yes – Da (Да)
- No – Ne (Не)
- Please – Molim (Молим)
- Thank you – Hvala (Хвала)
- You’re welcome – Nema na čemu (Нема на чему)
- Excuse me – Izvinite (Извините)
- I don’t understand – Ne razumem (Не разумем)
- Do you speak English? – Govorite li engleski? (Говорите ли енглески?)
Learn these Serbian phrases and you’ll instantly go from random tourist to someone they’re willing to actually talk to.
Essential drinking Serbian phrases
If you’re in Serbia and not drinking rakija, then frankly, what are you doing with your life? Drinking is practically a national sport, and the rituals around it matter.
- Cheers – Živeli (Живели)
- One beer please – Jedno pivo, molim (Једно пиво, молим)
- Another one – Još jedno (Још једно)
- I am drunk – Pijan sam (Пијан сам)
- This rakija is strong – Ova rakija je jaka (Ова ракија је јака)
Knowing these Serbian phrases will not only get you drinks faster but might just earn you a place at the table with locals.
Getting around with Serbian phrases
Transport is chaotic. Schedules are more suggestions than rules. Your best weapon is Serbian phrases.
- Where is the bus station? – Gde je autobuska stanica? (Где је аутобуска станица?)
- Is this the train to Novi Sad? – Da li je ovo voz za Novi Sad? (Да ли је ово воз за Нови Сад?)
- How much is the ticket? – Koliko košta karta? (Колико кошта карта?)
- I want to go to Belgrade – Hoću da idem za Beograd (Хоћу да идем за Београд)
- This isn’t my stop – Ovo nije moja stanica (Ово није моја станица)
A few well-placed Serbian phrases and you’ll look less like a confused foreigner and more like someone who knows their way around Balkan chaos.
Serbian phrases for awkward and funny moments
This is the fun bit. Real Serbian phrases you’ll hear shouted in taxis, muttered in bars or whispered after someone spills rakija on your shoes.
- What the hell? – Šta je ovo, bre? (Шта је ово, бре?)
- Are you serious? – Ozbiljno? (Озбиљно?)
- No problem – Nema problema (Нема проблема)
- Chill out – Opusti se (Опусти се)
- I have no idea – Nemam pojma (Немам појма)
These are the Serbian phrases you’ll pick up after a few days and end up using for life.
Serbian curse words and how to swear like a local
Let’s be real. You don’t speak a language until you know how to swear in it. And in Serbia, swearing is both an art and a daily routine. You’ll hear it on the street, in cafes and especially during football matches. Use with caution. Or don’t.
- Jebi ga (Јеби га) – Fuck it
- Jebi se (Јеби се) – Fuck you
- Kurac (Курац) – Dick
- Pička (Пичка) – Pussy (can also be used like “shit” or “damn”)
- Majku ti jebem (Мајку ти јебем) – I fucked your mother (nuclear level insult)
- Sranje (Срање) – Shit
- Govno (Говно) – Crap
- Idi dođavola (Иди дођавола) – Go to hell
- U kurac (У курац) – Go to hell, literally “into the dick”
- Marš! (Марш!) – Get lost
Use these Serbian phrases when needed or when you want to shock a friend. Just don’t shout them in front of someone’s grandma. Unless she starts first.

Surviving Serbia with Serbian phrases
The point of learning Serbian phrases isn’t to sound perfect. You won’t. And no one expects you to. But knowing how to order food, ask for directions, shout at a dodgy taxi driver or toast in a kafana gives you an edge. It also shows respect.
Serbia rewards effort. Say “Živeli” right and you’re in. Say “Hvala” instead of just grunting and you’ll get a smile. Learn a few more and people might even buy you a drink.
So whether you’re rolling into Belgrade, partying in Niš or sweating on a broken train to Montenegro, Serbian phrases are your best tool for surviving and thriving in the Balkans.
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