Signification
An elderly male.
Contexte culturel
Respect for the 'star čovek' is a cornerstone of Balkan culture. It is expected to give up your seat on a bus or help them carry heavy items without being asked. In Montenegro, the 'star čovek' (often called 'starina') is seen as the ultimate authority on family history and tribal lineage. In villages, the oldest man often sits at the 'čelo trpeze' (head of the table) during celebrations like Slava. In cities, 'star čovek' is often associated with the 'penzioner' lifestyle—drinking coffee in the local 'kafana' and reading the daily newspaper.
The 'Older' Trick
If you are unsure if 'star' is too blunt, use 'stariji' (older). It always sounds more polite.
Avoid 'Mator'
The word 'mator' also means old, but it is much more aggressive. Stick to 'star' as a beginner.
Signification
An elderly male.
The 'Older' Trick
If you are unsure if 'star' is too blunt, use 'stariji' (older). It always sounds more polite.
Avoid 'Mator'
The word 'mator' also means old, but it is much more aggressive. Stick to 'star' as a beginner.
Titles Matter
Even if someone is a 'star čovek', always address them as 'Gospodine' (Sir) or 'Čika [Name]' (Uncle [Name]) if you know them.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'star čovek'.
Moj deda je ______ ______.
'Deda' is masculine singular, so we use 'star čovek'.
Which sentence is the most polite when talking about an elderly man?
Choose the best option:
'Stariji gospodin' (older gentleman) is the most respectful form.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
Direct translation practice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ko je taj gospodin? B: To je moj komšija, on je ______ ______.
We use the indefinite form 'star' when introducing someone's attribute.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Age Descriptions for Men
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMoj deda je ______ ______.
'Deda' is masculine singular, so we use 'star čovek'.
Choose the best option:
'Stariji gospodin' (older gentleman) is the most respectful form.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translation practice.
A: Ko je taj gospodin? B: To je moj komšija, on je ______ ______.
We use the indefinite form 'star' when introducing someone's attribute.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a neutral descriptive term. However, calling someone that to their face can be a bit direct.
The female version is 'stara žena', but 'starija gospođa' is much more common and polite.
Usually around retirement age (65+), but it can be used for anyone who looks elderly.
It's better to say 'Moj otac je u godinama' (My father is in [his] years) to be more respectful.
The plural is 'stari ljudi'. Remember that 'čovek' changes to 'ljudi'.
'Star' is indefinite (an old man), 'stari' is definite (the old man).
Yes, 'starac', but it sounds more like 'elder' or 'old man' in a storybook.
Yes, you can say 'star pas' (old dog), but 'čovek' only refers to humans.
Usually, 'starije lice' (older person) is used in legal or official contexts.
You say 'veoma star čovek' or 'baš star čovek'.
Expressions liées
Stariji čovek
similarAn older man
Starac
synonymOld man / Elder
Deda
similarGrandpa
Matorac
slangOld geezer
