znati en 30 segundos
- Core verb for 'to know' in Serbian.
- Used for facts, people, places, and understanding.
- Essential for basic communication, A1 level.
- Conjugates like other regular verbs.
- Core Meaning
- The Serbian verb 'znati' is the fundamental verb for expressing knowledge or awareness. It signifies having information, understanding a concept, or being familiar with something or someone. It's a versatile verb used in a wide array of everyday situations.
- Basic Knowledge
- At its simplest, 'znati' refers to possessing factual information. For example, you 'znati' the capital of a country, or you 'znati' someone's name. This is the most common usage and is typically encountered at the A1 CEFR level.
- Familiarity and Acquaintance
- 'Znati' is also used to express familiarity with people, places, or things. If you have met someone before or have been to a place, you can say you 'znati' them or you 'znati' that place. This extends beyond mere factual recall to a deeper sense of recognition.
- Skills and Abilities
- While not its primary meaning, 'znati' can sometimes imply knowing how to do something, especially in simpler contexts. For instance, 'Ja znam plivati' (I know how to swim) uses 'znati'. However, for more complex skills, the verb 'umeti' is often preferred. This nuance becomes more apparent at higher CEFR levels.
- Understanding and Awareness
- 'Znati' also conveys understanding or being aware of a situation, a fact, or a truth. For example, 'Znam da je to teško' (I know that it is difficult) expresses an understanding of a situation's nature. This usage highlights a cognitive grasp of information.
- Contexts of Use
- You will hear 'znati' in almost any conversation. From asking if someone knows a piece of information ('Da li znaš ovo?') to stating one's own knowledge ('Ne znam odgovor') or expressing a lack of familiarity ('Ne poznajem ga, ali znam njegovo ime'), it is an indispensable part of daily Serbian communication. It is used in educational settings, social gatherings, professional environments, and personal discussions.
Ja znam da je sutra praznik.
Da li znaš gde je Beograd?
On ne zna odgovor.
Mi znamo da smo srećni.
Vi znate ovu pesmu.
Oni znaju tajnu.
- Basic Statements
- The most straightforward use of 'znati' is to state that you know something. This typically follows the pattern: Subject + 'znati' (conjugated) + Object/Clause. For example, 'Ja znam istinu' (I know the truth). The subject pronoun 'ja' can often be omitted as the verb conjugation indicates the person.
- Asking Questions
- To ask if someone knows something, you use the question particle 'da li' followed by the subject (often omitted) and the conjugated verb 'znati'. For instance, 'Da li znaš gde je prodavnica?' (Do you know where the shop is?). Alternatively, you can use intonation with the verb at the beginning of the sentence: 'Znaš li gde je prodavnica?'
- Expressing Ignorance
- To express that you don't know something, you use the negative particle 'ne' before the conjugated verb. 'Ne znam' is a very common phrase. Example: 'Ne znam kako da odgovorim' (I don't know how to answer).
- Knowing People and Places
- When referring to knowing a person or a place, you often use the accusative case for the object. 'Poznajem Petra' (I know Petar) uses 'poznajem', which is related to 'znati' but specifically implies acquaintance. However, 'Znam njegov broj telefona' (I know his phone number) uses 'znam' for factual knowledge about the person.
- Knowing Facts and Information
- For factual knowledge or information, 'znati' is directly followed by the noun or a subordinate clause introduced by 'da'. 'Znam da je Zemlja okrugla' (I know that the Earth is round). 'Ona zna odgovor na pitanje' (She knows the answer to the question).
- Conditional Knowledge
- You can express conditional knowledge or hypothetical knowing. 'Ako budem znao, reći ću ti' (If I know, I will tell you). This involves future tense conjugations of 'znati'.
- Past Knowledge
- To talk about knowing something in the past, you use the past tense conjugation. 'Nisam znao da dolaziš' (I didn't know you were coming). This is crucial for recounting past events or explaining past misunderstandings.
Ja znam da je ovo teško.
Da li znaš gde živi Ana?
On ne zna odgovor.
Mi znamo sve.
Vi znate ovu reč.
Oni znaju zašto smo ovde.
- Everyday Conversations
- 'Znati' is ubiquitous in casual Serbian conversations. You'll hear it when people are asking for directions ('Znaš li gde je stanica?'), sharing information ('Znam da će kiša sutra'), expressing opinions based on knowledge ('Mislim da to nije dobro, jer znam šta se desilo prošli put'), or confirming understanding ('Da, znam o čemu pričaš'). It's a foundational verb for social interaction.
