Signification
Informal word for a close friend.
Contexte culturel
In Zagreb, 'kompa' is more than a word; it's an identity. It represents the 'kvart' (neighborhood) culture where everyone knows everyone. While they understand 'kompa', Slavonians take great pride in their own word 'lega' (short for 'legos' - colleague). Using 'kompa' there might make you sound like a tourist from the capital. In the south, the culture is more 'Mediterranean'. They prefer 'brale' (brother) or 'stari' (old man). 'Kompa' can sometimes sound a bit 'cold' or 'northern' to them. Second-generation Croatians in Germany or Australia often keep 'kompa' in their vocabulary as a way to maintain a connection to their urban roots.
The 'Vocative' Trick
When calling a friend, use 'Kompi!' instead of 'Kompa!' to sound 100% like a local Zagreber.
Gender Matters
Avoid using 'kompa' for women. It's not offensive, but it sounds very unnatural. Use 'frendica' instead.
Signification
Informal word for a close friend.
The 'Vocative' Trick
When calling a friend, use 'Kompi!' instead of 'Kompa!' to sound 100% like a local Zagreber.
Gender Matters
Avoid using 'kompa' for women. It's not offensive, but it sounds very unnatural. Use 'frendica' instead.
Regional Pride
If you are in Osijek, use 'lega'. They will love you for it. If you use 'kompa', they'll know you're a 'purger' (Zagreber).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'kompa' in the sentence below.
Idem na nogomet sa svojim ______.
The preposition 'sa' (with) requires the instrumental case. For 'kompa', the instrumental is 'kompom'.
Which of these is the most appropriate situation to use 'kompa'?
You are...
'Kompa' is slang and only suitable for informal, peer-to-peer social settings.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang response.
Ivan: 'Ej, hoćeš li sutra u kino?' Marko: 'Može, ______! Vidimo se.'
Since Ivan used an informal greeting, Marko should respond with an informal term like 'kompa'.
Match the word to the region where it is most commonly used.
1. Kompa, 2. Lega, 3. Brale
Kompa is Zagreb slang, Lega is from Osijek, and Brale is typical for Split/Dalmatia.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Regional Friend Terms in Croatia
Zagreb
- • Kompa
- • Buraz
- • Frend
Osijek
- • Lega
- • Legos
Split
- • Brale
- • Stari
- • Lave
Formality Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIdem na nogomet sa svojim ______.
The preposition 'sa' (with) requires the instrumental case. For 'kompa', the instrumental is 'kompom'.
You are...
'Kompa' is slang and only suitable for informal, peer-to-peer social settings.
Ivan: 'Ej, hoćeš li sutra u kino?' Marko: 'Može, ______! Vidimo se.'
Since Ivan used an informal greeting, Marko should respond with an informal term like 'kompa'.
1. Kompa, 2. Lega, 3. Brale
Kompa is Zagreb slang, Lega is from Osijek, and Brale is typical for Split/Dalmatia.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'buddy'—perfect for friends, but not for your boss.
Yes, but 'buraz' is more common for actual siblings. 'Kompa' is usually for friends.
People in Split understand it, but they rarely use it. They prefer 'brale' or 'stari'.
There isn't a direct feminine version of 'kompa'. Use 'frendica' or 'prijateljica'.
The plural is 'kompe' (Nominative) or 'kompama' (Dative/Instrumental).
It's been around for several decades, but it feels very 'modern urban'.
Only if the email is to a very close friend. Never in a professional email.
No, it comes from 'kompanjon' (companion).
In casual speech among young people in Zagreb, yes. In formal writing, no.
Yes, that is the most common way to refer to your friend.
Expressions liées
Buraz
synonymShort for brother (brother/bro).
Frend
similarFriend (from English).
Lega
specialized formFriend (Osijek regionalism).
Stari
similarOld man / mate.
Prijatelj
contrastThe standard word for friend.
