When talking about the lower limb in Serbian, we use the word noga. This covers everything from the hip down to the toes.
So, unlike in English where you have separate words for 'leg' and 'foot', in Serbian, noga does double duty.
Context usually makes it clear whether you're referring to the whole leg or just the foot.
For example, if you say 'Boli me noga', it could mean 'My leg hurts' or 'My foot hurts', depending on the situation.
Niveau de difficulté
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short
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Quoi apprendre ensuite
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
Moja noga je umorna posle duge šetnje.
My [leg/foot] is tired after a long walk.
Possessive adjective 'moja' (my) agrees with 'noga' (feminine singular).
Boli me noga od trčanja.
My [leg/foot] hurts from running.
The verb 'boli' (hurts) is used with the dative pronoun 'me' (me).
Imam novu obuću za svaku nogu.
I have new footwear for each [foot].
'Svaku' is the accusative form of 'svaki' (each), agreeing with 'nogu' (accusative of 'noga').
Mačka mi je prešla preko noge.
The cat walked over my [leg/foot].
The preposition 'preko' (over) takes the genitive case, but 'noge' here is also in genitive after 'preko'.
Slomio sam nogu kada sam pao.
I broke my [leg/foot] when I fell.
The verb 'slomiti' (to break) in the past tense, 'slomio sam' (I broke).
Dete je šutnulo loptu nogom.
The child kicked the ball with their [foot].
'Nogom' is in the instrumental case, indicating the tool used for the action.
Stoji na jednoj nozi.
He/She is standing on one [leg/foot].
'Nozi' is in the locative case, indicating location.
Imam osećaj da mi trne noga.
I have a feeling my [leg/foot] is tingling/falling asleep.
'Trne' (is tingling/falling asleep) is an impersonal verb in this context.
Njegova desna noga je bila povređena u nesreći, pa sada hramlje.
His right leg was injured in the accident, so he limps now.
Possessive adjective 'njegova' agrees with feminine noun 'noga'. Perfective verb 'povređena' (past participle) indicates completed action.
Stolica je imala labavu nogu, pa sam je morao popraviti pre nego što neko padne.
The chair had a wobbly leg, so I had to fix it before someone fell.
Instrumental case 'nogu' after 'imala'. 'Morao popraviti' (had to fix) shows obligation.
Fudbaler je dobio žuti karton zbog opasnog starta sa obe noge.
The footballer received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle with both feet.
Instrumental plural 'nogama' used with 'sa' (with). Perfective verb 'dobio' for completed action.
Ona je stajala na jednoj nozi pokušavajući da uhvati visoku loptu.
She was standing on one leg trying to catch a high ball.
Locative case 'nozi' with 'na' (on). Imperfective verb 'stajala' for ongoing action.
Deca su se igrala jureći jedno drugo oko stola, udarajući nogama o njegove noge.
The children were playing, chasing each other around the table, kicking its legs with their feet.
Instrumental plural 'nogama' for 'feet'. Genitive plural 'nogu' for 'its legs'.
Nakon dugog dana planinarenja, jedva sam vukao noge do kuće.
After a long day of hiking, I could barely drag my feet home.
Accusative plural 'noge' as direct object. Imperfective verb 'vukao' for continuous action.
Moraćemo da isečemo nogu od stola da bi se uklopio u mali prostor.
We'll have to cut a leg off the table to fit it into the small space.
Accusative 'nogu' as direct object. Genitive 'stola' with 'od' (from/off).
Konj je slomio prednju nogu i morali su da ga uspavaju.
The horse broke its front leg and they had to put it down.
Accusative 'nogu' as direct object. Perfective verb 'slomio' for completed action.
Souvent confondu avec
While 'noga' often covers 'foot', 'stopalo' specifically means 'foot'.
While 'ruka' often covers 'hand', 'šaka' specifically means 'hand'.
A more general term for 'limb', not commonly used in everyday conversation like 'noga' or 'ruka'.
