Meaning
Used when something is disappointing or boring.
Cultural Background
In Zagreb, 'bedara' is often delivered with a specific 'purgerski' accent, characterized by long vowels and a slightly resigned tone. It's part of the city's identity of being 'modern yet grumpy.' While Dalmatians use 'bedara,' they often prefer 'tlaka' or 'fjaka' for related concepts. Using 'bedara' in Split might mark you as someone from the north (a 'Purger'). Younger generations still use 'bedara,' but it's increasingly competing with English loanwords like 'cringe' or 'L' (taking an L). However, 'bedara' remains the 'classic' slang that parents and kids both understand. You will find similar versions of this word in Serbia and Bosnia, though the suffix might change (e.g., 'bedak' or 'smor' are more common in Belgrade). 'Bedara' is distinctly Croatian in its suffix usage.
The 'Auu' Factor
Always precede 'bedara' with a long 'Auuu' or 'Ufff' to sound 100% more Croatian.
Not for Bosses
Even if your boss is 'cool,' avoid using this in emails. It's too casual for written professional communication.
Meaning
Used when something is disappointing or boring.
The 'Auu' Factor
Always precede 'bedara' with a long 'Auuu' or 'Ufff' to sound 100% more Croatian.
Not for Bosses
Even if your boss is 'cool,' avoid using this in emails. It's too casual for written professional communication.
The Shrug
When saying 'bedara,' a slight shoulder shrug and a downward mouth curve complete the linguistic performance.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to the following situation: Your friend tells you the pizza place is closed.
Pizzeria je zatvorena.
When something disappointing happens, 'Baš bedara!' is the natural slang response.
Complete the sentence with the correct slang word for a boring movie.
Ovaj film je totalna _______.
'Totalna bedara' is a common phrase to describe something very boring or disappointing.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: It's raining on your day off.
Rain on a day off is a classic 'bedara' situation.
Fill in the missing line in this casual conversation.
A: Otkazali su koncert. B: _______ A: Znam, baš sam se veselio.
'Teška bedara' adds emphasis to the disappointment of a cancelled concert.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Bedara
Weather
- • Rain
- • Fog
- • Too hot
Social
- • Cancelled plans
- • No battery
- • No WiFi
Events
- • Boring movie
- • Empty club
- • Bad music
Bedara vs. Bijeda
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPizzeria je zatvorena.
When something disappointing happens, 'Baš bedara!' is the natural slang response.
Ovaj film je totalna _______.
'Totalna bedara' is a common phrase to describe something very boring or disappointing.
Context: It's raining on your day off.
Rain on a day off is a classic 'bedara' situation.
A: Otkazali su koncert. B: _______ A: Znam, baš sam se veselio.
'Teška bedara' adds emphasis to the disappointment of a cancelled concert.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word. It's just very informal. You can say it in front of your parents, but maybe not your grandmother.
Usually no. If you call a person 'bedara,' it sounds like you're saying they are a disappointing event. Use 'smor' for a boring person instead.
'Šteta' is 'a pity' (neutral). 'Bedara' is 'a bummer' (slang). Use 'šteta' in a bank; use 'bedara' in a bar.
Yes, but it's most common in Zagreb and central Croatia. In Dalmatia, you'll hear it, but they have their own local alternatives too.
It's better to say 'Baš je bedara' or 'Totalna je bedara.' 'Jako' (very) doesn't sound quite right with this noun.
Technically 'bedare,' but it's almost never used. It's an uncountable concept of disappointment.
Use the verb: 'U bedu sam' or 'Bediram se.'
No, it's a coincidence! It comes from the Slavic root 'beda' (misery).
Never. It's strictly for negative (but not tragic) things.
It's completely gender-neutral. Everyone uses it.
Related Phrases
Smor
synonymSomething very boring or a person who is boring.
Bezveze
similarPointless, lame, or nothing special.
Šteta
similarA pity / A shame.
Bedak
contrastA fool or a stupid person.
Depra
builds onShort for depression; a very low mood.
