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A1 noun 10 min de lectura

muškarac

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos muškarac en 30 segundos

Explicación muškarac in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that muškarac means 'man'. It is one of the first nouns you learn to describe people. You use it in simple sentences like 'On je muškarac' (He is a man). At this stage, focus on the basic nominative form and the plural 'muškarci'. You will see this word on signs for public restrooms and in basic reading exercises where you identify characters. It's a fundamental building block for your vocabulary. Don't worry too much about all the cases yet, just try to recognize the word when you see it. It's often paired with simple adjectives like 'visok' (tall) or 'mlad' (young). Knowing this word helps you distinguish between 'muškarac' (man) and 'žena' (woman), which is essential for basic communication. You might also hear it in the classroom when the teacher points to a picture of a man. It's a very common word, so you'll get plenty of practice with it early on. Remember, the plural is slightly different because the 'k' changes to 'c'. Just keep it simple and focus on identifying the gender of the person you're talking about. This word is the foundation for learning more complex social and grammatical structures later.

At the A2 level, you should start using muškarac in more varied sentences. You will learn to use the genitive and accusative form 'muškarca'. For example, 'Vidio sam muškarca u trgovini' (I saw a man in the shop). You'll also start combining it with possessive pronouns like 'moj' or 'tvoj'. You should be able to describe a man's appearance or profession in a basic way. You'll encounter the word in short stories or news snippets where a man is the subject of an action. Understanding the 'mobile a'—where the 'a' in 'rac' disappears in cases like 'muškarca'—is a key goal at this level. You'll also begin to see the difference between 'muškarac' and 'gospodin' (gentleman) and when to use each. In your writing, you can start using it to create more detailed descriptions of people. It's also a good time to practice the plural form 'muškarci' in sentences like 'Muškarci igraju nogomet' (The men are playing football). This level is about moving beyond just identifying the word to using it in everyday contexts and beginning to grasp its grammatical changes.

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By B1, you should be comfortable with most of the declensions of muškarac. You'll use it in complex sentences with multiple clauses. You'll also start to understand the cultural connotations of the word in Croatia, such as traditional views on masculinity. You might use it in discussions about social roles or in more detailed narratives. For example, 'Razgovarala sam s muškarcem koji radi u banci' (I talked with the man who works at the bank). You should be able to use the instrumental case 's muškarcem' and the dative 'muškarcu' correctly. At this level, you'll also encounter more idiomatic expressions and synonyms like 'tip' or 'frajer' and know when to use them versus the more neutral muškarac. Your listening skills should allow you to catch the word in fast-paced conversations or radio broadcasts. You'll also be expected to use the word correctly in longer written assignments, such as a biography or a description of a historical figure. This stage is about refining your usage and understanding the word's place in more sophisticated communication.

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At the B2 level, you use muškarac with a high degree of accuracy. You understand the subtle differences in tone when choosing between muškarac and its synonyms in various social registers. You can participate in debates about gender equality or social changes in Croatia using this word and its related forms. You'll encounter it in more academic or literary texts where it might be used metaphorically or to represent a certain archetype. Your grammar should be nearly perfect, including the correct use of the genitive plural 'muškaraca'. You can also use the word in more abstract contexts, such as 'idealni muškarac' (the ideal man) or 'moderni muškarac' (the modern man). At this stage, you're not just using the word to identify someone, but to express complex ideas and opinions. You'll also be aware of how the word has been used historically in Croatian literature and how those meanings might differ from contemporary usage. This level represents a transition from functional use to a more nuanced, expressive mastery of the word.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word muškarac and its place in the Croatian language and culture. You can use it in highly formal or specialized contexts, such as legal documents, sociological research, or literary analysis. You are familiar with archaic forms like the vocative 'muškarče' and can use it for stylistic effect. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how they relate to other Slavic languages. You can discuss the evolution of masculinity in Croatia with nuance, using the word to highlight specific historical or social shifts. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, and you can easily switch between formal and informal synonyms depending on the audience. You'll also be able to appreciate and analyze how the word is used in poetry or classical literature to convey deep emotional or philosophical themes. This level is about complete fluency and the ability to use the word as a tool for sophisticated, creative, and precise expression.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered muškarac in all its forms and contexts. You can use it with absolute precision in any situation, from a high-level academic lecture to a casual conversation in a local dialect. You are aware of the most subtle nuances and can use the word to create specific rhetorical effects. You can analyze the word's role in the development of the Croatian language over centuries and discuss its various dialectal variations. You are also familiar with the rarest idiomatic expressions and literary references involving the word. Your command of the word is so complete that you can play with its meaning and usage in creative writing or complex arguments. You understand the word not just as a linguistic unit, but as a reflection of the entire history and culture of the Croatian people. At this level, muškarac is just one of many words you use with effortless grace and profound understanding to navigate the complexities of the Croatian language at its highest level.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

