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Do you ever struggle to understand what Serbian people are saying? Is it all Greek to you? Then, you might be onto something! As it turns out, there are tons of Greek words in Serbian that locals use without a second thought.
Ready to uncover these linguistic gems from the land of olives and sun? Let’s go!
No language is an island — especially not Serbian! Seriously, loanwords get tossed around like hot ćevapi at a backyard barbecue, spicing up everyday talk. If you’re curious about other linguistic flavors, check out our articles on Italian, French, German, and Turkish loanwords.
But today, let’s feast on the words we borrowed from Greek — and never gave back!
You may think škola (school) sounds purely Slavic, but surprise — it’s got Greek roots! It comes from scholē, which once meant leisure or rest. Fast forward a few centuries, and now it means dragging yourself out of bed at 7 a.m. Nice rebrand, right?
Example:
Moja sestra ide u muzičku školu.
(My sister goes to music school.)
Energija is one of those words that sounds the same in half of Europe — and yep, it’s Greek in origin! By the way, if you’re wondering where Serbian folks get their energy boost, it’s usually from socializing over endless cups of strong coffee at a local kafić (cafe).
Example:
Njena pozitivna energija je zarazna.
(Her positive energy is contagious.)
Imagine someone staring blankly, mouth slightly open, without a single thought behind their eyes — that’s exactly what this verb captures. But heads up: it’s often used critically, like when parents scold their kids for zoning out.
Example:
Po ceo dan bleneš u telefon. Bolje pročitaj neku knjigu
(You’re staring at your phone all day. Better read a book instead.)
There’s also a stronger — and slightly more insulting — fixed phrase: blenuti kao tele u šarena vrata (to stare like a baby cow at a colorful door). It might sound funny, but if someone hits you with this one, it’s probably your cue to snap out of it.
Ever been to a Serbian home and seen a picture of a saint on the wall next to an incense burner? That’s ikona — an art form of the Orthodox Church. If you’re curious, you can admire some breathtaking examples in any church in the country or even spot one in your friend’s living room watching over the slava feast.
But these days, ikona has gone beyond church walls. It’s used to describe celebrities, style stars, and anyone who’s …well, iconic.
Example:
Britni Spirs i dalje važi za jednu od najvećih pop ikona svih vremena.
Britney Spears is still considered one of the greatest pop icons of all time.
Lastly, what do you call small symbols on computer screens? It’s not ikona, but ikonica — a little icon.
Now let’s head to the kitchen. Among all the pans, pots, and cutlery, there’s always one oversized spoon that steals the show — kutlača (ladle). Your baba uses it not only to serve up delicious soups and stews that warm the soul but also to lovingly threaten anyone who doesn’t finish their plate.
Example:
Sipaj mi još jednu kutlaču gulaša.
(Pour me another ladle of goulash.)
We’ve already written about tiny words in Serbian that pack a punch, like baš and bre. Opa is another three-letter wonder — short, but potent. Depending on how you say it, it can show surprise, celebration, or a bit of playful sass.
Trip over a chair and nearly spill your coffee? Opa! Close call. Your neighbor shows off a shiny new car? Opa, nice car! Lift a heavy bag like a champ? Yup — opa gets the job done there too.
Example: (your friend has a new hairstyle)
Opa! Baš ti lepo stoji.
(Wow! It looks great on you.)
Want to kick it up a notch? Say opa bato (whoa, brother) when you’re really surprised or impressed.
One of the more ominous Greek words in Serbian, đavo, translates to devil. But don’t be fooled — it’s not just for church sermons or horror movies. Locals use it all the time in everyday speech, especially when emotions run high.
Example:
Koji ti je đavo?
(What the hell is wrong with you?)
It’s not exactly polite, but it’s far from the worst thing you’ll hear. Of course, Serbian has plenty of stronger language if you’re really fired up… but we’ve got an entire article on that topic.
You know that place where dreams take flight… and your patience goes to die? That’s aerodrom (airport). The word may sound modern, but it’s actually Greek at heart. Literally, it means air racetrack, which sounds more exciting than it actually is — unless you really like long lines and overpriced sandwiches.
Example:
Idem na aerodrom da pokupim sestru.
(I’m going to the airport to pick up my sister.)
With frugality on the rise and prices doing somersaults, being budget-savvy is practically a superpower. If you, too, love scoring a good deal, you’ll want to memorize the word jeftino (cheap).
Example:
Na pijaci uvek možeš naći jeftino voće i povrće.
(At the market, you can always find cheap fruits and veggies.)
By the way, if you’re looking to stretch your dinars while still having fun, check out our guide to thrifty living in Serbia.
And that’s a wrap on our big fat Greek word list! There are plenty more Greek words in Serbian worth discovering, but this selection is a great place to start. Add these gems to your language arsenal and sprinkle them into conversation whenever you can.
Not getting many chances to practice Serbian? No worries — join our group lessons and start chatting right away!
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
Like the Brits, Serbians love talking about the weather — mostly complaining! And just because you’re not from around here, there’s no reason not to
