You'll often use stajati (to stand) when talking about where people or objects are. It's a regular verb, meaning its endings follow common patterns. You'll hear it a lot in basic descriptions of locations. For example, if you want to say 'The book is on the table,' you might use a form of 'stajati' to imply it's standing there. It's a fundamental verb for describing static positions.
stajati 30초 만에
- Use 'stajati' for 'to stand'.
- It's an A1 verb, so it's fundamental.
- Often used to describe a person's posture.
§ Stajati in Daily Conversations
When you're learning Serbian, you'll hear 'stajati' a lot. It's not just about standing still. Think of it more broadly as 'to be in a standing position' or even 'to be located.' Let's break down some common ways you'll encounter this verb.
- DEFINITION
- To stand; to be located.
Ja stojim ispred tebe.
Hint: I am standing in front of you.
Oni stoje u redu.
Hint: They are standing in line.
§ Stajati in Workplace Settings
In a professional environment, 'stajati' often comes up when talking about where things are located or how people are positioned. It's simple but essential.
Moj sto stoji pored prozora.
Hint: My desk stands (is located) next to the window.
Dokumenti stoje na polici.
Hint: The documents stand (are located) on the shelf.
§ Stajati in Educational Contexts
In schools or when discussing learning, 'stajati' can describe the position of objects or people. It's straightforward and often used in instructional sentences.
Molim vas, stojite mirno.
Hint: Please stand still.
Knjige stoje na stolu.
Hint: The books stand (are located) on the table.
§ Stajati in News and Public Announcements
Even in formal contexts like news or public announcements, 'stajati' is used for describing the location of events or objects, or the state of being upright.
Spomenik stoji na glavnom trgu.
Hint: The monument stands (is located) in the main square.
Vozila stoje u koloni zbog zastoja.
Hint: Vehicles stand (are stuck) in a column due to a traffic jam.
§ Other Practical Uses of Stajati
Here are a few more common phrases where 'stajati' is used:
'Stajati u mestu' - To stand still, to be stuck in one place.
Ne mogu da se pomerim, stojim u mestu.
Hint: I can't move, I'm standing still.
'Kako ti stoji?' - How does it fit you? (literally, 'How does it stand on you?'). This is common for clothes.
Ova košulja mi dobro stoji.
Hint: This shirt fits me well.
'Stajati na raspolaganju' - To be at disposal/available.
Ja sam vam na raspolaganju ako vam zatreba pomoć, samo mi javite, stojim ovde.
Hint: I am at your disposal if you need help, just let me know, I'm standing here.
As you can see, 'stajati' is a versatile verb. By paying attention to the context, you'll quickly understand its meaning in different situations. Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll master it in no time!
§ Stajati: to stand
The Serbian verb 'stajati' means 'to stand'. It's a common verb you'll use often. Let's look at how it works and what similar words exist.
§ Examples of stajati
Ja stojim ovde. (I am standing here.)
On stoji pored stola. (He stands next to the table.)
Mi stojimo u redu. (We are standing in line.)
§ Similar words and when to use 'stajati' vs alternatives
While 'stajati' directly translates to 'to stand', Serbian has a few other words that can be used in similar contexts, but with slightly different nuances. Understanding these differences will help you sound more natural.
- Stajati (to stand, general sense): This is your go-to for the general act of being upright on your feet. It's used for people, objects, and even abstract concepts like 'to stand for something' (though for A1, stick to the physical meaning).
Knjiga stoji na polici. (The book stands on the shelf. / The book is on the shelf.)
- Uspraviti se (to straighten up, to stand up after sitting/lying): This verb emphasizes the action of becoming upright. You'd use this when someone goes from a seated or lying position to a standing one.
Molim te, uspravi se. (Please stand up straight.)
- Dići se (to get up, to rise): Similar to 'uspraviti se', but 'dići se' can be more general. It implies moving from a lower position to a higher one, which includes standing up, but also rising from bed, or even getting up from the ground after a fall.
Vreme je da se digneš. (It's time to get up.)
- Stajati mirno (to stand still): This is a phrase that combines 'stajati' with 'mirno' (still/quietly) to specifically mean to stand without moving.
Molim vas, stojte mirno. (Please stand still.)
In summary, use 'stajati' for the most direct translation of 'to stand'. When the action of getting up is important, consider 'uspraviti se' or 'dići se'. For standing without moving, 'stajati mirno' is the phrase you need.