muškarac en 30 segundos

Muškarac means 'man' in Croatian and is the standard term for an adult male.
It is a masculine noun that follows specific declension patterns, including the 'mobile a'.
The plural form is 'muškarci', showing a common consonant change in Croatian grammar.
It is used in all registers, from formal news reports to everyday informal conversations.

The Croatian word muškarac is the primary term used to denote an adult male human being. In its most basic sense, it corresponds directly to the English word 'man'. However, its usage in the Croatian language carries specific nuances that distinguish it from related terms like 'čovjek' (person/human) or 'muško' (male). When you use muškarac, you are specifically highlighting the gender of the individual. This is crucial in a language that is heavily gendered, where every noun, adjective, and many verb forms must agree with the gender of the subject.

Biological Context: In medical or biological discussions, muškarac identifies the sex of the subject, though 'muški spol' (male sex) is the more technical phrase.

Svaki muškarac u ovoj prostoriji mora se prijaviti na recepciji.

Beyond biology, the word carries a weight of maturity. A boy is a 'dječak' or 'mališan', and only upon reaching adulthood or a certain level of social responsibility is he referred to as a muškarac. In Croatian culture, the transition from 'dečko' (boy/guy) to muškarac is often associated with starting a family, entering the workforce, or military service. The word is also used in legal and administrative documents. If a police report describes a suspect, it will invariably start with 'muškarac srednjih godina' (a middle-aged man).

Social Connotations: The term can also imply certain traditional virtues associated with masculinity in the Balkans, such as strength, reliability, and being the 'head of the house'.

On je pravi muškarac koji brine o svojoj obitelji.

Historically, the word is rooted in the Proto-Slavic *mǫžьskъ, which shares an ancestor with the word for 'husband' (muž). This linguistic link shows how deeply the concept of manhood was tied to social roles and marriage in the past. Even today, while the roles have evolved, the word muškarac remains the standard, respectful, and formal way to identify a male person.

Usage in Media: In news reports, documentaries, and literature, this is the default term. It avoids the informal tone of 'tip' (guy) or the potentially overly formal 'gospodin' (gentleman).

Nepoznati muškarac pomogao je starici prijeći cestu.

Ti muškarci rade na gradilištu od ranog jutra.

In summary, muškarac is more than just a label; it is a fundamental building block of the Croatian language's gendered structure, representing maturity, biological identity, and social standing. Whether you are describing someone in a crowd, filling out a form, or discussing sociology, this is the word you will use most frequently to refer to an adult male.

Using muškarac correctly requires understanding the seven cases of Croatian grammar. As a masculine noun ending in a consonant, it follows the first masculine declension pattern. However, it has a 'mobile a'—the 'a' in the final syllable 'rac' disappears in most other cases. For example, the genitive singular is 'muškarca', not 'muškaraca'.

Nominative Case: Used for the subject. Example: Taj muškarac je moj brat (That man is my brother).

Visoki muškarac stoji ispred ulaza.

Genitive Case: Used for possession or after certain prepositions. Example: Vidio sam tog muškarca jučer (I saw that man yesterday - note: for animate objects, accusative equals genitive).

