Signification
Being in possession of funds.
Contexte culturel
The 'Slava' tradition requires families to host large feasts. Even if they don't 'have money' (nemaju novca) throughout the year, they will save specifically for this event to ensure guests are well-fed. Tipping (Bakšiš) is common but not mandatory. However, 'imati novca' is often demonstrated by leaving a small amount of change at cafes. Many Serbians working abroad (Gastarbajteri) return in the summer. The phrase 'imati novca' is often associated with them, as they bring foreign currency to spend in their hometowns. In the capital, there is a visible divide between the 'new rich' and the middle class. 'Imati novca' in Belgrade often involves showing off through expensive cars or 'splavovi' (river clubs).
The 'A' Ending
Always remember the 'a' at the end of 'novca'. If you say 'novac', it sounds like you're talking about a specific coin.
Don't say 'Ja sam novca'
In English, we say 'I am broke', but in Serbian, we use 'Imati' (to have) or specific adjectives. Never use 'to be' with 'novca'.
Signification
Being in possession of funds.
The 'A' Ending
Always remember the 'a' at the end of 'novca'. If you say 'novac', it sounds like you're talking about a specific coin.
Don't say 'Ja sam novca'
In English, we say 'I am broke', but in Serbian, we use 'Imati' (to have) or specific adjectives. Never use 'to be' with 'novca'.
Use 'Para' with friends
To sound more like a local, switch 'novca' to 'para' when talking to people your age.
The 'Častim' Rule
If you say 'Imam novca' loudly in a group, someone might jokingly expect you to pay for everyone!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'novac' (Genitive).
On nema ____ za novu košulju.
After the negative verb 'nema', we must use the genitive case 'novca'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I have money'?
Choose the best option:
'Ja imam novca' uses the correct verb conjugation and the partitive genitive.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the four basic tense/polarity variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Hoćeš li kafu? B: Ne mogu, ____.
The context 'Ne mogu' (I can't) implies a lack of funds.
Match the register to the situation.
Where would you say 'Imati novca'?
'Imati novca' is the standard neutral/formal choice.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesOn nema ____ za novu košulju.
After the negative verb 'nema', we must use the genitive case 'novca'.
Choose the best option:
'Ja imam novca' uses the correct verb conjugation and the partitive genitive.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four basic tense/polarity variations of the phrase.
A: Hoćeš li kafu? B: Ne mogu, ____.
The context 'Ne mogu' (I can't) implies a lack of funds.
Where would you say 'Imati novca'?
'Imati novca' is the standard neutral/formal choice.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Novac' is formal/neutral and singular. 'Para' is informal and technically a plural form. Use 'novac' in writing and 'para' in speaking.
It's the genitive case. Serbian uses the genitive for 'some' of something (partitive) and after negative verbs.
Yes, it is perfectly fine to say 'Firma ima novca'.
You can say 'Ja sam bogat' or 'Imam mnogo novca'.
Yes, it is a very polite and standard way to discuss finances.
'Lova' is slang for money, similar to 'dough' or 'bucks'. Use it only with very close friends.
You would say 'Da li imate sitno?' (Do you have small [money]?).
No, it can refer to money in a bank account or general wealth.
Say 'Nemam ni dinara!' (I don't have even a dinar!).
Yes, it is understood and used across the entire BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) language area.
Expressions liées
Imati para
similarTo have money (informal).
Biti bogat
builds onTo be rich.
Nemati ni dinara
contrastTo not have a single dinar (to be broke).
Zaraditi novac
builds onTo earn money.
Rasipati novac
contrastTo waste/squander money.