Expressions idiomatiques
"stati na loptu"
To calm down, to take a break (literally: to step on the ball)
Hajde, stani malo na loptu i razmisli pre nego što reaguješ. (Come on, calm down a bit and think before you react.)
informal"izvući deblji kraj"
To get the short end of the stick, to suffer the most (literally: to pull out the thicker end)
Uvek ja izvučem deblji kraj kad se svađate. (I always get the short end of the stick when you two argue.)
neutral"naći se u neobranom grožđu"
To be in a tight spot, in trouble (literally: to find oneself in unpicked grapes)
Ako ne položim ispit, naći ću se u neobranom grožđu. (If I don't pass the exam, I'll be in a tight spot.)
neutral"baciti koplje u trnje"
To give up, to throw in the towel (literally: to throw a spear into the thorns)
Nema smisla bacati koplje u trnje, moramo se boriti do kraja. (There's no point in giving up, we have to fight to the end.)
neutral"prodavati maglu"
To talk nonsense, to deceive (literally: to sell fog)
Ma on samo prodaje maglu, ne veruj mu ništa. (Oh, he's just talking nonsense, don't believe anything he says.)
informal"držati vodu"
To hold water, to be logical or plausible (literally: to hold water)
Njegova priča ne drži vodu. (His story doesn't hold water.)
neutral"imati puter na glavi"
To have something to hide, to be guilty (literally: to have butter on one's head)
Izgleda da ima puter na glavi čim se tako brani. (It seems he has something to hide since he's defending himself like that.)
neutral"skinuti nekoga s dnevnog reda"
To dismiss someone, to get rid of someone (literally: to remove someone from the daily agenda)
Odlučili su da ga skinu s dnevnog reda. (They decided to dismiss him.)
neutral"biti na konju"
To be in a good position, to be successful (literally: to be on a horse)
Kad završiš fakultet, bićeš na konju. (When you finish university, you'll be in a good position.)
informal"spustiti se na zemlju"
To come back to reality, to be realistic (literally: to come down to earth)
Moraš malo da se spustiš na zemlju i shvatiš realnost. (You need to come back to reality a bit and understand the situation.)
neutralFacile à confondre
In English, 'leg' and 'foot' are distinct. In Serbian, 'noga' can refer to both, depending on context.
When talking about the entire limb, use 'noga'. When specifically referring to the foot part, context or a more precise term like 'stopalo' might be used, though 'noga' is still common.
Boli me cela noga. (My whole leg hurts.) Stavio sam cipelu na nogu. (I put the shoe on my foot.)
Similar to 'noga', 'ruka' can mean both 'arm' and 'hand' in Serbian.
Use 'ruka' for the entire upper limb. If you need to be specific about the hand, 'šaka' exists, but 'ruka' is frequently used for both.
Slomio sam ruku. (I broke my arm.) Pruži mi ruku. (Give me your hand.)
'Srce' can mean 'heart' as in the organ, but also 'heart' as in the emotional center, or even 'courage'.
The meaning is usually clear from the context. 'Srce' as in the organ is literal. 'Srce' in emotional contexts is metaphorical. 'Imati srce' can mean to have courage.
Moje srce kuca brzo. (My heart beats fast.) Imam veliko srce. (I have a big heart - meaning I'm kind.) Treba ti srce za to. (You need courage for that.)
'Jezik' can mean 'tongue' (the organ) and 'language' (a system of communication).
Context is key here. If you're talking about food or speech articulation, it's 'tongue'. If you're discussing communication or nationality, it's 'language'.
Ispruži jezik. (Stick out your tongue.) Učim srpski jezik. (I am learning the Serbian language.)
'Glava' means 'head', but it can also be used metaphorically for 'leader' or 'chapter' (of a book).
The primary meaning is 'head'. Metaphorical uses are less common for beginners but good to be aware of. Context will always make it clear.
Boli me glava. (My head hurts.) On je glava porodice. (He is the head of the family.) Pročitaj prvu glavu. (Read the first chapter.)
Astuces
Basic Meaning of 'noga'
The word 'noga' in Serbian most commonly means either leg or foot. The specific meaning usually becomes clear from the context of the sentence.
Singular vs. Plural
The singular form is 'noga' (a leg/foot). The plural form is 'noge' (legs/feet). Pay attention to this difference when speaking or writing.
Common Phrase: 'Boli me noga'
A very useful phrase to know is 'Boli me noga', which means 'My leg hurts' or 'My foot hurts'. This is a direct and practical way to express discomfort.
Using 'noga' for Furniture
Just like in English, 'noga' can also refer to the leg of a piece of furniture, like a table or chair. For example, 'noga stola' means 'table leg'.
Example: 'On ima duge noge.'
This means 'He has long legs.' Here, 'noge' clearly refers to legs, not feet.
Example: 'Obuj cipele na noge.'
This translates to 'Put the shoes on your feet.' In this case, 'noge' refers to feet.
No separate word for 'foot'
Unlike English, Serbian uses 'noga' for both leg and foot. Don't look for a separate word for foot; 'noga' covers both.
Pronunciation Practice
Practice saying 'noga' out loud. The 'g' is like the 'g' in 'go', and the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father'.
