Signification
Increasing body weight.
Contexte culturel
During the winter 'Slava' season, weight gain is almost expected and is a frequent topic of self-deprecating humor. In villages, being thin is still sometimes associated with being 'suv' (dry) or unhealthy. Gaining weight is 'popravljanje' (improving). Urban youth are very focused on fitness; 'ugojiti se' is often used negatively in the context of 'losing one's line' (izgubiti liniju). Doctors use 'ugojiti se' but will quickly pivot to 'gojaznost' (obesity) if it becomes a clinical issue.
The 'Se' Rule
Never forget 'se'. Without it, you are talking about fattening up a farm animal.
Directness
Serbians are direct, but 'ugojio si se' can still hurt feelings. Use 'popravio si se' if you want to be nice.
Signification
Increasing body weight.
The 'Se' Rule
Never forget 'se'. Without it, you are talking about fattening up a farm animal.
Directness
Serbians are direct, but 'ugojio si se' can still hurt feelings. Use 'popravio si se' if you want to be nice.
Past Tense
You will use this 90% of the time in the past tense (ugojio/ugojila sam se). Focus on that form first.
Grandma Logic
If a Serbian grandma says you need to 'ugojiti se', just say 'hvala' and eat the sarma.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'ugojiti se' in the past tense (masculine).
Ja sam ___ pet kilograma.
In the past tense with 'sam', the 'se' usually comes before the verb: 'Ja sam se ugojio'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say someone looks better after gaining weight?
Izaberi najljubazniju rečenicu:
'Popraviti se' is a polite euphemism for gaining weight in a healthy way.
Match the cause with the result.
Poveži uzrok i rečenicu:
Eating a lot of sarma (a heavy dish) leads to gaining weight.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zašto ne nosiš te pantalone? B: Zato što sam se ___.
If you can't wear pants anymore, it's usually because you gained weight (ugojio se).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Polite vs. Direct
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJa sam ___ pet kilograma.
In the past tense with 'sam', the 'se' usually comes before the verb: 'Ja sam se ugojio'.
Izaberi najljubazniju rečenicu:
'Popraviti se' is a polite euphemism for gaining weight in a healthy way.
Poveži uzrok i rečenicu:
Eating a lot of sarma (a heavy dish) leads to gaining weight.
A: Zašto ne nosiš te pantalone? B: Zato što sam se ___.
If you can't wear pants anymore, it's usually because you gained weight (ugojio se).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral, but like 'to get fat' in English, it depends on who you say it to. Use it for yourself freely, but be careful with others.
'Ugojiti se' is literal weight gain. 'Popraviti se' is a polite way to say someone looks better/healthier after gaining weight.
Yes, but usually you would add 'u mišićima' (in muscles) to be clear.
Use the imperfective: 'Gojim se'.
Yes, 'usvinjiti se' is common but very informal and slightly rude.
Because the action is reflected back on you. You are 'fattening yourself'.
For animals, we usually use 'utoviti' (to fatten up for food) or just 'ugojiti' without 'se'.
The opposite is 'smršati' (to lose weight).
Mostly, yes. It refers to general body mass increase.
Rarely. Doctors prefer 'povećanje telesne težine'.
Expressions liées
smršati
contrastTo lose weight
popraviti se
similarTo fill out/improve
nabaciti kilograme
similarTo put on kilos
gojaznost
specialized formObesity
utoviti se
similarTo fatten up (like a pig)