- Educational Settings
- In schools and universities, teachers frequently use 'znati' to gauge students' comprehension. Questions like 'Da li znate odgovor na ovo pitanje?' (Do you know the answer to this question?) or statements like 'Morate znati ove definicije' (You must know these definitions) are commonplace. Students also use it to ask for clarification or to indicate their understanding or lack thereof.
- Media and News
- News reports, documentaries, and interviews often feature 'znati'. A journalist might ask an expert, 'Šta znate o ovom slučaju?' (What do you know about this case?), or a commentator might state, 'Svi znamo da je situacija ozbiljna' (We all know that the situation is serious). It's used to convey established facts and expert knowledge.
- Cultural References
- Serbian songs, literature, and even proverbs often incorporate 'znati'. You might hear lyrics like 'Znam da je ljubav bol' (I know that love is pain) or find proverbs that emphasize the value of knowledge, such as 'Ko zna, taj i može' (He who knows, can also do). It's deeply embedded in cultural expressions.
- Professional Environments
- In business meetings or workplace discussions, 'znati' is used to refer to expertise, information, or awareness of procedures. 'Da li znate proceduru za ovo?' (Do you know the procedure for this?) or 'Moramo znati tačne podatke pre donošenja odluke' (We must know the exact data before making a decision).
- Personal Interactions
- When discussing personal matters, 'znati' is used to express what one knows about oneself or others. 'Ne znam šta da radim' (I don't know what to do) or 'Ona zna koliko te volim' (She knows how much I love you) are common examples.
Učitelj: 'Deco, ko zna glavni grad Francuske?'
Novinar: 'Šta javnost zna o ovom događaju?'
Prijateljica: 'Ne znam šta da obučem za zabavu.'
- Confusing 'znati' with 'umeti'
- A frequent pitfall for learners is using 'znati' when 'umeti' is more appropriate for skills. While 'znati' can sometimes imply knowing how to do something, 'umeti' specifically refers to acquired skills, abilities, or talents. For example, saying 'Znam da vozim auto' (I know to drive a car) is understandable but 'Umem da vozim auto' is more natural and precise for expressing the skill of driving.
- Incorrect Conjugation
- Like any verb, 'znati' has specific conjugations for different persons and tenses. Learners might mistakenly use the infinitive form or conjugate it incorrectly, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences. For instance, saying 'Ja znati' instead of 'Ja znam' is a common A1-level error. Paying close attention to the conjugation tables is crucial.
- Overuse of Subject Pronouns
- Serbian is a pro-drop language, meaning subject pronouns are often omitted when the verb ending clearly indicates the subject. Beginners sometimes overuse pronouns like 'ja', 'ti', 'on', etc., making their speech sound less natural. For example, saying 'Ja znam da je to istina' instead of the more idiomatic 'Znam da je to istina'.
- Confusing 'znati' with 'videti' or 'čuti'
- While all relate to perception or awareness, 'znati' is about possessing information or understanding, whereas 'videti' means 'to see' and 'čuti' means 'to hear'. A learner might mistakenly say 'Vidim da si srećan' (I see that you are happy) when they mean 'Znam da si srećan' (I know that you are happy), implying they have heard or deduced this rather than visually observing it.
- Misplacing the negative particle 'ne'
- The negative particle 'ne' must precede the conjugated verb. Incorrect placement, such as 'Znam ne' instead of 'Ne znam', is a common error for beginners learning negation. This applies to all verbs, not just 'znati'.
Pogrešno: Ja znati to.
Ispravno: Ja znam to.
Pogrešno: Ja znam da kuvam.
Ispravno: Ja umem da kuvam.
Pogrešno: Ja znam ne.
Ispravno: Ja ne znam.
- 'Umeti' (to know how to, to be able to)
- This verb is the closest synonym for expressing skills and abilities. While 'znati' can sometimes cover this, 'umeti' is more specific.
Example: 'Znam da plivam.' (I know to swim - general knowledge) vs. 'Umem da plivam.' (I know how to swim - skill).
Usage: Used for learned abilities, talents, or when one is capable of doing something due to skill. - 'Poznavati' (to know, to be acquainted with)
- This verb is used specifically for knowing people, places, or things in the sense of being familiar with them through experience. It implies a deeper acquaintance than just knowing a name or fact.
