§ Understanding 'zdrav'
The Croatian word 'zdrav' (pronounced: zdrahv) is an adjective that directly translates to 'healthy' in English. It's a fundamental word you'll hear and use often, whether you're talking about people, food, or even the environment. Knowing how to use 'zdrav' is essential for basic communication and understanding in Croatian.
- DEFINITION
- Healthy.
You'll use 'zdrav' in much the same way you'd use 'healthy' in English. It can describe the state of someone's physical or mental well-being, the quality of food, or even the condition of a plant or an animal. It's a very versatile word, and mastering its usage will significantly improve your Croatian vocabulary.
§ When to use 'zdrav'
Let's look at some common scenarios where you'll hear and use 'zdrav'.
- Describing people's health: This is perhaps the most common use. If someone is feeling good and is not sick, you'd say they are 'zdrav'.
- Talking about food: Just like in English, you can refer to food that is good for you as 'zdrav'.
- Referring to animals or plants: A healthy pet or a thriving plant can also be described as 'zdrav'.
- Environmental health: Sometimes, you might hear 'zdrav' used to describe a healthy environment or air quality.
The key is to remember that 'zdrav' signifies a state of being in good condition, free from illness or defects, and generally beneficial for well-being. This can be applied broadly, making it a very useful word to add to your vocabulary early on.
§ Examples of 'zdrav' in sentences
Let's see how 'zdrav' looks in real sentences. Pay attention to how it changes slightly based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. For now, focus on understanding the core meaning.
On je zdrav čovjek.
Translation hint: He is a healthy man.
Ovo je zdrava
Translation hint: This is healthy food.
Oni su zdravi
Translation hint: They are healthy.
Learning 'zdrav' early on will give you a solid foundation for discussing well-being, diet, and general good condition in Croatian. It's a word you'll encounter frequently, so understanding its core meaning and typical uses is a great first step.
§ Healthy vs. Health
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'zdrav' is confusing the adjective 'healthy' with the noun 'health'. In English, you might say 'He has good health' or 'He is healthy'. In Croatian, these are distinct words. 'Zdrav' (zdrava, zdravo) means 'healthy' (an adjective describing someone or something), while 'zdravlje' means 'health' (a noun). Always remember to use the correct part of speech.
- DEFINITION
- Zdrav: Healthy (adjective)
Zdravlje: Health (noun)
On je zdrav. (He is healthy.)
Njegovo zdravlje je dobro. (His health is good.)
§ Gender Agreement
Croatian adjectives, including 'zdrav', must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. This is a common hurdle for English speakers because English adjectives don't change. Failing to match the gender is a very common mistake.
- For masculine nouns, use 'zdrav'.
- For feminine nouns, use 'zdrava'.
- For neuter nouns, use 'zdravo'.
On je zdrav muškarac. (He is a healthy man. - masculine)
Ona je zdrava žena. (She is a healthy woman. - feminine)
To je zdravo dijete. (That is a healthy child. - neuter)
§ Using 'Zdrav' for Objects/Food
While 'healthy' in English can describe both people and things ('a healthy person', 'a healthy meal'), in Croatian, 'zdrav' is most commonly used for living beings. When referring to food or a lifestyle as 'healthy', you might encounter other expressions, although 'zdrav' can sometimes be used.
- DEFINITION
- Zdrav (for living beings): Healthy
Zdrav (for food/lifestyle, less common): Healthy, wholesome, beneficial
Ovo je zdrava hrana. (This is healthy food. - acceptable, but 'zdrava prehrana' - healthy diet - is also common)
On vodi zdrav život. (He leads a healthy life.)
While 'zdrav' is understood, sometimes more specific words are used for food to emphasize its benefits or wholesomeness, like 'hranljiv' (nutritious) or 'koristan' (beneficial).
§ Healthy vs. Fit: 'zdrav' and 'spreman'
When you're learning Croatian, you'll find a few words that can all be translated to 'healthy' or 'fit' in English. It's important to understand the nuances to use them correctly. The main word we're focusing on is zdrav.
