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Would you like to add a dash of romance to your Serbian practice? Then, it’s time to learn about French words in Serbian.
Whether French is the most beautiful language out there is debatable. Still, it certainly has that Je ne sais quoi quality that can spice things up left and right.
Like the sound of that? Here are the most common French words that made their way into your favorite Balkan language.
First, if you’re wondering what French has to do with Serbian, the answer’s — plenty. Indeed, tons of vocab that we use in Serbian come from the French language, and for your reference, these words are known as galicizmi (gallicism).
Why should that matter to you as a learner, though? As expected from the language of love, many of those words are romantic, passionate — even sexy. More importantly, we use them in everyday conversations.
If that got you interested, dive into our list!
Do you feel like you’ve already read this article? Then, you’re probably experiencing what Serbs call deža vi. Just like in French (and English), this phrase depicts a false sense that you already had that exact conversation or that you’ve seen that old guy cross the street.
Actually, even though the correct term in Serbian is deža vi you’re more likely to hear people say deža vu in an everyday setting. The bottom line is you can use either since both forms will get your point across just the same.
For your info, here’s a Serbian expression that means the same but doesn’t sound as fancy — već viđeno (literally: already seen).
If you’ve got a knack for operating fancy cars and don’t mind giving rides to the wealthy, becoming a personal driver might be right up your alley. Or, if you’re more into larger vehicles, driving a bus could be your dream job. Interestingly, both professions share the same French-inspired term in Serbian — šofer.
So, what’s the difference between vozač (driver) and šofer? While vozač refers to anyone behind the wheel, a šofer does it for a living.
Example:
Ne možeš da budeš šofer ako nemaš vozačku dozvolu.
(You can’t be a chauffeur if you don’t have a driver’s license.)
If you’re a bookworm, chances are you pick up a good roman (novel) daily. Coming from the French un roman, it’s a favorite pastime for many people, but also a great way to learn a language. With that in mind, if you’d like to dive into Serbian literature, check out our recommended authors.
Example:
Ovaj roman me je potpuno očarao svojom pričom i likovima.
(This novel completely captivated me with its story and characters.)
Now, let’s talk makeup. What do you call the thing you daub onto your lips to give them some color? Yup, we’re talking about lipstick or karmin in Serbian. Another word for it is ruž, which comes from the French rouge (red).
Example:
Taj ruž ti stoji savršeno.
(That lipstick looks perfect on you.)
Those who like their alcohol strong may go for rakija. If you have a sweet tooth, though, it’s better to opt for liker (liqueur). Often fruity, sometimes herbal, and always delicious, these alcoholic beverages are perfect for peeps who like to get buzzed with style. Yes, even getting drunk can feel posh when you add a bit of French into the mix.
Example:
Ovaj liker od maline je predivan. Sipaj mi još jednu čašicu.
(This raspberry liqueur is marvelous. Pour me another shot.)
Where there’s alcohol, there’s also a party. Derived from jour, žurka is any event with music and dancing — birthday party (rođendanska žurka), New Year’s party (novogodišnja žurka) — you name it. If you’re a fan of partying, you can learn frequently used slang related to going out in this article.
Example:
Ako želiš da upoznaš nove ljude, ova žurka je savršena prilika.
(If you want to meet new people, this party is the perfect opportunity.)
Whether you like flowers or not, you’ve either received or gifted a buket (flower bouquet) at least once in your life. Indeed, flower arrangements are some of the go-to presents, and seeing their romantic nature, it’s no wonder that the word comes from French of all languages.
Example:
Dao sam joj buket ruža i čestitao rođendan.
(I gave her a rose bouquet and wished her a happy birthday.)
Unsurprisingly, the most charming word out there hails from French. Yes, we’re talking about šarm (charm) — one of the most sought-after qualities.
While we’re on the subject, you can enrich your word bank with derivates like šarmantno (charming) or šarmirati (to charm or dazzle someone). As you may expect, all these come in handy when you wish to praise or compliment someone.
Example:
Njen šarm je neodoljiv.
(Her charm is irresistible.)
Of course, the Serbian word for perfume comes from the land of fragrance. Similar to English (and many other languages), Serbs call it parfem.
Technically, you can use the word miris in the same context. Still, it’s best to stick with parfem since the alternative is a tad outdated and much less sophisticated.
Example:
Stavila je omiljeni parfem izašla napolje.
(She put on her favorite perfume and went out.)
Last but not least, let’s talk about the pastry that’s so French that it practically sings La Marseillaise with every bite: kroasan (croissant). Flaky, buttery, and oh-so-irresistible, these baked goods are some of the finest things that came from France right into our bakeries — and our language.
Example:
Svako jutro počinjem sa svežim kroasanom i šoljom kafe.
(I start every morning with a fresh croissant and a cup of coffee.)
Finally, it’s time to bid au revoir to this topic. That, however, doesn’t mean that you should stop here. On the contrary! Our list is just the beginning, so it’s up to you to keep an eye out for French words in Serbian and add them to your word bank.
Want to take a step (or ten) further? Our Serbian Worksheet booklet will help with that. On top of vocabulary lists, it contains grammar lessons, listening, and written exercises — all in one place. Download it today, and take your Serbian to the next level!
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