Signification
To be in a bad situation.
Contexte culturel
In Croatia, complaining (kuknjava) is a way of life. Being 'u banani' is a standard answer to 'How are you?' that actually builds social bonds. The phrase is also understood and used in Serbia, though they might more frequently use 'u kanalu' (in the channel/ditch) for the same feeling. Bosnians use this phrase similarly, often with a heavy dose of dark humor regarding the political situation. Younger people often shorten it to just 'Banana sam' in very fast speech or texting.
Use it for empathy
When a friend complains, say 'Aoj, baš si u banani.' It shows you really understand their struggle.
Not for bosses
Never tell your boss 'U banani sam' unless you want to sound like a teenager.
Signification
To be in a bad situation.
Use it for empathy
When a friend complains, say 'Aoj, baš si u banani.' It shows you really understand their struggle.
Not for bosses
Never tell your boss 'U banani sam' unless you want to sound like a teenager.
Add 'skroz'
Adding 'skroz' (totally) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
The 'Kuknjava' rule
It's okay to be in a banana! In Croatia, sharing your problems is a way to make friends.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'biti'.
Jučer _____ (ja) u banani jer sam izgubio ključeve.
Since the speaker is 'ja' and it's 'jučer' (yesterday), you need the past tense. Both 'sam bio' (masculine) and 'sam bila' (feminine) are correct depending on the speaker's gender.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'The economy is in trouble'?
Kako kažemo da je ekonomija loša?
The idiom is always 'u banani'.
Match the situation to the response.
Tvoj prijatelj je pao na ispitu. Što ćeš mu reći?
'Baš si u banani' expresses sympathy for his bad situation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zašto ne ideš van s nama? B: Ma, __________, moram učiti cijelu noć.
Only 'u banani' is a valid idiom for being in a tough spot.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sadness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJučer _____ (ja) u banani jer sam izgubio ključeve.
Since the speaker is 'ja' and it's 'jučer' (yesterday), you need the past tense. Both 'sam bio' (masculine) and 'sam bila' (feminine) are correct depending on the speaker's gender.
Kako kažemo da je ekonomija loša?
The idiom is always 'u banani'.
Tvoj prijatelj je pao na ispitu. Što ćeš mu reći?
'Baš si u banani' expresses sympathy for his bad situation.
A: Zašto ne ideš van s nama? B: Ma, __________, moram učiti cijelu noć.
Only 'u banani' is a valid idiom for being in a tough spot.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude or vulgar, just very informal. You can use it with friends and family safely.
Yes! It's very common to say 'Auto mi je u banani' if it won't start.
Not necessarily. It usually means you're sad, tired, or in a difficult spot, rather than angry.
There is no plural form for the idiom. Even if many people are sad, they are all 'u banani' (singular).
Only in tabloid news or very casual opinion pieces. Serious news will use 'u krizi' (in crisis).
No, only bananas work for this idiom!
Bio sam u banani (for men) or Bila sam u banani (for women).
It's been around since the 1990s, so it's well-established but still feels modern.
Absolutely. 'U banani sam od sinoć' is a perfect way to describe a hangover.
Not with a banana. Others use different metaphors like 'in the channel' or 'in the hole'.
Expressions liées
Biti u komi
similarTo be in a coma (figuratively)
Biti u bedu
synonymTo be in a 'bad' (depressed)
Biti u autu
similarTo be out of it
Sve je u redu
contrastEverything is fine
Biti na konju
contrastTo be on a horse