수준별 예문
Uprkos oluji, stari hrast je stajao čvrsto, ne savijajući se pod naletima vetra.
Despite the storm, the old oak stood firm, not bending under the gusts of wind.
Here 'stajao' is used metaphorically, indicating resilience.
Na zasedanju skupštine, predsednik je stajao iza svojih reči, braneći predložene amandmane sa žarom.
At the assembly session, the president stood by his words, defending the proposed amendments with fervor.
'Stajati iza' means 'to stand by/behind' someone or something, indicating support or responsibility.
Dokumentacija za projekat je stajala na stolu nedeljama, niko se nije usudio da je uzme u razmatranje.
The project documentation had been sitting on the table for weeks, no one dared to consider it.
'Stajati' can also mean 'to be located' or 'to remain untouched/idle'.
Nakon višegodišnjeg truda i odricanja, konačno je stajala pred svojim snom – sopstvenom galerijom.
After years of effort and sacrifice, she finally stood before her dream – her own gallery.
Used here to express 'standing in front of' a goal or achievement.
Grad je stajao na raskrsnici civilizacija, svedočeći burnim istorijskim promenama.
The city stood at the crossroads of civilizations, witnessing tumultuous historical changes.
Metaphorical use of 'stajati' to describe the city's geographical and historical position.
Pitanje opstanka ekosistema stoji kao prioritetno na globalnoj agendi.
The question of ecosystem survival stands as a priority on the global agenda.
'Stajati kao' means 'to stand as' or 'to be regarded as', emphasizing importance.
Uprkos svim preprekama, njegova reč je stajala čvrsto, kao obećanje koje se ne sme prekršiti.
Despite all obstacles, his word stood firm, like a promise that must not be broken.
Here, 'stajala' refers to the steadfastness and reliability of someone's word.
Na ivici provalije, putnik je stajao zamišljeno, posmatrajući beskrajni pejzaž.
On the edge of the abyss, the traveler stood thoughtfully, observing the endless landscape.
Describes the physical act of standing, with an added emotional nuance ('zamišljeno' - thoughtfully).
자주 혼동되는 단어
Opposite of stajati in terms of physical posture.
Another basic physical posture, distinct from standing.
Implies movement, which 'stajati' does not.
관용어 및 표현
"Stajati mirno"
To stand still (often in a military context or as a command)
Vojnici su stajali mirno pred komandantom. (The soldiers stood still before the commander.)
neutral"Stajati u redu"
To stand in line / To queue
Moramo stajati u redu da kupimo karte. (We have to stand in line to buy tickets.)
neutral"Stajati na nogama"
To be on one's feet (literally or figuratively, meaning to be active/working)
Ceo dan sam stajao na nogama, umoran sam. (I was on my feet all day, I'm tired.)
neutral"Stajati iza nekoga/nečega"
To stand behind someone/something (to support or vouch for)
Stojim iza svoje odluke. (I stand behind my decision.)
neutral"Stajati po strani"
To stand aside / To stay out of the way
Bolje je da stojiš po strani i ne mešaš se. (It's better to stand aside and not interfere.)
neutral"Stajati u mestu"
To stand still / To make no progress
Naš projekat stoji u mestu. (Our project is standing still.)
neutral"Ne stajati mirno (kad je nešto loše)"
Not to stand idly by (when something bad is happening)
Neću stajati mirno dok se to dešava. (I won't stand idly by while that's happening.)
neutral"Stajati kao ukopan"
To stand rooted to the spot (due to shock or surprise)
Kada je čuo vest, stajao je kao ukopan. (When he heard the news, he stood rooted to the spot.)
neutral"Stajati na raspolaganju"
To be at someone's disposal
Ako vam treba pomoć, stojim vam na raspolaganju. (If you need help, I am at your disposal.)
formal"Stajati (nekome) na putu"
To stand in someone's way (to obstruct)
Ne želim nikome da stojim na putu. (I don't want to stand in anyone's way.)
neutral혼동하기 쉬운
Often confused with 'sedeti' (to sit) or 'ležati' (to lie down) because English uses 'to stand' more broadly than Serbian does for physical posture.
'Stajati' specifically means to be in a vertical position on one's feet. It does not imply duration or activity beyond the posture itself.
Ja stojim ovde. (I am standing here.)
Learners might use 'stajati' when they mean 'to walk' because in English, 'to stand up and walk' is a common phrase.
'Hodati' means to walk, to move by putting one foot in front of the other. 'Stajati' is stationary.
