Lesson 13. Yes, no, thank you, please

Today we’ll learn helper words. With them you can say a lot and stay polite.

Yes and no

Easy — just like in Russian.

Thank you

Please

Here’s an important point. The Serbian word molim has several uses:

1. “Please” (when you’re asking for something):

2. “You’re welcome” (in reply to “thank you”):

3. “Pardon?” (polite “what did you say?”):

Sorry (informal and formal)

A short dialogue

The word izvolite is used when something is being handed to you (“here, take it”). You’ll remember it on its own.

Exercises

Exercise 1

A friend gave you a candy. What do you say?

Da.Hvala!Molim?

Show explanation

Hvala! — “Thank you!” The word Molim? here would mean “Pardon?”, and Da. means “Yes.”

Exercise 2

You didn't catch what the teacher said. Which Serbian word fits?

Ne.Molim?Izvinite!

Show explanation

Molim? — a polite “Pardon?” / “Could you repeat, please?” Izvinite? — “Excuse me?” — also works.

Exercise 3

How do you say “Thank you very much” in Serbian? Two options.

Show answer

Hvala lepo. or Hvala puno. Both mean “thank you very much.”

Exercise 4

Mom gave you water. First you ask for it, then you thank her. Write two Serbian sentences.

Show answer

— Molim vodu. (Water, please.) — Hvala! (Thank you!)

Exercise 5

Translate: Izvinite, kako se zovete?

Show answer

“Excuse me, what’s your name?” — a polite way to address an adult.

Lesson vocabulary

Da (Да)

— yes

Ne (Не)

— no

Hvala (Хвала)

— thank you

Hvala lepo (Хвала лепо)

— thank you very much

Molim (Молим)

— please; pardon?

Izvini (Извини)

— sorry (informal)

Izvinite (Извините)

— excuse me / I'm sorry (polite)

Izvolite (Изволите)

— here you go