Nema tog muškarca koji to ne može učiniti.

Dative and Locative: Used for indirect objects or locations. Example: Dala je knjigu tom muškarcu (She gave the book to that man).

Razgovarali smo o tom muškarcu cijelu večer.

In the plural, the word undergoes a consonant change. The nominative plural is 'muškarci'. The genitive plural is 'muškaraca' (here the mobile 'a' returns to separate the consonants).

Instrumental Case: Used with 's/sa' to mean 'with'. Example: Putovala je s tim muškarcem (She traveled with that man).

S tim muškarcem nema šale.

O muškarče, zašto si tako tajnovit?

When constructing sentences, remember that muškarac is an animate noun. This means that in the accusative case (direct object), it takes the same form as the genitive. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who are used to objects remaining the same regardless of whether they are alive or not. 'Vidim stol' (I see a table - inanimate) but 'Vidim muškarca' (I see a man - animate). Mastery of this word involves not just knowing the meaning, but navigating these inflectional hurdles with confidence.

You will encounter the word muškarac in a wide variety of contexts in Croatia, ranging from formal news broadcasts to everyday gossip. In the media, it is the standard descriptor for any male individual who is not being referred to by name.

News and Media: Broadcasters use it to report events. 'Nepoznati muškarac je pobjegao s mjesta događaja' (An unknown man fled the scene).

U vijestima su rekli da je jedan muškarac osvojio jackpot.

In healthcare settings, a doctor might ask, 'Je li taj muškarac vaš otac?' (Is that man your father?). In retail or service industries, while 'gospodin' is used as a direct address (Sir), muškarac is used when employees talk about a customer among themselves.

Literature and Art: Croatian literature often uses muškarac to explore themes of identity and patriarchy. Poetry might use it to contrast with 'žena' (woman).

Pjesnik piše o tuzi koju osjeća svaki usamljeni muškarac.

On social media, you might see it in polls or marketing targeted at men. 'Što svaki muškarac treba imati u svom ormaru?' (What every man should have in his closet?). In movies and TV shows, particularly crime dramas (krimić), the term is used constantly by investigators.

Workplace and Legal: Job advertisements used to specify gender (though this is now largely illegal), and you might still see older references to 'muškarac za rad u skladištu' (man for warehouse work).

Na natječaj se javio samo jedan muškarac.

On je muškarac od riječi.

Finally, in public spaces, signs for 'Muškarci' (Men) or 'Muški WC' (Men's Toilet) are ubiquitous. Understanding this word is essential for navigating daily life in Croatia, from identifying people in a story to finding the right restroom.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with muškarac is related to the 'mobile a'. In Croatian, many nouns ending in -ac drop that 'a' when they are declined. Learners often say 'muškaraca' (genitive singular) instead of the correct 'muškarca'. This error is very noticeable to native speakers because it disrupts the natural rhythm of the language.

The 'Mobile A' Error: Incorrect: Vidim muškaraca. Correct: Vidim muškarca.

Tražim tog muškarca, ne onoga drugog.

Another common issue is the plural form. Because of sibilarization, the 'k' in muškarac changes to a 'c' before the 'i' ending. Learners often try to say 'muškaraki' or 'muškarci' with the wrong vowel. Remember: muškarac -> muškarci.

Confusion with 'Čovjek': In English, 'man' can mean both 'human' and 'male'. In Croatian, muškarac is only 'male'. Use 'čovjek' for 'human'.

Svaki čovjek ima prava (Every human has rights), but Svaki muškarac ovdje nosi odijelo (Every man here wears a suit).

Learners also struggle with the animate accusative rule. For masculine nouns that are people or animals, the direct object form (accusative) is the same as the possessive form (genitive). Forgetting this leads to sentences like 'Poznajem taj muškarac', which sounds like 'I know that man' but uses the wrong case. It should be 'Poznajem tog muškarca'.

