Signification
Being free to do something.
Contexte culturel
In Serbia, 'imati vremena' is a prerequisite for friendship. If you don't have time for a 2-hour coffee, you are seen as 'u gužvi' (in a crowd/busy), which is a state people try to avoid. Even in business, meetings often start with small talk to show that the parties 'have time' for each other as humans, not just as business entities. The phrase is deeply tied to 'polako' (slowly). Saying you have time is a way of rejecting the stress of modern life. In rural areas, 'imati vremena' often refers to the seasons and agricultural tasks, whereas in Belgrade, it's about traffic and office hours.
The 'Nemam' Rule
Never say 'ne imam'. It is the most obvious sign of a beginner. Always use 'nemam'.
The Soft No
If a Serbian says 'Videću da li imam vremena', it's often a polite 'maybe' or a soft 'no'.
Signification
Being free to do something.
The 'Nemam' Rule
Never say 'ne imam'. It is the most obvious sign of a beginner. Always use 'nemam'.
The Soft No
If a Serbian says 'Videću da li imam vremena', it's often a polite 'maybe' or a soft 'no'.
Vreme vs Sat
Remember: Vreme is the concept, Sat is the tool/hour. Don't mix them up!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'imati' (negative or positive).
Izvini, ja ______ vremena danas, veoma sam zauzet.
The context 'veoma sam zauzet' (I am very busy) requires the negative form 'nemam'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct way to ask a friend for coffee.
The noun must be in the genitive 'vremena' and the verb must be 'imati'.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four most common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hoćeš li u bioskop? B: Rado, ali stvarno ______ (I don't have) vremena.
The phrase 'nemam vremena' is the standard way to decline an invitation due to a busy schedule.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Positive vs Negative
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIzvini, ja ______ vremena danas, veoma sam zauzet.
The context 'veoma sam zauzet' (I am very busy) requires the negative form 'nemam'.
Select the correct way to ask a friend for coffee.
The noun must be in the genitive 'vremena' and the verb must be 'imati'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four most common variations of the phrase.
A: Hoćeš li u bioskop? B: Rado, ali stvarno ______ (I don't have) vremena.
The phrase 'nemam vremena' is the standard way to decline an invitation due to a busy schedule.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically no. In Serbian, we use the genitive 'vremena' because you have 'some' of the time, not the entire concept of time.
You can say 'Nemam vremena' or 'Zauzet sam' (I am occupied).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, it also means 'weather'. But in this phrase, it always means 'time'.
Use 'Imaš li minut?' or 'Imaš li trenutak?'.
Imao sam vremena (masculine) or Imala sam vremena (feminine).
Yes, 'Imam vremena do pet sati' (I have time until 5 o'clock).
It can be if said too quickly. Add 'izvini' (sorry) to make it softer.
There isn't a direct slang word for 'time', but 'bleja' is used for free time to hang out.
Use 'Stvoriću vreme' (I will create time) or 'Naći ću vremena'.
Expressions liées
Naći vremena
similarTo find time
Gubiti vreme
contrastTo waste time
Slobodno vreme
builds onFree time
Uštedeti vreme
similarTo save time
Isteklo je vreme
contrastTime is up