Example: 'Znam njegovo ime.' (I know his name - factual) vs. 'Poznajem njegovo lice.' (I am familiar with his face/I know him personally).
Usage: Primarily for people, cities, or specific subjects one has studied in depth. - 'Saznati' (to find out, to learn)
- This is a perfective verb that denotes the act of acquiring knowledge, of finding something out. It's the result of an action of learning or discovering.
Example: 'Juče sam saznao novu informaciju.' (Yesterday I found out new information). 'Znam' refers to the state of knowing, while 'saznao sam' refers to the process of coming to know. - 'Razumeti' (to understand)
- While knowing something often implies understanding it, 'razumeti' focuses on comprehension and grasping the meaning. You can 'znati' a fact without fully 'razumeti' its implications.
Example: 'Znam da je ovo važno, ali ne razumem zašto.' (I know this is important, but I don't understand why).
Usage: For grasping concepts, explanations, or the meaning behind something. - 'Osećati' (to feel, to sense)
- This verb refers to emotional or intuitive knowledge, a gut feeling, or a perception that isn't necessarily based on facts. It's a different kind of knowing.
Example: 'Osećam da nešto nije u redu.' (I feel that something is not right.) This is distinct from 'Znam da nešto nije u redu,' which implies factual certainty.
Ja znam da je on dobar čovek.
Ja poznajem tog čoveka.
On zna da svira gitaru.
On ume da svira gitaru.
Sinoć sam znao odgovor.
Sinoć sam saznao odgovor.
Ejemplos por nivel
Ja znam moje ime.
I know my name.
Present tense, first person singular 'znam'.
Ti znaš ovo.
You know this.
Present tense, second person singular 'znaš'.
On zna.
He knows.
Present tense, third person singular 'zna'.
Mi znamo.
We know.
Present tense, first person plural 'znamo'.
Vi znate.
You (plural/formal) know.
Present tense, second person plural/formal 'znate'.
Oni znaju.
They know.
Present tense, third person plural 'znaju'.
Ne znam.
I don't know.
Negation with 'ne'.
Znam Beograd.
I know Belgrade.
Using 'znati' with a place name (accusative case implied).
Da li znaš gde je autobuska stanica?
Do you know where the bus station is?
Forming a question with 'da li'.
Ne znam odgovor.
I don't know the answer.
Negation + noun object.
Znam da je on lekar.
I know that he is a doctor.
Using 'znati' with a subordinate clause introduced by 'da'.
Oni znaju ovu pesmu.
They know this song.
Knowing a song (accusative case).
Da li znate ovo ime?
Do you (plural/formal) know this name?
Question with plural/formal 'vi'.
Mi znamo da je to teško.
We know that it is difficult.
Plural subject + subordinate clause.
Znaš li ovu reč?
Do you know this word?
Question formed by verb-initial + pronoun suffix.
Ona ne zna.
She doesn't know.
Third person singular feminine negation.
Znaćemo sutra.
We will know tomorrow.
Future tense of 'znati'.
Nisam znao da dolaziš.
I didn't know you were coming.
Past tense negation.
Da li on ume da kuva?
Does he know how to cook?
Distinguishing 'znati' from 'umeti' for skills.
Saznao sam važnu vest.
I found out important news.
Perfective verb 'saznati' (to find out).
Znam da je to komplikovano.
I know that it is complicated.
Complex subordinate clause.
Oni ne znaju šta da rade.
They don't know what to do.
Using 'znati' with an interrogative clause.
Vi znate put do tamo.
You (plural/formal) know the way there.
Knowing a route.
Želeo bih da znam više.
I would like to know more.
Conditional mood with 'znati'.
Poznajem tog glumca iz filmova.
I am familiar with that actor from movies.
Using 'poznajem' for familiarity with a person.
Ne razumem zašto se to desilo.
I don't understand why that happened.
Distinguishing 'znati' from 'razumeti'.
Ako budem znao, javiću ti.
If I know, I will let you know.
Future tense conditional.
Osećam da će uspeti.
I have a feeling that they will succeed.
Using 'osećati' for intuitive knowledge.
Znali smo da je situacija ozbiljna.
We knew that the situation was serious.
Past tense with a complex subordinate clause.
Da li ste saznali uzrok problema?
Did you (plural/formal) find out the cause of the problem?