Agreement Errors: Adjectives must match the gender and case. Saying 'Lijepa muškarac' instead of 'Lijep muškarac' is a gender mismatch error.

On je vrlo pametan muškarac.

Taj muškarac govori polako.

Lastly, avoid using muškarac when you mean 'husband' in a personal context. While 'moj muškarac' (my man) is used in romantic songs or slang, 'moj muž' is the standard way to say 'my husband'. Using muškarac can sound overly dramatic or impersonal in domestic situations.

While muškarac is the most common word for 'man', Croatian offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the age of the person being described. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise.

Gospodin: This translates to 'gentleman' or 'sir'. It is used in formal settings or when addressing someone politely. Example: 'Gospodine, izvolite' (Sir, here you go).

Ovaj muškarac je pravi gospodin.

Tip: This is the informal word for 'guy'. It is very common in spoken Croatian. Example: 'Onaj tip tamo' (That guy over there).

Koji je to muškarac? - Ma, to je neki čudan tip.

Muž: Specifically means 'husband'. In archaic or rural speech, 'muž' was sometimes used for any man, but that is rare today.

Njezin muž je vrlo snažan muškarac.

Frajer: A slang term for a 'cool guy' or 'tough guy'. It often implies a bit of arrogance or confidence. Example: 'Vidi onog frajera' (Look at that cool guy).

On se ponaša kao da je jedini muškarac na svijetu, pravi frajer.

Ljudina: An augmentative form of 'čovjek', used to describe a man of great character or physical size. It is a high compliment.

Taj muškarac je prava ljudina, svima pomaže.

By choosing the right word, you can convey your attitude toward the man you are talking about. Using muškarac is always safe and correct, but knowing these alternatives will make you a more sophisticated speaker of Croatian.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root of 'muškarac' is shared with many other Slavic languages, such as Russian 'muzhchina' and Polish 'mężczyzna'. It is also distantly related to the English word 'man' through Proto-Indo-European roots.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /muʃˈkaːrats/

US /muʃˈkɑːræts/

Second syllable (muš-KA-rac).

Rima con

udarac (blow) pobornik (supporter - partial) starac (old man) borac (fighter) novac (money) komadac (piece - rare) konjac (horseman - rare) kosac (mower)

Errores comunes

Stressing the first syllable (MUŠ-ka-rac).
Pronouncing 'c' as 'k' or 's'.
Failing to drop the 'a' in other cases (e.g., saying 'muškaraca' instead of 'muškarca').
Not pronouncing the 'š' clearly.
Misplacing the stress in the plural 'muškarci'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

The word is easy to recognize and common in all texts.

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the 'mobile a' and the plural 'k' to 'c' change.

Expresión oral 2/5

The stress is on the second syllable, which can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 1/5

Easily identified in speech due to its distinct sound.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

on (he) čovjek (human) biti (to be) visok (tall) mlad (young)

Aprende después

žena (woman) dijete (child) obitelj (family) muž (husband) gospodin (gentleman)

Avanzado

muževnost (masculinity) patrijarhat (patriarchy) identitet (identity) spol (gender) stereotip (stereotype)

Gramática que debes saber

Mobile 'a'

muškarac -> muškarca (the 'a' disappears in most cases).

Sibilarization

muškarac -> muškarci (the 'k' becomes 'c' before 'i').

Animate Accusative

Vidim muškarca (Accusative equals Genitive for people).

Masculine Adjective Agreement

Dobar muškarac (The adjective must be masculine).

Genitive Plural 'a'

Puno muškaraca (A second 'a' appears to separate consonants).

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Ejemplos por nivel

On je muškarac.

He is a man.

Nominative singular form.

Taj muškarac je visok.

That man is tall.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Jedan muškarac sjedi u parku.

A man is sitting in the park.

Indefinite article 'jedan'.

Muškarac pije kavu.

The man is drinking coffee.

Present tense verb.

Gdje je taj muškarac?

Where is that man?

Interrogative sentence.

Ovaj muškarac je moj tata.

This man is my dad.

