Live group lessons start on May 5. Sign up until April 23 here.
How do you usually respond when someone asks Kako si? If your go-to answers are either dobro or loše, it might be time for a crash course on how to express emotions in Serbian.
Because, let’s face it — unless you’re a robot, you probably feel more than two things a day.
The good news? We’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to talk about your feelings in Serbian with way more nuance — and confidence.
Ready? Let’s get emotional!
We’ve already mentioned the magic question: Kako si? (How are you). But that’s just the beginning. There are plenty of other ways to ask how someone’s doing — and even more ways to answer. (In fact, we’ve got a whole article dedicated to that, packed with useful phrases.)
But today, we’re zooming in on feelings — one by one. Get ready to explore how to express emotions in Serbian with nuance, clarity, and sometimes a bit of drama.
When you’re happy, and you know it — say it in Serbian.
Srećan sam što sam te video
(I’m happy I saw you!)
Oduševljena sam tvojim poklonom.
(I’m thrilled with your gift.)
Presrećan sam što sam pobedio!
(I’m overjoyed that I won!)
U subotu idemo na skijanje. Jedva čekam!
(This Saturday, we’re going skiing. I can’t wait!)
🥳 skakati od sreće – jump out of happiness
Skakala sam od sreće kad sam položila ispit.
(I was jumping out of happiness when I passed the exam.)
Feeling blue? Then, you better let it out. Here’s how to say you’re sad in Serbian.
Tužan sam. / Tužna sam.
(I’m sad.)
Nešto sam utučena danas.
(I’m kinda bummed out today.)
Osećam se deprimirano u poslednje vreme.
(I’ve been feeling depressed lately.)
Ne znam šta da radim. Očajan sam.
(I don’t know what to do. I’m feeling hopeless.)
Baš sam se razočarala što nisam dobila nagradu.
(I was so disappointed because I didn’t get the reward.)
Celo jutro sam pravio tortu i na kraju sam je ispustio na pod. Plače mi se.
(I was making the cake the whole morning and then dropped it on the floor. I feel like crying.)
Ne znam šta mi je. Ceo dan sam bez veze.
(I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve been feeling meh all day.)
💔Sve su mi lađe potonule. – used when you feel like all hope is lost
(All my ships sank.)
Got a parking ticket? A neighbor is leaving trash in the hallway? Your mom told you to clean up your room? Whatever’s grinding your gears, don’t bottle it up. Here’s how to let it all out — Serbian style.
Ljut sam. / Ljuta sam.
(I’m angry.)
Pusti me. Besna sam.
(Leave me alone. I’m furious.)
Nemoj da me diraš. Nervozan sam.
(Don’t bother me. I’m feeling annoyed.)
Poludeću ako se ovo ponovi
(I’m going to lose it if this happens again!)
It’s no secret — Serbs have a knack for using strong language, especially when they’re fired up. While we’re keeping things clean here, feel free to check out our post on the top Serbian swear words (psovke) if you’re curious.
Can’t make heads or tails of something? Here’s what to say.
Zbunjen sam. / Zbunjena sam.
(I’m confused.)
Ne znam šta da mislim o svemu ovome.
(I don’t know what to make of all this.)
Didn’t sleep enough? Or maybe life’s just been a lot lately? Here’s how to say that you’re running low on energy.
Umoran sam. / Umorna sam
(I’m tired.)
Potpuno sam iscrpljena posle posla.
(I’m completely exhausted after work.)
Premoren sam, ne mogu više.
(I’m worn out, I can’t go on.)
Spava mi se ceo dan.
(I’ve been sleepy all day.)
Od jutros nisam stala. Raspadam se.
(I haven’t stopped since this morning. I’m falling apart.)
Sometimes, everything feels… meh. The show’s not funny, your phone’s out of memes, and even scrolling Instagram feels like a chore. When the excitement is MIA, Serbian has plenty of ways to say you’re bored out of your mind — and sound native while doing it.
Dosadno mi je, ‘ajde nešto da radimo.
(I’m bored, let’s do something.)
Ova žurka je baš smor.
(This party is such a buzzkill.)
Smorena sam, ništa se ne dešava.
(I’m bored, nothing’s going on.)
ubijati se od dosade – to be killing oneself with boredom
Svaki dan sedim kući i ubijam se od dosade. – a tad dramatic, but it gets the point across
(I stay home every day, and I’m dying of boredom).
Whenever you get the chills — and not from the weather — Serbian’s got the words for it.
Plašim se mraka.
(I’m scared of the dark.)
Bojim se da pitam.
(I’m afraid to ask.)
Naježila sam se kad sam čula tu priču.
(I got goosebumps when I heard that story.)
Umrla sam od straha kad je zagrmelo.
(I died from fear when the thunder struck.)
Life throws curveballs — sometimes it’s a surprise party, and other times it’s that electricity bill you forgot to pay. Either way, here’s how to express your emotions in Serbian.
Iznenađena sam što si došao
(I’m surprised you came!)
Bio sam šokiran kada sam to čuo.
(I was shocked when I heard that.)
Ne mogu da verujem šta se desilo!
(I can’t believe what happened!)
🙀 pasti na dupe – to fall on one’s butt (from surprise)
Pala sam na dupe kad sam videla cene u restoranu. – funny yet vivid way to express surprise
(I was floored when I saw the prices at the restaurant.)
Some things just turn your stomach — bad smells, slimy food, or someone chewing with their mouth open at a slava. How do you express it?
Zgađena sam tim mirisom
(I’m disgusted by that smell.)
Muka mi je kad pomislim na to.
(I feel like puking when I think about that.)
Bio sam zgrožen kada sam ušao u javni toalet.
(I was appalled when I entered the public toilet.)
Fuj, šta je ovo?
(Yuck, what is this?)
When your cheeks go red and your brain hits pause — that’s peak embarrassment. Serbian has the perfect words for those uh-oh moments.
Sramota me je da to priznam
(I’m ashamed to admit it.)
Neprijatno mi je kad me svi gledaju.
(I feel awkward when everyone’s looking at me.)
Ispala sam glupa pred celom ekipom.
(I made a fool of myself in front of the whole group.)
😳 propasti u zemlju – to sink into the ground (from embarrassment)
Propala sam u zemlju kada sam ušla u pogrešnu učionicu.
(I wanted to crawl into a hole when I entered the wrong classroom.)
You’ve eaten well, the sun’s out, and you’ve got nowhere to be — total chill mode activated. Here’s how to describe that relaxed vibe in Serbian.
Opušten sam danas, ništa mi ne smeta.
(I’m relaxed today, nothing’s bothering me.)
Smirena sam kad sam u prirodi.
(I feel calm when I’m in nature.)
Proveo sam vikend bez stresa.
(I spent the weekend stress-free.)
Uživam u miru i tišini.
(I’m enjoying the peace and quiet.)
You’ve probably noticed that Serbs aren’t afraid to show how they feel. And with this list, you won’t have to be either. Whether you’re thrilled, bummed out, or just meh — you can let everyone know. And don’t worry about oversharing because that’s the authentic way to express emotions in Serbian.
Ready for more? Sign up for our newsletter and get original Serbian worksheets for free! Study when and where it suits you, and level up your language skills at your own pace. Srećno!
If you’re someone who learns languages with a book in hand and a cup of tea or coffee nearby, this post is for you! Reading
Are you up for something steaming and soul-soothing? Then grab your spoon and get ready to dive into the delicious world of Balkan comfort food.