- DEFINITION
- Healthy, in a general sense, referring to one's physical and mental well-being, free from illness or disease.
Think of zdrav as the opposite of being sick. If you're not sick, you're zdrav. It's a broad term that covers overall health.
Moj otac je zdrav i jak. (My father is healthy and strong.)
Želim ti zdrav i sretan život. (I wish you a healthy and happy life.)
Now, let's look at a common alternative: spreman.
- DEFINITION
- Ready, prepared, or fit. When referring to a person, it often implies physical fitness or being in good shape for an activity.
Spreman is more about being in good physical condition, often in preparation for something specific, like a sport or a physical challenge. While a spreman person is usually zdrav, a zdrav person isn't necessarily spreman for, say, running a marathon.
On je jako spreman za utakmicu. (He is very fit/ready for the match.)
Jesi li spreman za trčanje? (Are you fit/ready for running?)
§ Using 'zdrav' in context
Zdrav is a versatile adjective and can be used in various contexts beyond just people. You can talk about zdrava hrana (healthy food), zdrav zrak (healthy air), or even a zdrav razum (sound mind/common sense).
Jedem zdravu hranu svaki dan. (I eat healthy food every day.)
Imam zdrav razum. (I have common sense/a sound mind.)
Remember that adjectives in Croatian change their endings to agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case. For zdrav, this means:
- Masculine singular: zdrav (e.g., zdrav čovjek - healthy man)
- Feminine singular: zdrava (e.g., zdrava žena - healthy woman)
- Neuter singular: zdravo (e.g., zdravo dijete - healthy child)
- Plural (all genders): zdravi (e.g., zdravi ljudi - healthy people)
§ When to stick with 'zdrav'
Use zdrav when you are talking about:
- General health condition of a person or animal (e.g., not sick).
- Things that contribute to overall well-being (e.g., healthy food, healthy lifestyle).
- A sound state of mind or common sense.
While 'spreman' can imply health, its primary meaning is about readiness or fitness for a task. If you simply want to say someone is free from illness, zdrav is the correct and most natural choice.
Nakon bolesti, opet sam zdrav. (After the illness, I am healthy again.)
Važno je ostati zdrav. (It is important to stay healthy.)
Understanding these distinctions will help you sound more natural and precise in your Croatian conversations. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it!
豆知識
The root is shared with words for 'tree' and 'wood' in some Slavic languages, possibly indicating a connection to vitality and strength derived from nature.
難易度
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short
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レベル別の例文
On je zdrav čovjek.
He is a healthy man.
Masculine singular noun 'čovjek' (man) takes masculine singular adjective 'zdrav'.
Ona je zdrava žena.
She is a healthy woman.
Feminine singular noun 'žena' (woman) takes feminine singular adjective 'zdrava'.
Dijete je zdravo.
The child is healthy.
Neuter singular noun 'dijete' (child) takes neuter singular adjective 'zdravo'.
Oni su zdravi ljudi.
They are healthy people.
Masculine plural noun 'ljudi' (people) takes masculine plural adjective 'zdravi'.
Želim ti zdrav život.
I wish you a healthy life.
Feminine singular noun 'život' (life) is in accusative case, so 'zdrav' changes to 'zdrav'.
Važno je jesti zdravu hranu.
It is important to eat healthy food.
Feminine singular noun 'hranu' (food) is in accusative case, so 'zdrav' changes to 'zdravu'.
Osjećam se zdravo danas.
I feel healthy today.
The adverbial form 'zdravo' is used when describing how someone feels.
Jesu li vaši roditelji zdravi?
Are your parents healthy?
Masculine plural noun 'roditelji' (parents) takes masculine plural adjective 'zdravi'.
Unatoč godinama, moj djed je još uvijek vrlo zdrav i aktivan.
Despite his age, my grandfather is still very healthy and active.