Possessive pronoun 'moj'.

Mladi muškarac trči.

A young man is running.

Adjective 'mladi'.

Muškarac ima psa.

The man has a dog.

Verb 'imati' with accusative object.

Vidio sam onog muškarca.

I saw that man.

Accusative singular (animate).

Oni su dobri muškarci.

They are good men.

Nominative plural with sibilarization.

Tražim visokog muškarca.

I am looking for a tall man.

Accusative with adjective.

Muškarac s kišobranom ulazi u zgradu.

The man with the umbrella is entering the building.

Preposition 's' with instrumental.

Dala je jabuku tom muškarcu.

She gave an apple to that man.

Dative case for indirect object.

U sobi su tri muškarca.

There are three men in the room.

Genitive singular after numbers 2, 3, 4.

Poznaješ li ovog muškarca?

Do you know this man?

Interrogative with accusative.

Muškarac nosi plavu košulju.

The man is wearing a blue shirt.

Present tense with direct object.

Razgovarao sam s muškarcem koji poznaje moga brata.

I talked with the man who knows my brother.

Relative clause with 'koji'.

To je priča o muškarcu koji je proputovao svijet.

That is a story about a man who traveled the world.

Locative case after 'o'.

Nijedan muškarac nije bio tamo.

No man was there.

Negative subject 'nijedan'.

On je postao uspješan muškarac.

He became a successful man.

Predicate nominative.

Muškarci u Hrvatskoj često vole nogomet.

Men in Croatia often love football.

General statement plural.

Svakom muškarcu treba odmor.

Every man needs a rest.

Dative case as subject of 'treba'.

On je muškarac iz mojih snova.

He is the man of my dreams.

Prepositional phrase 'iz snova'.

Vidjela sam nekoliko muškaraca ispred banke.

I saw several men in front of the bank.

Genitive plural after 'nekoliko'.

Kao zreo muškarac, on preuzima odgovornost za svoje postupke.

As a mature man, he takes responsibility for his actions.

Adjective 'zreo' (mature).

Postoji stereotip da muškarci ne plaču.

There is a stereotype that men don't cry.

Plural subject in a 'da' clause.

Ovaj film istražuje što znači biti muškarac u modernom društvu.

This film explores what it means to be a man in modern society.

Infinitive 'biti' with predicate.

Srela sam muškarca čiji je otac poznati glumac.

I met a man whose father is a famous actor.

Relative pronoun 'čiji'.

On se ponaša kao pravi muškarac od riječi.

He behaves like a real man of his word.

Idiomatic expression.

U mnogim kulturama muškarac je tradicionalno bio hranitelj obitelji.

In many cultures, the man has traditionally been the breadwinner.

Historical/sociological context.

Nije lako biti jedini muškarac u ženskom kolektivu.

It's not easy being the only man in a female collective.

Adjective 'jedini'.

Muškarac kojeg smo vidjeli jučer opet je ovdje.

The man we saw yesterday is here again.

Relative pronoun 'kojeg' (accusative).

Njegova muževnost nije bila upitna, bio je to muškarac čvrstog karaktera.

His masculinity was not in question; he was a man of firm character.

Genitive of quality 'čvrstog karaktera'.

U književnosti se često pojavljuje lik usamljenog muškarca.

In literature, the character of a lonely man often appears.

Genitive singular.

Pravni sustav tretira svakog muškarca i ženu kao jednake.

The legal system treats every man and woman as equal.

Accusative singular.

On je bio muškarac koji je prkosio svim društvenim normama.

He was a man who defied all social norms.

Relative clause with past tense.

Muškarac se u ovoj drami suočava sa svojom prošlošću.

The man in this drama faces his past.

Reflexive verb 'suočava se'.

Analiza pokazuje da se uloga muškarca u obitelji značajno promijenila.

Analysis shows that the man's role in the family has changed significantly.

Genitive singular.

O, muškarče, tvoja je snaga u tvojoj ranjivosti.

O man, your strength is in your vulnerability.