Past perfective question with 'saznati'.
Oni znaju kako da reše taj problem.
They know how to solve that problem.
Using 'znati' in a context where 'umeti' might also fit, but 'znati' emphasizes the knowledge of the method.
Moramo znati sve detalje.
We must know all the details.
Modal verb 'morati' + 'znati'.
Njegovo znanje o toj temi je impresivno.
His knowledge of that topic is impressive.
Using the noun form 'znanje' (knowledge).
Čini mi se da ne znate pravu prirodu problema.
It seems to me that you don't know the true nature of the problem.
Subtle use of 'znati' for deeper understanding.
Da li ste uspeli da saznate nešto novo?
Were you able to find out anything new?
Perfective aspect and successful acquisition of knowledge.
Poznajem ljude koji su radili na tom projektu.
I know people who worked on that project.
'Poznavati' used for professional connections.
Ne mogu da znam šta će budućnost doneti.
I cannot know what the future will bring.
Expressing impossibility of knowing the future.
Oni su znali da će biti teško, ali su se ipak nadali.
They knew it would be difficult, but they hoped nonetheless.
Acknowledging difficulty while maintaining hope.
Trebalo bi da znaš svoje granice.
You should know your limits.
Implied advice using 'znati'.
Saznaćemo istinu kad-tad.
We will find out the truth sooner or later.
Future tense of 'saznati' with temporal adverb.
Niko ne može sa sigurnošću znati ishod takvih događaja.
No one can know the outcome of such events with certainty.
Emphasizing certainty and uncertainty.
Duboko poznavanje klasične književnosti je neophodno za razumevanje ovog dela.
A deep acquaintance with classical literature is necessary for understanding this work.
'Poznavati' used for profound literary knowledge.
Često se pitam da li zaista znamo sebe.
I often wonder if we truly know ourselves.
Philosophical introspection using 'znati'.
Saznavši istinu, promenio je mišljenje.
Having found out the truth, he changed his mind.
Gerundial construction with 'saznati'.
Ume da bude izuzetno naporan kada to želi.
He knows how to be extremely annoying when he wants to.
'Umetati' used for intentional behavior.
Znali smo da se sprema oluja, ali nismo znali koliko će biti jaka.
We knew a storm was brewing, but we didn't know how strong it would be.
Layered knowledge and unknowns.
Pokušaj da saznaš ko je to uradio.
Try to find out who did that.
Imperative of 'saznati'.
Njihovo međusobno poznavanje datira još iz detinjstva.
Their mutual acquaintance dates back to childhood.
Noun form 'poznavanje' (acquaintance).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— This is the most common way to say 'I don't know.' It's used in virtually any situation where you lack information.
Pitao sam ga za broj telefona, ali on je samo rekao: 'Ne znam.'
— This is a direct question asking 'Do you know?' It's used to inquire about someone's knowledge of a specific piece of information.
Da li znaš kada voz počinje?
— The simple affirmative 'I know.' It's a direct response to a question or a statement confirming knowledge.
'Da li znaš ovo?' 'Da, znam.'
— This phrase introduces a clause stating what you know. It's used to provide factual information or express certainty.
Znam da je važno da se uči svaki dan.
— Literally 'I don't know what to do.' This expresses a state of confusion, indecision, or helplessness.
Kada sam izgubio ključeve, nisam znao šta da radim.
— Literally 'I know everything.' This can be used seriously, but more often it's used sarcastically or boastfully.
On uvek kaže da sve zna, ali mislim da greši.
— Literally 'I know you.' This can imply recognition, familiarity, or sometimes a warning.
Znam te, ti si uvek bio pošten.
— This means 'You should know' or 'It's necessary for you to know.' It's often used to impart important information or advice.
Treba da znaš da je ovaj posao odgovoran.
— This means 'I know about that' or 'I'm aware of that.' It indicates prior knowledge of a topic or situation.
Pitao sam ga za problem, ali on je rekao: 'Znam za to, radi se na rešenju.'
— A very commo
Summary
The Serbian verb 'znati' is your go-to for expressing knowledge, facts, and familiarity. Master its basic conjugations ('znam', 'znaš', 'zna', 'znamo', 'znate', 'znaju') to unlock fundamental communication in Serbian.
- Core verb for 'to know' in Serbian.
- Used for facts, people, places, and understanding.
- Essential for basic communication, A1 level.
- Conjugates like other regular verbs.
