Ready to spend a beautiful time in Bosnia but don’t know how to spell out some of the common and short Bosnian phrases? Well, don’t worry. If you are here to learn some basic phrases in the Bosnian language, you have hit the jackpot. With all the must-know phrases in the South Slavic language to correct pronunciations, you will get to learn everything in this blog today!
I know learning a new language can be a big hassle. Especially if you have only a short period left before you start your journey! However, it is not impossible and is absolutely essential. Although Bosnian people are not foreign to the English language, in most homestays and guest houses, you will find only local language-speaking people. Most people speak Bosnian, and you will get overwhelmed if you end up with no idea about their language. Hence, you must mug up at least a few words and phrases that the locals use in daily life.
Learning a language is not only an asset for yourself, but it is also a way of showing respect for their culture and language. Bosnian people love to see new people getting accustomed to their native culture. So, if you go packed with some daily fluent phrases, you will surely impress all the locals! If you are interested, let’s get started!
The Bosnian Language
Before we jump into the words and phrases, let us have a glance at the nature of the Bosnian language.
The Bosnian language belongs to the South Slavic group of the Slavic language branch of the Indo-European language family. When Yugoslavia got divided, the official language known as the Serbo-Croatian, the then language of the Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, and Montenegrins, split into three distinct languages. Croatia got its Croatian language, Serbia got its Serbian language, and Bosnia got Bosnian language. However, even though all three nations have quite different cultures and practices now, their language still shares a common sound system, vocabulary, and grammar. So, if you are known to any of the two languages, Bosnian can become a little easier for you.
The Bosnian language has a complex dialect and is the same for the other two languages. However, it is said that Bosnia is still much easier to learn and write than the other Slavic languages and is not impossible. Although Bosnian might sound complicated if you speak English as your native language, many language learners find it quite rewarding and interesting.
Especially when it comes to tourist needs, you don’t have to struggle a lot. The sentence structure of the Bosnian language is quite easy and simple. You just need to place the right words, and the locals will understand you. Only the accent and some letters in the Bosnian alphabet can sound complicated, but if you want to learn, you can surely do so. Being in a foreign country, knowing some of the basic phrases will become an asset for you to tour around without worrying about the language barrier. In case you want to learn Bosnian from its roots and become a pro speaker, you can check out the Ling app!
Short Bosnian Phrases
Now let us get into the short phrases that will help you communicate easily with the locals and let you have a relaxing trip in Bosnia. I have divided the phrases under specific categories so that it is easy for you to learn and look for the ones that you need urgently. So, let’s get started.
Basic Greeting Phrases
Without any doubt, the first list of phrases will cover the basic greeting phrases, which you can use as soon as you get to your homestay. Since most owners speak only Bosnian, this will help you introduce yourself and get acquainted. Doing so will impress the owners on the very first meet, which can bring in a lot of extra benefits.
Socialising Bosnian Phrases
After you are done strolling around the city, you can come home and join the locals. Locals usually sit around a bonfire or with a cup of tea in the evening on their lawns and share their stories. So, if you want to have a wholesome time, learn these phrases to be able to interact and share your thoughts with the locals.
Mealtime Basic Phrases
Another set of useful phrases is for mealtime. Since you are new to the country and its rules, you will have some confusion regarding food items, lunchtime, or even the type of food that you want to have. So, to make things easier, here are some basic questions and answers list that will make your mealtime perfect.
Short Shopping Phrases
As a tourist, you are bound to buy a lot of things in the foreign market. So, to help you bargain the best and find the perfect pieces for you and your family, this section is filled with all the essential shopping phrases that you will need. Learn them to have an amazing shopping spree.
Emergency Bosnian Phrases
Before we conclude, you must learn some emergency phrases. You never know when there might be a crisis. So, to make quick access to help at urgent times possible, here are some phrases that will work for you.
General Short Bosnian Phrases
To make things more inclusive, here is a list of some common and general short phrases that you can use as you see fit.
| English | Bosnian | Sound |
| Take care | Čuvaj se | |
| Let’s go | Idemo | |
| Are you ready? | Da li si spreman? | |
| What’s up? | Šta ima? | |
| Hold on | Čekaj | |
| Have fun | Zabavi se | |
| Happy journey | Sretan put | |
| See you | Vidimo se |
Learn With Ling App!
Phew! I know that was a lot to take in. From learning mealtime phrases to emergencies, it is not a day’s work to retain all of that. However, if you keep up with your regular practice, you will surely become fluent in the language before your journey. In case you want to learn more for a safer and more exciting trip, download the Ling app from App Store or Play Store.
Ling is one of the best language learning apps that have content in 60+ languages, covering different topics like food, culture, polite lines, travel, etc. All you have to do is download the app and get access to all the special features that will help you become a pro-Bosnian speaker.
The best part of the app is the AI Chatbot that gives interactive lessons. It will improve your communication and also help you retain as much as you need. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Ling app now!