Vocative case.

Svaki muškarac nosi u sebi dio povijesti svojih predaka.

Every man carries within himself a part of his ancestors' history.

Prepositional phrase 'u sebi'.

Njegov se identitet kao muškarca formirao pod utjecajem stroge patrijarhalne sredine.

His identity as a man was formed under the influence of a strict patriarchal environment.

Genitive as apposition.

U filozofskim raspravama, muškarac se često uzima kao univerzalni subjekt, što je predmet kritike.

In philosophical debates, man is often taken as a universal subject, which is a subject of criticism.

Passive construction.

On je bio muškarac čija je prisutnost ispunjavala cijelu prostoriju.

He was a man whose presence filled the whole room.

Relative pronoun 'čija'.

Evolucija pojma 'muškarac' odražava šire društveno-političke promjene.

The evolution of the concept of 'man' reflects broader socio-political changes.

Noun in quotation marks.

On nije bio samo muškarac, bio je simbol jedne ere.

He wasn't just a man; he was a symbol of an era.

Predicate nominative.

Muškarac se u svojim poznim godinama često okreće introspekciji.

A man in his later years often turns to introspection.

Adjective 'poznim' (late).

Njegova sposobnost da ostane muškarac i u najtežim trenucima bila je fascinantna.

His ability to remain a man even in the hardest moments was fascinating.

Infinitive clause.

Ovaj traktat dekonstruira mit o 'idealnom muškarcu'.

This treatise deconstructs the myth of the 'ideal man'.

Locative case after 'o'.

Sinónimos

muško čovjek gospodin tip dečko frajer muž ljudina

Antónimos

žena žensko dječak cura

Colocaciones comunes

pravi muškarac

mlad muškarac

stariji muškarac

nepoznati muškarac

visok muškarac

oženjen muškarac

uspješan muškarac

zgodan muškarac

moderan muškarac

ozbiljan muškarac

Frases Comunes

muškarac od riječi

— A man of his word; someone who keeps his promises.

On je muškarac od riječi, možeš mu vjerovati.

biti muškarac

— To be a man; to show courage or responsibility.

Moraš biti muškarac i priznati grešku.

kao muškarac

— Like a man; in a manly way.

Ponašaj se kao muškarac.

jedini muškarac

— The only man.

On je bio jedini muškarac u uredu.

svaki muškarac

— Every man.

Svaki muškarac to zna.

mladi muškarci

— Young men.

Mladi muškarci vole sport.

muškarac srednjih godina

— A middle-aged man.

Tražimo muškarca srednjih godina.

snažan muškarac

— A strong man.

On je vrlo snažan muškarac.

pametan muškarac

— A smart man.

On je pametan muškarac.

usamljen muškarac

— A lonely man.

Vidio sam usamljenog muškarca.

Se confunde a menudo con

muškarac vs muž

Muž means 'husband', while muškarac means 'man'. Use 'muž' for family relations.

muškarac vs čovjek

Čovjek means 'human' or 'person'. In English 'man' covers both, but in Croatian they are separate.

muškarac vs dečko

Dečko is 'boy' or 'boyfriend'. Use 'muškarac' for an adult male in a general sense.

Modismos y expresiones

"Pravi muškarac nikad ne plače"

— A real man never cries (a common traditional stereotype).

Djed mi je uvijek govorio da pravi muškarac nikad ne plače.

traditional

"Muškarac je glava, a žena vrat"

— The man is the head, but the woman is the neck (meaning the woman directs the man).

U našoj kući, muškarac je glava, a žena vrat.

proverbial

"Postati muškarac"

— To become a man; to mature or go through a rite of passage.

Vojska mu je pomogla da postane muškarac.

neutral

"Muškarac u kući"

— The man in the house; refers to the protector or provider.

On je sada jedini muškarac u kući.

domestic

"Budi muškarac!"

— Man up! Be brave!

Budi muškarac i reci joj istinu!

informal

"Muškarac od akcije"

— A man of action.