Važno je jesti zdravu hranu kako biste održali snažan imunitet.
It's important to eat healthy food to maintain a strong immune system.
Redovita tjelovježba pomaže vam ostati zdrav i u dobroj formi.
Regular exercise helps you stay healthy and in good shape.
Nakon duge bolesti, napokon se osjećam zdravim i punim energije.
After a long illness, I finally feel healthy and full of energy.
Liječnik mi je savjetovao da vodim zdraviji način života.
The doctor advised me to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Imati zdrav um u zdravom tijelu je ključ za sreću.
Having a healthy mind in a healthy body is key to happiness.
Svi se nadamo da ćemo doživjeti duboku starost i ostati zdravi.
We all hope to live to a ripe old age and remain healthy.
Kuhanje s puno povrća i malo masnoće čini obrok zdravim i ukusnim.
Cooking with lots of vegetables and little fat makes a meal healthy and tasty.
Unatoč godinama, djed je i dalje iznenađujuće zdrav i vitalan.
Despite his age, grandpa is still surprisingly healthy and vital.
Iznenađujuće is an adverb meaning 'surprisingly'.
Nakon mjeseci oporavka, napokon se osjećam potpuno zdrav i spreman za nove izazove.
After months of recovery, I finally feel completely healthy and ready for new challenges.
Potpuno is an adverb meaning 'completely'.
Za zdrav život ključna je uravnotežena prehrana i redovita tjelesna aktivnost.
For a healthy life, a balanced diet and regular physical activity are crucial.
Ključna is an adjective in feminine singular, agreeing with prehrana.
Njegov zdrav razum mu je pomogao da donese ispravnu odluku u teškoj situaciji.
His sound judgment helped him make the right decision in a difficult situation.
Zdrav razum literally means 'healthy reason' but is commonly used to mean 'sound judgment' or 'common sense'.
Iako je bolest bila teška, njezin zdrav duh joj je omogućio brzi oporavak.
Although the illness was severe, her healthy spirit allowed for a quick recovery.
Duh is masculine, so 'zdrav duh'.
Redoviti pregledi su važni kako bismo osigurali da ostanemo zdravi.
Regular check-ups are important to ensure we stay healthy.
Ostanemo is in the first person plural present tense of ostati (to stay).
Nema ništa važnije od zdravog sna za cjelokupno blagostanje.
There's nothing more important than healthy sleep for overall well-being.
Zdravog is in the genitive case, agreeing with sna (sleep).
Da bi društvo bilo zdravo, potrebno je ulagati u obrazovanje i socijalnu skrb.
For society to be healthy, it is necessary to invest in education and social care.
Zdravo is in the neuter singular, agreeing with društvo (society).
Uprkos teškoj bolesti, zadržala je zdrav duh i optimističan pogled na život.
Despite a serious illness, she maintained a healthy spirit and an optimistic outlook on life.
Za dugotrajan i zdrav brak, ključno je međusobno poštovanje i otvorena komunikacija.
For a long-lasting and healthy marriage, mutual respect and open communication are crucial.
Kritičari su se složili da film nudi zdrav komentar na suvremeno društvo, bez suvišne didaktičnosti.
Critics agreed that the film offered a healthy commentary on contemporary society, without excessive didacticism.
Nakon višegodišnjeg stresa, odmor na selu pomogao mu je da povrati zdrav razum i unutarnji mir.
After years of stress, a break in the countryside helped him regain his healthy mind and inner peace.
Uvijek je imala zdrav skepticizam prema novim trendovima, preferirajući provjerene metode.
She always had a healthy skepticism towards new trends, preferring proven methods.
Zdrav humor je esencijalan za preživljavanje u ovim teškim vremenima, rekao je.
Healthy humor is essential for survival in these difficult times, he said.
Njegov zdrav apetit nakon oporavka bio je dobar znak da se vraća u formu.
His healthy appetite after recovery was a good sign that he was getting back in shape.