Beyond A1: Idiomatic Expressions
As you progress beyond A1, you'll encounter idiomatic expressions using 'noga', such as 'stati na noge' (to get on one's feet / to become independent). For now, focus on the basic meanings.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'NO-Glove Area' on your leg or foot, reminding you of 'noga'.
Association visuelle
Picture a person kicking a soccer ball with their 'noga' (leg/foot). Or, visualize a giant, hairy 'noga' monster with many legs and feet.
Word Web
Défi
Try to identify 'noga' in pictures of people or animals. Practice saying sentences like 'Moja noga je dugačka' (My leg is long) or 'Boli me noga' (My foot hurts).
Teste-toi 48 questions
Moja ___ boli posle trčanja. (My ___ hurts after running.)
The context implies a body part that hurts after running, and 'noga' (leg) fits this perfectly.
Imam dugačke ___. (I have long ___.)
'Noge' (legs) is the plural form of 'noga' and is used here to describe long body parts.
Mačka mi je na ___. (The cat is on my ___.)
'Nozi' is the locative case of 'noga', meaning 'on the leg/foot', which fits the sentence.
Stojim na jednoj ___. (I am standing on one ___.)
To stand on one requires a 'noga' (leg/foot).
Udario sam se u ___. (I hit my ___.)
'Nogu' is the accusative case of 'noga', used when something is hit. It means 'my leg/foot'.
Deca trče bosih ___. (Children run barefoot ___.)
'Nogu' is the genitive plural of 'noga', meaning 'of feet', correctly completing 'bosih nogu' (barefoot).
My ___ hurts.
I have two ___.
The cat has four ___.
Read this aloud:
Moja noga je velika.
Focus: noga
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Read this aloud:
Ova noga je duga.
Focus: duga
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Gde je tvoja noga?
Focus: Gde
Tu as dit :
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This sentence describes a tired leg after a long walk. 'Moja noga' (my leg) is the subject, followed by 'je umorna' (is tired), and then 'od duge šetnje' (from a long walk).
This sentence means 'My left leg hurts after running.' 'Boli me' (it hurts me), 'leva noga' (left leg), 'posle trčanja' (after running).
This sentence means 'He put one leg over the other.' 'Stavio je' (he put), 'jednu nogu' (one leg), 'preko druge' (over the other).
Nakon duge šetnje, osećao sam bol u levoj ___.
The context implies a part of the body that gets tired from walking. 'Noga' (leg/foot) fits this perfectly.
Fudbaler je povredio desnu ___ tokom utakmice.
Footballers primarily use their 'nogu' (leg/foot) in a game, making it the most logical injury site.
Stolica ima tri ___, pa je nestabilna.
'Noge' (legs) are the support structures of a chair. Three legs would make it unstable.
Beba je počela da stoji na ___ pre nego što je prohodala.
Babies learn to stand on their 'nogama' (legs/feet) before they walk.
Pas mi je sedeo pored ___ dok sam gledao TV.
Dogs often sit close to their owners' 'noge' (legs/feet).
Moraš da stojiš čvrsto na obema ___ da ne bi pao.
To avoid falling, one must stand firmly on both 'nogama' (legs/feet).
Listen for the body part that felt tingly.
Identify which body part the footballer injured.
Pay attention to where the cat was rubbing.
Read this aloud:
Pazi, stao si mi na nogu!
Focus: na nogu
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Nakon planinarenja, bolele su me obe noge.
Focus: obe noge
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Deca su se igrala i trčala bosa po travi, osećajući svaki dodir pod nogama.
Focus: pod nogama
Tu as dit :
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Opišite detaljno povredu noge koju ste nedavno zadobili. Koje ste korake preduzeli za oporavak?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nedavno sam povredio levu nogu igrajući fudbal. Osetio sam oštar bol u kolenu i odmah sam morao da prekinem igru. Prvo sam stavio led na povređeno mesto i odmarao nogu. Sledećeg dana sam posetio doktora koji mi je preporučio fizioterapiju. Redovno radim vežbe i nadam se brzom oporavku. Još uvek osećam blagi bol kada duže stojim ili hodam.
Napišite kratku priču o putovanju koje ste preduzeli peške. Koliko ste kilometara prešli i šta ste sve videli usput?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Prošlog leta sam se uputio na pešačko putovanje kroz planine. Prešao sam skoro 50 kilometara za tri dana. Prvog dana sam video prelepe šume i vodopade. Drugog dana sam se popeo na vrh planine i uživao u neverovatnom pogledu. Trećeg dana sam otkrio skriveno jezero. Bilo je to iscrpljujuće, ali nezaboravno iskustvo, prepuno predivnih pejzaža i osećaja slobode. Svaki korak je bio vredan truda.
