Are you into medieval fortresses that have seen more action than a blockbuster movie? Perhaps Brutalist creations that look ready to launch into space are
Sanja Markovic
February 27, 2025
Think Serbian is 100% Slavic? Think again. Turkish words in Serbian are everywhere, and locals use them daily without even realizing it! These words, rooted in the Ottoman era, have stuck around for centuries, giving everyday speech a unique twist.
But don’t worry — you don’t need a history lesson. Just check out our list and add a dash of Turkish flavor to your Serbian vocabulary!
As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, Serbian has borrowed quite a bit from French and German. But Turkish words are even more present in everyday life. After all, Ottoman rule over the Balkans didn’t only influence Serbian culture and cuisine. It also left its mark on the language.
As a result, reaching fluency means picking up (and using) Turkish words in Serbian (turcizmi). Here are the top examples to get you started!
Few are the things that Serbs love more than a good cup of coffee. As it turns out, the word kafa comes from the Turkish kahve. Interestingly, the most popular type of coffee in Serbia is turska kafa (Turkish coffee) — a strong, rich brew made by boiling finely ground coffee.
Example:
Ne mogu da započnem dan bez kafe.
(I can’t start my day without coffee.)
If you have a sweet tooth, this one’s for you. Šećer, meaning sugar, is another Turkish word in Serbian (tur. şeker). Thanks to Ottoman influence, this word has stuck around and now adds a touch of sweetness to everything from your morning coffee to those delicious Serbian desserts.
Example:
Izbegavam šećer jer želim da se zdravije hranim.
(I avoid sugar because I want to eat healthier.)
Whenever you enter a pastry shop, restaurant, or kafana in Serbia, you are a mušterija. This word comes from the Turkish müşteri, and means customer.
Example:
Mušterije su se žalile na duge redove.
(Customers complained about the long lines.)
Generally, you can expect top-notch service in Serbian cafes and eateries. In return, it’s good manners to leave a tip, although it’s not mandatory.
They live next door or down the street and can be your closest friend or worst enemy. Yes, we’re talking about your neighbor, or in Serbian — komšija (male) and komšinica (female).
Example:
Jutros sam svratila kod komšinice na kafu i trač partiju.
(This morning, I stopped by my neighbor’s for coffee and a gossip session.)
Want to know why Serbs have a love-hate relationship with their neighbors? Check out this article.
Comfort is key, and Serbs know it well — especially when lounging around the house. The word papuča comes from the Turkish papuç and refers to a slipper. This cozy footwear symbolizes homey warmth, so hosts often offer guests a pair when they come inside and take off their shoes.
Example:
Obuj papuče da se ne prehladiš.
(Put on your slippers so you don’t catch a cold.)
By the way, this word has a different meaning in Serbian slang. When someone calls a man a papuča, it means he’s too submissive and easily controlled by his wife or girlfriend, or in plain English — totally whipped.
Hajde (or ajde) is one of those words Serbs use all the time. It’s super versatile and can mean anything from come on to let’s go and hurry up. As such, it’s your go-to phrase to encourage someone to do something or do it faster.
Example:
Hajde, razvedri se. Biće sve u redu.
(Come on, cheer up. Everything will be alright.)
It’s hard to say why Serbs love their cigarettes (cigarete) so much, but to this day, most cafes, bars, and restaurants allow smoking. In any case, the word duvan (tobacco) comes from the Turkish language, and it often refers to all tobacco products — cigars, cigarettes, and others.
So, if you’re trying to quit smoking (ostaviti pušenje), you can also put it this way — ostaviti duvan (quit tobacco).
Example:
Odlučio je da ostavi duvan i krene u teretanu.
(He decided to quit smoking and start going to the gym.)
Violence is never the answer, but not long ago, spanking or ear-pulling was a perfectly acceptable way to discipline unruly children. Likewise, parents and even teachers would resort to a šamar (slap in the face) to punish naughty kids. Luckily, those days are behind us, and most people are against corporal punishment.
Example:
Najveća drama na dodeli Oskara nije bio film, već šamar.
(The biggest drama at the Oscars wasn’t a movie but a slap.)
No one likes it, but paying bills is a reality of adult life. Those who aren’t lucky enough to own a home also have to fork out extra dough each month. In Serbian, rent is kirija and comes from the Turkish kira.
Example:
Moram da platim kiriju do prvog u mesecu.
(I must pay the rent by the first of the month.)
If you can only try one pastry in Serbia, make it burek. Flaky, crispy, and flavorful, burek is a staple of Serbian bakeries. But did you know that this meaty delight (and its name) originates from Turkey?
Example:
Nema boljeg doručka od bureka i jogurta!
(There’s no better breakfast than burek and yogurt!)
Incidentally, the word jogurt is also borrowed from the Turkish language, just like many other foods — sarma, kajmak, ajvar, etc.
Are you superstitious? In Serbia, anything that brings bad luck is a baksuz. In addition to that, you can describe an unlucky person with the same word.
Example:
Baš sam baksuz — svaki put kad operem auto, padne kiša.
(I have the worst luck — every time I wash my car, it rains.)
Feeling inspired by the Turkish words in Serbian you just picked up? There’s plenty more where that came from! Serbian is full of quirks and surprises, so the deeper you dive, the more fun you’ll have.
Ready to level up? Join our Serbian online lessons and take your language skills to new heights!
Are you into medieval fortresses that have seen more action than a blockbuster movie? Perhaps Brutalist creations that look ready to launch into space are
Think Serbian is 100% Slavic? Think again. Turkish words in Serbian are everywhere, and locals use them daily without even realizing it! These words, rooted