Potrebno je osigurati zdravu konkurenciju na tržištu kako bi se potaknuo rast i inovacije.
It is necessary to ensure healthy competition in the market to encourage growth and innovation.
よく混同される語
This is the noun form, meaning 'health'. 'Zdrav' is the adjective.
This is often used as a greeting, meaning 'hello' or 'hi'. It's also the neuter form of the adjective 'healthy', or can mean 'healthily' as an adverb.
This is an adjective meaning 'health-related' or 'medical'.
間違えやすい
This means 'sick' or 'ill'. Learners might confuse it with 'healthy' due to the similar context of health.
'Zdrav' means healthy, 'bolestan' means sick.
On je zdrav. (He is healthy.) On je bolestan. (He is sick.)
English speakers might assume 'fit' is a direct translation for healthy, but 'fit' in Croatian (though often understood) specifically refers to physical fitness, not general health.
'Zdrav' is a broader term for overall health, while 'fit' is about physical condition.
On je zdrav. (He is healthy.) On je fit. (He is fit.)
Meaning 'good', learners might use it incorrectly to describe someone's health, as in 'He is good' when they mean 'He is healthy'.
'Zdrav' refers to health status, 'dobar' describes quality or general well-being in a broader sense.
On je zdrav. (He is healthy.) On je dobar čovjek. (He is a good person.)
Meaning 'clean', this word is unrelated to health but can be confused phonetically by some learners due to the 'zdr-' sound in 'zdrav'.
'Zdrav' means healthy, 'čist' means clean.
On je zdrav. (He is healthy.) Ruke su mi čiste. (My hands are clean.)
Meaning 'strong', learners might associate strength directly with health. While often related, they are not interchangeable.
'Zdrav' means healthy, 'snažan' means strong.
On je zdrav. (He is healthy.) On je snažan čovjek. (He is a strong man.)
語源
Proto-Slavic *sъdorvъ
元の意味： healthy, strong
Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic文化的な背景
Being 'zdrav' (healthy) is highly valued in Croatian culture, often expressed through toasts like 'Živjeli i zdravi bili!' (Cheers and be healthy!). Traditional herbal remedies and a focus on fresh, local food are also central to maintaining good health in Croatia.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Describing people's health
- On je zdrav. (He is healthy.)
- Ona je zdrava. (She is healthy.)
- Mi smo zdravi. (We are healthy.)
Talking about food choices
- Ovo je zdrava hrana. (This is healthy food.)
- Jedem zdravo. (I eat healthily.)
- Želim jesti zdravije. (I want to eat healthier.)
Discussing a healthy lifestyle
- Važno je biti zdrav. (It's important to be healthy.)
- Vodim zdrav život. (I lead a healthy life.)
- Kako ostati zdrav? (How to stay healthy?)
Referring to things that are beneficial for health
- Zdrav san je važan. (Healthy sleep is important.)
- Zdrav zrak. (Healthy air.)
- Zdrava voda. (Healthy water.)
Wishing someone well (less common for 'zdrav' itself, but related)
- Budi zdrav! (Be healthy! - informal, masculine singular)
- Budite zdravi! (Be healthy! - plural or formal)
会話のきっかけ
"Jesi li zdrav/zdrava? (Are you healthy? - informal, m/f)"
"Što radiš da bi ostao/ostala zdrav/zdrava? (What do you do to stay healthy? - informal, m/f)"
"Misliš li da je hrvatska kuhinja zdrava? (Do you think Croatian cuisine is healthy?)"
"Koja je tvoja omiljena zdrava aktivnost? (What's your favorite healthy activity?)"
"Je li važno jesti samo zdravu hranu? (Is it important to eat only healthy food?)"
日記のテーマ
Napiši tri stvari koje radiš da bi bio/bila zdrav/zdrava. (Write three things you do to be healthy.)
Opiši jedan dan kada se osjećaš vrlo zdravo. Što si radio/radila? (Describe a day when you feel very healthy. What did you do?)