On nije tip koji puno priča, on je muškarac od akcije.

positive

"Muškarac na mjestu"

— A reliable, good man.

On je stvarno muškarac na mjestu.

colloquial

"Što muškarac više može poželjeti?"

— What more could a man want?

Imam obitelj i posao, što muškarac više može poželjeti?

rhetorical

"Muškarci su s Marsa, žene su s Venere"

— Men are from Mars, women are from Venus (idiom about gender differences).

Ponekad mislim da su muškarci stvarno s Marsa.

popular culture

"Prvi muškarac u svemiru"

— The first man in space.

Gagarin je bio prvi muškarac u svemiru.

historical

Fácil de confundir

muškarac vs muž

Shared root and overlapping meanings in some contexts.

Muž is specifically a marital role; muškarac is a gender/age category.

Moj muž je dobar muškarac (My husband is a good man).

muškarac vs čovjek

English uses 'man' for both human and male.

Čovjek is species-specific (human); muškarac is sex-specific (male).

Svaki čovjek treba vodu, ali ovaj muškarac treba pivo.

muškarac vs muško

Both refer to the male gender.

Muško is often an adjective or a general noun for 'a male' (including animals); muškarac is only for adult humans.

Je li beba muško ili žensko?

muškarac vs gospodin

Both refer to adult males.

Gospodin is a title of respect or formal address; muškarac is a descriptive noun.

Taj muškarac je gospodin Horvat.

muškarac vs tip

Both refer to males.

Tip is informal and often used for someone unknown; muškarac is neutral.

Koji je to tip?

Patrones de oraciones

On je [adjective] muškarac.

On je mlad muškarac.

Vidim [adjective] muškarca.

Vidim visokog muškarca.

Razgovaram s [adjective] muškarcem.

Razgovaram s pametnim muškarcem.

On je muškarac koji [verb].

On je muškarac koji puno radi.

Kao muškarac, on [verb].

Kao muškarac, on mora biti snažan.

Identitet [adjective] muškarca je...

Identitet modernog muškarca je kompleksan.

To je muškarac.

Muškarci su [adjective].

Muškarci su ovdje.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

muževnost (masculinity)

muž (husband)

muškić (little boy/guy - informal)

muškarčina (big/strong man)

Verbos

omuževiti se (to become manly)

Adjetivos

muški (male/masculine)

muževan (manly/masculine)

muškarčev (belonging to the man)

Relacionado

čovjek (human)

osoba (person)

spol (gender/sex)

rod (gender)

snaga (strength)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high; it is a core vocabulary word.

Errores comunes

Vidio sam muškarac. → Vidio sam muškarca.
Since 'muškarac' is animate, the accusative must match the genitive.
On je muškaraca. → On je muškarac.
The 'a' is only dropped in other cases; the nominative remains 'muškarac'.
Muškaraki su ovdje. → Muškarci su ovdje.
The 'k' must change to 'c' in the nominative plural.
Dala sam knjigu muškarca. → Dala sam knjigu muškarcu.
The dative case ending for masculine nouns is '-u'.
On je moj muškarac (meaning husband). → On je moj muž.
While 'muškarac' can be used romantically, 'muž' is the standard word for husband.

Consejos

Watch the Mobile A

Remember to drop the 'a' in all cases except nominative singular and genitive plural. Say 'muškarca', not 'muškaraca' for singular.

Stress the Middle

Don't stress the first syllable. It's muš-KA-rac. Practice saying it slowly to get the rhythm right.

Man vs. Human

Don't translate 'man' as 'muškarac' if you mean 'human'. Use 'čovjek' for general statements about people.

Politeness Matters

When addressing a man directly in a formal setting, use 'Gospodine' instead of 'Muškarče'.

The 'K' to 'C' Shift

The plural 'muškarci' is a classic example of Croatian consonant changes. Memorize it as a pattern for other nouns like 'učenik' -> 'učenici'.

Genitive Plural

In the genitive plural, the 'a' comes back: 'puno muškaraca'. This separates the 'r' and 'c' sounds.