Zamislite da ste ortoped. Opišite uobičajene probleme sa nogama kod starijih osoba i predložite načine prevencije i lečenja.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Kao ortoped, često se susrećem sa problemima sa nogama kod starijih osoba. Među najčešćim su artritis, osteoporoza i smanjena pokretljivost zglobova. Prevencija uključuje redovnu fizičku aktivnost prilagođenu njihovim sposobnostima, uravnoteženu ishranu bogatu kalcijumom i vitaminom D, kao i nošenje udobne obuće. Lečenje obuhvata fizikalnu terapiju, lekove protiv bolova i, u težim slučajevima, hirurške intervencije. Važno je podsticati ih na aktivnost i edukovati o pravilnoj brizi o nogama kako bi očuvali kvalitet života.
Šta su planinari proveravali pre uspona?
Read this passage:
Planinari su se pripremali za uspon na najviši vrh. Proveravali su opremu: jake čizme, štapove za hodanje i dovoljno vode. Znali su da će put biti dugačak i naporan, ali su bili spremni na izazov. Svaki korak je bio važan, posebno na strmim delovima staze, gde je bilo lako izgubiti ravnotežu. Nisu smeli dozvoliti da im umor ili bol u nogama pokolebaju duh.
Šta su planinari proveravali pre uspona?
Tekst eksplicitno navodi da su proveravali 'opremu: jake čizme, štapove za hodanje i dovoljno vode'.
Tekst eksplicitno navodi da su proveravali 'opremu: jake čizme, štapove za hodanje i dovoljno vode'.
Šta je omogućilo balerini da savlada teške pokrete?
Read this passage:
Balerina je stajala na jednoj nozi, izvodeći složenu figuru. Njena snaga i gracioznost bile su impresivne. Godine treninga i posvećenosti omogućile su joj da savlada najteže pokrete. Publika je sa divljenjem posmatrala svaki njen pokret, svesna napora koji stoji iza takve lakoće. Svaki mišić u njenoj nozi je bio u savršenoj kontroli.
Šta je omogućilo balerini da savlada teške pokrete?
Tekst kaže: 'Godine treninga i posvećenosti omogućile su joj da savlada najteže pokrete.'
Tekst kaže: 'Godine treninga i posvećenosti omogućile su joj da savlada najteže pokrete.'
Od čega su bile umorne starčeve noge?
Read this passage:
Starac je sedeo na klupi u parku, posmatrajući decu kako se igraju. Njegove noge su bile umorne od dugog hodanja, ali je njegovo srce bilo ispunjeno radošću. Sećao se svojih mladalačkih dana kada je mogao da trči satima bez predaha. Sada su mu šetnje bile sporije, ali ništa manje značajne. Svaki korak je bio proslava života, uprkos bolovima u zglobovima.
Od čega su bile umorne starčeve noge?
Tekst navodi: 'Njegove noge su bile umorne od dugog hodanja'.
Tekst navodi: 'Njegove noge su bile umorne od dugog hodanja'.
This sentence describes an action (breaking a leg) that happened after another action (falling while jumping). The word order reflects this sequence.
The sentence explains the cause (walking all day at work) for the effect (his legs hurting). 'Noge' is plural, so 'bolela su ga' is appropriate.
This sentence describes a habitual action. 'Noge i stopala' are grouped as the objects being held, and 'na sto pod' indicates where they are placed.
Listen for the noun 'noga' in the sentence.
Listen for the plural form of 'noga'.
Listen for the word 'nogu' and its context.
Read this aloud:
Moja desna noga je jača od leve.
Focus: noga
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Boli me noga od dugog hodanja.
Focus: boli me noga
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Ustao je na levu nogu jutros.
Focus: na levu nogu
Tu as dit :
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/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of 'noga'
The word 'noga' in Serbian most commonly means either leg or foot. The specific meaning usually becomes clear from the context of the sentence.
Singular vs. Plural
The singular form is 'noga' (a leg/foot). The plural form is 'noge' (legs/feet). Pay attention to this difference when speaking or writing.
Common Phrase: 'Boli me noga'
A very useful phrase to know is 'Boli me noga', which means 'My leg hurts' or 'My foot hurts'. This is a direct and practical way to express discomfort.
Using 'noga' for Furniture
Just like in English, 'noga' can also refer to the leg of a piece of furniture, like a table or chair. For example, 'noga stola' means 'table leg'.
