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Being hungry in Serbian comes with sound effects — and usually a dramatic comment or two. If lunch is late or dinner’s still simmering, you’re bound to hear something witty and over the top. Hunger, after all, is a serious business in Serbia.
In this article, we’re digging into the most common things people say when they’re running on empty — and helping you sound just as local when your stomach starts to complain.
Yes, Serbs get loud when in need of some grub — and it’s not just their bellies rumbling. Food here isn’t just fuel; it’s a big part of culture and social life. Sharing meals with family and friends adds a rich flavor to everyday life, and that’s probably why people often cook way more than needed. You never know when someone might drop by.
And just like Serbian cuisine, the expressions you’re about to see are fun, colorful, and sometimes a little spicy. Dig in!
First up, this is a straightforward, no-nonsense way to say you’re hungry in Serbian — no drama (yet). Just mind the gender:
Example:
Gladna sam. Hoćeš da naručimo dostavu?
(I’m hungry. Do you want to order delivery?)
Want to emphasize just how hungry you are? Throw in baš — a tiny word with a powerful punch. It’s the Serbian way to turn up the volume on any feeling, especially hunger.
Example:
Baš sam gladan!
(I’m really hungry!)
This super casual phrase is how many Serbs check what’s cooking — often as they step into the kitchen, sniffing the air, or peeking under the pot lid.
By the way, klopa is a Serbian slang word. It’s the same thing as hrana (food), but it sounds so much more relaxed.
Example:
Mamaaa, šta ima za klopu?
(Mooom, what’s there to eat?)
Craving a sugar boost? This one’s a crown jewel in your foodie phrase arsenal. It’s also the favorite of Serbian kids, who’d rather spoil their teeth with cakes, cookies, and all kinds of desserts than anything else.
Example:
Child: Mama, ima li nešto slatko?
(Mom, is there something sweet?)
Mom: Ima jabuka.
(There’s an apple.)
Child: *cries in Serbian*
Now, let’s get specific. When you’ve got a particular dish stuck in your mind, this is the phrase to reach for: Jede mi se… Then add the treat you’re craving: ćevapi, burek, sarma — whatever tickles your taste buds.
Example: Jede mi se pljeskavica. A tebi?
(I feel like eating a Serbian burger. What about you?)
When hunger hits hard, no words are necessary — the concert in your belly says it all. Still, Serbian folks love to drive the point home. That’s why they’ll tell you loud and clear: Krče mi creva!
Example:
Krče mi creva a frižider je prazan.
(My stomach is growling, but the fridge is empty.)
Time to get dramatic!! Umirem od gladi means I’m dying of hunger, so it’s the perfect way to exaggerate just how ravenous you feel. Use it when your stomach is growling louder than a Balkan brass band, and you want to let everyone know it’s not just hunger — it’s an emergency!
Example:
Umirem od gladi, hajde da spremimo nešto brzo!
(I’m starving, let’s cook something quick!)
Looking for easy Serbian recipes? Check out this article and bring the flavors of Serbian cuisine right to your kitchen.
No need to howl at the moon — just let everyone know you’re as hungry as a wolf! It’s bold, a bit dramatic, and totally relatable, especially after a long day or a whiff of fresh burek from the corner bakery. Say this, and people will know you’re ready to demolish a full plate (or three).
Example:
Gladna sam kao vuk, jedva čekam ručak!
(I’m hungry like a wolf — I can’t wait for lunch!)
With the main dish out of the way, it’s time for dessert. Here are more Serbian phrases and idioms related to hunger and food.
This colorful expression paints quite the picture — not just a hungry person, but a whole year of hunger packed into one appetite. It’s usually said with a chuckle, teasing someone who’s really going to town on their meal. As a result, you’ll often hear it at family lunches when someone’s cleaning their plate like there’s no tomorrow.
Example:
Vidi ga — jede kao gladna godina!
(Look at him — he’s eating like a hungry year!)
A few pecks here, a few crumbs there — this phrase fits those who barely touch their plate. Serbian grandmas often use it, worried you’re not eating enough to fuel a whole day. It carries a mix of concern and gentle teasing when someone skips seconds (or thirds).
Example:
Jedeš kao ptica. Hoćeš da ti baka spremi nešto drugo?
(You’re eating like a bird. Do you want grandma to cook something different?)
This one’s for the picky eaters who turn their noses up at peas and beg for a hamburger. Serbian parents fed up with mealtime battles use this phrase with a hint of passive-aggressive humor. It’s their way of saying that it’s not hunger causing the fuss — it’s attitude.
Example:
Daughter: Neću kupus. Daj mi čips.
(I don’t want the cabbage. Give me potato chips.)
Dad: Ti nisi gladna, ti si besna!
(You’re not hungry — you’re greedy)
Finally, you know how to say you’re hungry in Serbian, so don’t keep it bottled up — let everyone know! Bonus points if you throw in a loud sigh here and there. If you’re loud enough, someone might offer a bite or even invite you to a dinner party — you never know.
Ready to become deliciously fluent? Our new Intermediate Course is packed with practical lessons, cultural tidbits, tips to sharpen your skills, and so much more. Get it now, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Planning to move to Serbia or experience Balkan life for a few months? Either way, get ready for decadent flavors, amazing coffee, and countless opportunities
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1 Response
This is great! I’m trying to learn food vocabulary since I will travel through Serbia later this summer on a bike tour.