Koja je razlika između 'zdrav' i 'bolestan'? (What is the difference between 'healthy' and 'sick'?)
Kako možeš pomoći drugima da budu zdravi? (How can you help others be healthy?)
Razmisli o jednoj stvari koju možeš učiniti sutra da budeš zdraviji/zdravija. (Think about one thing you can do tomorrow to be healthier.)
自分をテスト 36 問
This sentence means 'He is healthy.' in Croatian. 'On' is 'He', 'je' is 'is', and 'zdrav' is 'healthy'.
This sentence means 'I am healthy.' in Croatian. 'Ja' is 'I', 'sam' is 'am', and 'zdrav' is 'healthy'.
This sentence means 'She is healthy.' in Croatian. 'Ona' is 'She', 'je' is 'is', and 'zdrava' is 'healthy' (feminine form).
Listen for 'healthy'.
Listen for 'I want to be healthy'.
Listen for 'She eats healthy food'.
Read this aloud:
Kako si? Jesi li zdrav?
Focus: zdrav
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
Važno je biti zdrav.
Focus: važno
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
Želim ti da budeš zdrav.
Focus: želim
あなたの回答：
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Write a short sentence describing a healthy habit you have, using the word 'zdrav'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ja volim jesti zdravu hranu. (I like to eat healthy food.)
Imagine your friend is not feeling well. Write a sentence wishing them to be healthy soon, using 'zdrav'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nadam se da ćeš uskoro biti zdrav! (I hope you will be healthy soon!)
Describe a healthy person using 'zdrav' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
On je jako zdrav čovjek jer vježba svaki dan. (He is a very healthy man because he exercises every day.)
Što moja obitelj jede da bi bila zdrava?
Read this passage:
Moja obitelj voli jesti zdravu hranu. Svaki dan jedemo puno voća i povrća. Pijemo vodu umjesto sokova. Tako smo svi zdravi i imamo puno energije.
Što moja obitelj jede da bi bila zdrava?
The passage says 'Svaki dan jedemo puno voća i povrća.' (Every day we eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.)
The passage says 'Svaki dan jedemo puno voća i povrća.' (Every day we eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.)
Zašto je važno biti zdrav?
Read this passage:
Biti zdrav je važno za sretan život. Kada ste zdravi, možete raditi sve što želite. Zato je dobro vježbati i jesti dobru hranu.
Zašto je važno biti zdrav?
The passage states 'Biti zdrav je važno za sretan život.' (Being healthy is important for a happy life.)
The passage states 'Biti zdrav je važno za sretan život.' (Being healthy is important for a happy life.)
Što se dogodilo s Markom?
Read this passage:
Marko je bio bolestan prošli tjedan, ali sada je opet zdrav. Sada može ići u školu i igrati se s prijateljima. Sretan je što je opet zdrav.
Što se dogodilo s Markom?
The passage says 'Marko je bio bolestan prošli tjedan, ali sada je opet zdrav.' (Marko was sick last week, but now he is healthy again.)
The passage says 'Marko je bio bolestan prošli tjedan, ali sada je opet zdrav.' (Marko was sick last week, but now he is healthy again.)
You are discussing with a friend the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Explain in Croatian why it is important to eat healthy food and exercise regularly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Važno je jesti zdravu hranu i redovito vježbati jer to doprinosi našem cjelokupnom zdravlju i dobrobiti. Zdrava prehrana osigurava tijelu potrebne hranjive tvari, dok vježbanje jača mišiće i srce. Sve to pomaže u prevenciji bolesti i poboljšava kvalitetu života.
Imagine you are writing a blog post about natural remedies for common illnesses. Describe how a healthy immune system, built through a healthy lifestyle, can help fight off colds and flu.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Snažan imunitet, koji gradimo zdravim načinom života, ključan je u borbi protiv prehlade i gripe. Kada je naš imunitet zdrav, tijelo je otpornije na viruse i bakterije, što znači da ćemo se rjeđe razboljeti ili ćemo imati blaže simptome. Zato je važno paziti na prehranu, dovoljno spavati i biti fizički aktivan.