On hoda do prodavnice. (He walks to the store.)
In English, 'to stand and wait' is natural. In Serbian, you 'wait' regardless of your posture.
'Čekati' means to wait. While you might be standing while waiting, the act of waiting is expressed with 'čekati', not 'stajati'.
Čekam autobus. (I am waiting for the bus.)
English 'to stand up' can be interpreted as 'stajati' in Serbian, but 'stajati' is the state of being standing, not the action of rising.
'Podići se' (or 'ustati') means to get up, to rise from a sitting or lying position. 'Stajati' is the resulting state.
Molim te, podigni se. (Please stand up.)
Sometimes learners overgeneralize 'to be' from English and try to use it for physical posture, as in 'I am standing.'
While 'biti' means 'to be,' for the specific posture of standing, you use the verb 'stajati'. You wouldn't say 'Ja sam stojeći' (I am being standing).
Gde si? Ja sam ovde. (Where are you? I am here.)
셀프 테스트 30 질문
Write a short sentence using 'stajati' to say 'The book is standing on the table.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Knjiga stoji na stolu.
Translate: 'I stand here.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ja stojim ovde.
Complete the sentence: 'On ___ pored prozora.' (He stands beside the window.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
On stoji pored prozora.
Where am I standing?
Read this passage:
Ja stojim u parku. Ti stojiš pored mene. Mi stojimo i pričamo.
Where am I standing?
The first sentence clearly states 'Ja stojim u parku' which means 'I stand in the park'.
The first sentence clearly states 'Ja stojim u parku' which means 'I stand in the park'.
What is Marko doing?
Read this passage:
Marko stoji ispred škole. On čeka autobus. Autobus kasni.
What is Marko doing?
The first sentence says 'Marko stoji ispred škole.', meaning 'Marko stands in front of the school.'.
The first sentence says 'Marko stoji ispred škole.', meaning 'Marko stands in front of the school.'.
Where is the table?
Read this passage:
Sto stoji u uglu sobe. Na stolu je knjiga. Stolica stoji pored stola.
Where is the table?
The first sentence states 'Sto stoji u uglu sobe.', meaning 'The table stands in the corner of the room'.
The first sentence states 'Sto stoji u uglu sobe.', meaning 'The table stands in the corner of the room'.
Ja obično ___ u autobusu jer nema slobodnih mesta.
The verb 'stajati' conjugates to 'stojim' for the first person singular ('Ja').
On ___ ispred škole i čeka svoju sestru.
The verb 'stajati' conjugates to 'stoji' for the third person singular ('On'/'Ona'/'Ono').
Mi ___ ovde već deset minuta, gde je naš autobus?
The verb 'stajati' conjugates to 'stojimo' for the first person plural ('Mi').
Zašto ___ ti tamo sam?
The verb 'stajati' conjugates to 'stojiš' for the second person singular ('Ti').
Deca ___ pored prozora i gledaju sneg.
The verb 'stajati' conjugates to 'stoje' for the third person plural ('Oni'/'One'/'Ona'). 'Deca' is a plural noun.
Vi uvek ___ u redu za sladoled, zar ne?
The verb 'stajati' conjugates to 'stojite' for the second person plural or formal singular ('Vi').
Imagine you are at a bus stop. Describe what people are doing while waiting for the bus, using 'stajati' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ljudi stoje na stanici i čekaju autobus. Neki pričaju, a neki gledaju u telefone. Ja takođe stojim i čekam.
You are describing a painting of a market scene. Use 'stajati' to describe at least two people or objects in the painting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Na slici vidim mnogo ljudi na pijaci. Prodavci stoje iza svojih tezgi. Jedna žena stoji pored tezge sa voćem i bira jabuke.
Write three sentences about things that 'stand' in your room.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
U mojoj sobi, sto stoji pored prozora. Knjige stoje na polici. Lampa stoji na stolu.
Šta je Marko radio dok je čekao voz?
Read this passage:
Marko je čekao voz na peronu. Stajao je pored klupe i gledao u daljinu. Pored njega su stajale dve žene koje su glasno pričale o putovanju.
Šta je Marko radio dok je čekao voz?
Tekst kaže da je Marko 'Stajao je pored klupe i gledao u daljinu'.
Tekst kaže da je Marko 'Stajao je pored klupe i gledao u daljinu'.
Šta su ljudi radili ispred slika u muzeju?
