Signification
Delaying something to gain an advantage.
Contexte culturel
In Serbian business culture, 'kupovina vremena' is often done through long lunches or multiple coffee meetings. It is a way to build trust before committing to a deal. Historically, Serbian leaders used the tactic of 'buying time' between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires to preserve autonomy. Serbian fans are very vocal about players 'buying time'. If a player from the opposing team does it, they might shout 'Ne kupuj vreme!' The phrase is often used humorously when someone is avoiding a chore, like washing dishes.
Use the Imperfective
If you are currently in the middle of stalling, always use 'Kupujem vreme' (imperfective).
Don't use with 'Sat'
Never say 'Kupiti sat' unless you are literally buying a watch in a store.
Signification
Delaying something to gain an advantage.
Use the Imperfective
If you are currently in the middle of stalling, always use 'Kupujem vreme' (imperfective).
Don't use with 'Sat'
Never say 'Kupiti sat' unless you are literally buying a watch in a store.
The 'Polako' Connection
Serbs appreciate the 'polako' lifestyle, so buying time is often seen as a smart move, not a deceptive one.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kupiti' or 'kupovati'.
On stalno ______ vreme jer ne želi da donese odluku.
The word 'stalno' (constantly) indicates an ongoing action, so we use the imperfective 'kupuje'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'delaying' until a certain condition is met.
Match the action to the goal of 'buying time'.
Action: 'Pričam polako i postavljam mnogo pitanja.'
Stalling in a conversation is a classic reason to buy time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Zašto još nisi poslao mejl?' B: 'Čekam potvrdu od Marka, samo ______.'
B is delaying the email for a strategic reason (waiting for confirmation).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Kupiti vs. Gubiti
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOn stalno ______ vreme jer ne želi da donese odluku.
The word 'stalno' (constantly) indicates an ongoing action, so we use the imperfective 'kupuje'.
Choose the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'delaying' until a certain condition is met.
Action: 'Pričam polako i postavljam mnogo pitanja.'
Stalling in a conversation is a classic reason to buy time.
A: 'Zašto još nisi poslao mejl?' B: 'Čekam potvrdu od Marka, samo ______.'
B is delaying the email for a strategic reason (waiting for confirmation).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is neutral. However, telling someone 'Ti samo kupuješ vreme' can be slightly accusatory.
Yes, but 'dobiti na vremenu' is slightly more academic.
There isn't a direct idiom, but 'ubrzati proces' (speed up the process) is the functional opposite.
Not necessarily. You can buy time by simply asking for a break or more information.
You say 'Kupujem vreme'.
Yes, versions of this exist in Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin as well.
Yes, you can specify the amount of time: 'Kupio sam još deset minuta'.
No, it is a standard idiom used by all age groups.
Because time is viewed as something valuable that you have to 'pay for' with an action or excuse.
Yes, very common when someone isn't ready for commitment.
Expressions liées
Dobiti na vremenu
synonymTo gain time
Odugovlačiti
similarTo procrastinate
Gubiti vreme
contrastTo waste time
Trka sa vremenom
builds onRace against time