You are giving advice to someone who wants to start living a healthier life. Write a short paragraph outlining three specific, actionable tips they can implement to become 'zdrav'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ako želite živjeti zdravije, evo tri korisna savjeta: prvo, počnite s malim promjenama u prehrani, poput dodavanja više voća i povrća. Drugo, pronađite aktivnost u kojoj uživate i vježbajte barem tri puta tjedno. Treće, osigurajte si dovoljno sna svake noći jer je odmor ključan za oporavak tijela.
What changes did Marko make to his lifestyle?
Read this passage:
Marko je odlučio promijeniti svoj životni stil. Počeo je jesti više voća i povrća, a smanjio je unos slatkiša. Svaki dan ide u šetnju parkom i osjeća se mnogo bolje. Njegova koža je sjajnija, ima više energije i rjeđe je bolestan. Svi govore da izgleda mnogo zdravije.
What changes did Marko make to his lifestyle?
The passage states 'Počeo je jesti više voća i povrća, a smanjio je unos slatkiša. Svaki dan ide u šetnju parkom.'
The passage states 'Počeo je jesti više voća i povrća, a smanjio je unos slatkiša. Svaki dan ide u šetnju parkom.'
What new aspect of 'being healthy' did Ana realize?
Read this passage:
Ana se uvijek trudila biti zdrava. Redovito je posjećivala liječnika, jela uravnoteženu prehranu i bavila se sportom. Međutim, stres na poslu počeo je utjecati na njezino zdravlje. Počela je imati problema sa spavanjem i često je osjećala umor. Shvatila je da 'zdrav' ne znači samo fizičko, već i mentalno blagostanje.
What new aspect of 'being healthy' did Ana realize?
The passage states 'Shvatila je da 'zdrav' ne znači samo fizičko, već i mentalno blagostanje.'
The passage states 'Shvatila je da 'zdrav' ne znači samo fizičko, već i mentalno blagostanje.'
According to the text, what is a common misconception about a healthy lifestyle?
Read this passage:
U medijima se često govori o važnosti zdravog života. No, mnogi ljudi pogrešno misle da je to komplicirano i skupo. Istina je da male promjene mogu napraviti veliku razliku. Dovoljno spavanja, pijenje dovoljno vode i redovita fizička aktivnost su osnove. Ne morate ići u teretanu; čak i brza šetnja svaki dan može biti dovoljna da ostanete zdravi.
According to the text, what is a common misconception about a healthy lifestyle?
The passage says 'No, mnogi ljudi pogrešno misle da je to komplicirano i skupo.'
The passage says 'No, mnogi ljudi pogrešno misle da je to komplicirano i skupo.'
This sentence structure emphasizes 'healthy lifestyle' as the outcome despite 'challenges'.
The order highlights the individual's 'ability' to stay 'healthy' even with 'stress'.
This sentence emphasizes the 'effort' needed to maintain a 'healthy ecosystem'.
Despite global challenges, it is important to remain healthy and resilient, both physically and mentally.
Access to health preservation information in an era of disinformation is crucial for collective well-being.
Systemic reforms in healthcare are necessary to ensure universal access to quality care for all citizens.
Read this aloud:
Koju ulogu igra mentalno zdravlje u općem blagostanju pojedinca i društva?
Focus: mentalno zdravlje, općem blagostanju, pojedinca i društva
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
Na koji način tehnološki napredak može doprinijeti poboljšanju javnog zdravlja na globalnoj razini?
Focus: tehnološki napredak, poboljšanju javnog zdravlja, globalnoj razini
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
Raspravite o etičkim dilemama vezanim uz genetsko inženjerstvo u svrhu prevencije bolesti i očuvanja zdravlja.
Focus: etičkim dilemama, genetsko inženjerstvo, prevencije bolesti, očuvanja zdravlja
あなたの回答：
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/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