Read this passage:
U muzeju je bilo mnogo posetilaca. Ispred svake slike su stajali ljudi i pažljivo je posmatrali. Neki su čak stajali u redu da bi bolje videli umetničko delo.
Šta su ljudi radili ispred slika u muzeju?
Tekst navodi da su 'Ispred svake slike su stajali ljudi i pažljivo je posmatrali'.
Tekst navodi da su 'Ispred svake slike su stajali ljudi i pažljivo je posmatrali'.
Gde stoji jabuka u bašti?
Read this passage:
Naša kuća stoji na brdu sa predivnim pogledom. U bašti, visoka jabuka stoji usred travnjaka. Svako jutro, kada sunce izađe, njena senka stoji duga i tanka preko trave.
Gde stoji jabuka u bašti?
U tekstu piše: 'U bašti, visoka jabuka stoji usred travnjaka.'
U tekstu piše: 'U bašti, visoka jabuka stoji usred travnjaka.'
Imagine you are at a crowded event. Describe three different people you see standing and what they might be doing. Use the verb 'stajati' at least three times.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Na koncertu je bila velika gužva. Jedan čovek je stajao pored zida i kucao poruku na telefonu. Dve devojke su stajale i pevale zajedno sa bendom. Stariji gospodin je stajao mirno i posmatrao scenu.
You are writing a short story. A character is waiting anxiously for something to happen. Describe their posture and feelings, using 'stajati' to convey their state of anticipation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ona je stajala pored prozora, gledajući u ulicu. Ruke su joj bile prekrštene na grudima. Osećala je kako joj srce ubrzano kuca, svaki minut se činio kao večnost. Nije mogla da sedne, samo je stajala i iščekivala.
Describe a common situation where people are expected to stand for a long time. What are some of the challenges, and what might people do to cope? Use 'stajati' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Na aerodromu često moramo stajati u redovima dugo vremena. To može biti naporno, pogotovo ako nosite teške torbe. Ljudi obično pokušavaju da pronađu nešto da se naslone ili prebacuju težinu s jedne noge na drugu kako bi im bilo lakše stajati.
Šta su neki posetioci radili pred slikama?
Read this passage:
U muzeju je bilo mnogo posetilaca. Neki su stajali pred slikama i pažljivo ih posmatrali, dok su drugi prolazili pored eksponata. Kustos je stajao pored ulaza, spreman da odgovori na pitanja. Čuo sam ga kako govori da je to jedan od najposećenijih dana u godini.
Šta su neki posetioci radili pred slikama?
Tekst kaže: 'Neki su stajali pred slikama i pažljivo ih posmatrali'.
Tekst kaže: 'Neki su stajali pred slikama i pažljivo ih posmatrali'.
Zašto je osoba u tekstu dugo stajala na stanici?
Read this passage:
Jutros sam čekao autobus na stanici. Dugo sam stajao, jer je autobus kasnio više od petnaest minuta. Ljudi oko mene su takođe bili nestrpljivi. Neki su proveravali satove, dok su drugi uzdisali. Konačno, autobus se pojavio u daljini.
Zašto je osoba u tekstu dugo stajala na stanici?
Tekst navodi: 'Dugo sam stajao, jer je autobus kasnio više od petnaest minuta'.
Tekst navodi: 'Dugo sam stajao, jer je autobus kasnio više od petnaest minuta'.
Gde je stajala direktorka tokom sastanka?
Read this passage:
Na sastanku je bila žustra rasprava. Direktorka je stajala za stolom, objašnjavajući strategiju za narednu godinu. Neki su je pažljivo slušali, dok su drugi pokušavali da prekinu njeno izlaganje pitanjima. Atmosfera je bila napeta, ali produktivna.
Gde je stajala direktorka tokom sastanka?
U pasusu piše: 'Direktorka je stajala za stolom, objašnjavajući strategiju za narednu godinu'.
U pasusu piše: 'Direktorka je stajala za stolom, objašnjavajući strategiju za narednu godinu'.
This sentence means 'Please, do not stand at the entrance.' It's a common polite request.
This sentence means 'They had to stand the whole time because there were no free seats.' It describes a common situation.
This sentence means 'Watch where you stand, the ice is slippery.' It's a warning.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Remember 'stajati' for the basic meaning of 'to stand' in Serbian.
- Use 'stajati' for 'to stand'.
- It's an A1 verb, so it's fundamental.
- Often used to describe a person's posture.