Catch the Endings

Croatian is all about endings. Listen for '-a', '-u', or '-em' to know the man's role in the sentence.

Pravi Muškarac

Use 'pravi muškarac' when you want to describe someone who is exceptionally brave or honorable.

Regional Nuances

In different parts of Croatia, you might hear different slang words for man, but 'muškarac' is understood everywhere.

Daily Labels

Try labeling the men you see in a day as 'visok muškarac', 'mlad muškarac', etc., to build automatic recall.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'MUSH-room' wearing a 'CAR' (muš-kar) to remember the first two syllables. A man driving a mushroom car!

Asociación visual

Imagine a tall man (muškarac) standing next to a car (kar).

Word Web

muškarac muški muževan muškarci muškarca muškarcu muškarčev muževnost

Desafío

Try to use 'muškarac' in three different cases (nominative, genitive, and dative) in a single paragraph about a famous person.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Proto-Slavic word *mǫžьskъ, which is the adjective form of *mǫžь (man/husband).

Significado original: Pertaining to a man or husband.

Indo-European -> Balto-Slavic -> Slavic -> South Slavic -> Croatian.

Contexto cultural

Be aware that while 'muškarac' is neutral, traditional expectations of masculinity are still strong in parts of Croatia. Use 'gospodin' for higher levels of respect.

In English, 'man' is often used generically for humans (e.g., 'mankind'), but in Croatian, 'muškarac' is strictly gendered. Use 'čovjek' for generic 'man'.

The song 'Pravi muškarac' by various artists. Literary characters like those in Miroslav Krleža's works. Famous Croatian sportsmen often described as 'veliki muškarci'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Describing someone

On je visok muškarac.
Taj muškarac ima bradu.
Vidiš li onog muškarca?
On je zgodan muškarac.

News/Police reports

Nepoznati muškarac...
Muškarac u tridesetim godinama...
Traži se muškarac...
Muškarac je priveden.

Socializing

On je ugodan muškarac.
Poznaješ li tog muškarca?
On je muškarac moje sestre.
Dobar je to muškarac.

Public places

Toalet za muškarce.
Muškarci desno.
Samo za muškarce.
Ulaz za muškarce.

Workplace

On je novi muškarac u timu.
Treba nam snažan muškarac.
Taj muškarac je šef.
Razgovaraj s tim muškarcem.

Inicios de conversación

"Koji je najpoznatiji muškarac u tvojoj zemlji?"

"Misliš li da je teško biti muškarac danas?"

"Kako bi opisala idealnog muškarca?"

"Koji muškarac iz povijesti te najviše inspirira?"

"Što misliš, koje su najvažnije osobine jednog muškarca?"

Temas para diario

Opiši jednog muškarca kojeg si danas vidio na ulici. Što je nosio?

Napiši pismo svom budućem sinu o tome što znači biti dobar muškarac.

Razmisli o stereotipima o muškarcima u tvojoj kulturi. Jesu li točni?

Opiši svog oca ili djeda kao muškarca. Koje su njegove najbolje osobine?

Kako se uloga muškarca u društvu promijenila u posljednjih pedeset godina?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

The plural of 'muškarac' is 'muškarci'. Note the change from 'k' to 'c'.

'Muškarac' means 'man', while 'muž' means 'husband'. In the past, they were more interchangeable, but now they are distinct.

It is neutral. You can use it in any situation, from news reports to talking with friends.

It is 'muškarca'. The 'a' before the 'c' drops out.

No, for 'mankind' or 'humanity', use 'čovječanstvo' or 'ljudi'.

The vocative is 'muškarče!', but it's rarely used in modern speech.

This is due to a rule called sibilarization, where 'k', 'g', and 'h' change to 'c', 'z', and 's' before 'i'.

Yes, for a male child, you would use 'dječak'.

You can use the adjective 'muževan' or 'muški'.

It is animate, so the accusative singular form is 'muškarca' (same as genitive).

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