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A1 adjective 8 min read

mlad

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips mlad in 30 Seconds

Explanation mlad in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'mlad' is one of the first adjectives you learn. You use it to describe people's ages. At this stage, you should focus on the three basic forms: mlad (masculine), mlada (feminine), and mlado (neuter). You will use it in simple sentences like 'Ja sam mlad' (I am young) or 'Ona je mlada' (She is young). You also learn it in the context of food, specifically 'mladi luk' (spring onions) which you might see at a market. The goal at A1 is simply to remember to match the ending of the word to the person you are talking about. It is a building block for describing your family and friends.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'mlad' in more complex sentence structures. You will learn the comparative form 'mlađi' (younger) to compare siblings or friends, such as 'Moj mlađi brat' (My younger sister). You also start to use the definite form 'mladi' when specifying a particular person, like 'Ovaj mladi čovjek' (This young man). You'll encounter 'mlad' in past tense sentences like 'Kad sam bio mlad...' (When I was young...), which is essential for basic storytelling about your life. You also begin to recognize its use in common phrases and daily life, like identifying 'mladi sir' at a grocery store.

At the B1 level, you move beyond physical age and start using 'mlad' to discuss social issues and demographics. You will use the collective noun 'mladi' (the youth) to talk about society, education, and employment. For example, 'Mladi u Hrvatskoj često sele u inozemstvo' (Young people in Croatia often move abroad). You also learn more idiomatic expressions like 'mlad i lud' (young and crazy) to describe youthful recklessness. Your understanding of adjective declension should be strong enough to use 'mlad' in various cases, such as 'Razgovarao sam s mladim umjetnikom' (I talked with a young artist - Instrumental case).

At the B2 level, you understand the subtle nuances between 'mlad' and its synonyms like 'mlađahan' (youthful) or 'nezreo' (immature). You can use 'mlad' in professional contexts, such as 'mladi stručnjak' (young professional), and understand the cultural implications of the word in literature and media. You are comfortable with the abstract noun 'mladost' (youth) and can discuss philosophical concepts related to it. You also start to recognize 'mlad' in more specialized contexts, like 'mlado vino' or 'mladi mjesec', and can explain why 'mlad' is used instead of 'nov' or 'svjež' in those specific instances.

At the C1 level, your use of 'mlad' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it rhetorically and poetically. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other Slavic languages. You can appreciate wordplay involving 'mlad', such as in advertising or complex literature. You are also aware of the sociolinguistic aspects—how the word 'mladi' is used in political discourse to target specific voter bases. You can use derivatives like 'pomladiti se' (to rejuvenate oneself) or 'mladolik' (youthful-looking) with ease in sophisticated conversation.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'mlad' and all its archaic, dialectal, and highly specific uses. You can read classic Croatian literature from the 19th century and understand how the usage of 'mlad' might have slightly differed or what specific social connotations it carried then (e.g., 'mladun' for a young man). You can engage in deep debates about the 'cult of youth' in modern society using the full range of the 'mlad' word family. You understand the most obscure idioms and can even create your own metaphors using the root word that sound natural and creative to native ears.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

mlad in 30 Seconds

Mlad is the primary Croatian adjective for 'young', used for people, animals, and fresh produce like spring onions or new potatoes.
It must agree in gender and number with the noun: mlad (masculine), mlada (feminine), and mlado (neuter).
The comparative form is 'mlađi' (younger) and the superlative is 'najmlađi' (the youngest), commonly used for siblings.
Culturally, it appears in terms for newlyweds (mladenci) and is often associated with freshness in food (mladi sir).

The Croatian word mlad is a fundamental adjective primarily used to describe someone or something that is in the early stages of life, growth, or development. At its most basic level, it translates to the English word young. However, its application in the Croatian language carries nuances that extend beyond mere chronological age, touching upon vitality, freshness, and even specific cultural roles. Understanding mlad is essential for any A1 learner because it is one of the most frequently used descriptors in daily conversation, appearing in contexts ranging from describing family members to discussing nature and food.

Biological Age: The most common usage refers to humans and animals who have not yet reached maturity. For example, 'mlad čovjek' (a young man) or 'mlad pas' (a young dog). In Croatian, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify, so you will see it change to mlada for feminine nouns and mlado for neuter nouns.
Botany and Agriculture: In the context of plants, mlad indicates freshness or early harvest. 'Mladi krumpir' (new potatoes) or 'mladi luk' (spring onions) are staples of Croatian cuisine, where the word emphasizes the tender quality of the produce.
Metaphorical Freshness: The term can also describe objects or concepts that are new or recently established, though 'nov' (new) is more common for inanimate objects. However, 'mlado vino' (young wine/beaujolais style) is a specific term for wine that has just finished fermentation.

Gledaj kako je onaj dječak mlad i pun energije.

Translation: Look at how that boy is young and full of energy.

In social contexts, being mlad is often associated with a lack of experience but also with potential and hope. Croatians often use the phrase 'na mladima svijet ostaje' (the world remains to the young), highlighting the importance of the younger generation in society. When you are introduced to someone who looks younger than their actual age, you might hear the compliment 'Izgledaš vrlo mlado' (You look very young).

Ovaj mladi sir je izvrstan uz domaći kruh.

Translation: This young (fresh) cheese is excellent with homemade bread.

Social Register: When addressing a group of young people, you might use the collective noun 'mladež' or simply 'mladi'. It is a respectful yet neutral way to categorize the demographic between childhood and full adulthood.

Using mlad correctly in a sentence requires a basic grasp of Croatian adjective declension. Since Croatian is a highly inflected language, the word mlad will change its ending based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it describes. For A1 learners, focusing on the Nominative case (the subject form) is the most critical first step. The base forms are: mlad (masculine), mlada (feminine), and mlado (neuter). In the plural, these become mladi, mlade, and mlada respectively.

Masculine Singular: Used for men, boys, male animals, and masculine inanimate objects. Example: 'Moj brat je još uvijek mlad.' (My brother is still young.)
Feminine Singular: Used for women, girls, and feminine nouns. Example: 'Ona je vrlo mlada majka.' (She is a very young mother.)
Neuter Singular: Used for neuter nouns like 'dijete' (child) or 'drvo' (tree). Example: 'To mlado stablo raste brzo.' (That young tree is growing fast.)

Kada sam bio mlad, puno sam putovao.

Translation: When I was young (masculine), I traveled a lot.

In Croatian, adjectives can come before the noun (attributive) or after a linking verb like 'biti' (predicative). Both are common. For example, 'mladić' is a noun meaning 'young man', but you can also say 'mladi čovjek'. Note that 'mladi' (the definite form) is often used when we are talking about a specific young person we already mentioned or when the adjective follows a demonstrative pronoun like 'ovaj' (this).

Oni su mladi i ambiciozni.

Translation: They are young and ambitious.

Comparatives and Superlatives: To say someone is 'younger', we use mlađi. To say someone is 'the youngest', we use najmlađi. Example: 'Moja mlađa sestra' (My younger sister).

The word mlad is ubiquitous in Croatia, permeating everything from casual street slang to formal political speeches. If you walk through a Croatian 'tržnica' (open-air market), you will hear vendors shouting about their 'mladi luk' (spring onions) or 'mladi grašak' (young peas). Here, the word is a synonym for freshness and quality. In a different setting, such as a family gathering, you'll hear elders reminiscing with the phrase 'kad sam bio mlad' (when I was young), a nostalgic staple of Croatian storytelling.

U ovom gradu ima puno mladih ljudi koji traže posao.

Translation: In this city, there are many young people looking for work.

In the News: News reports frequently use 'mladi' as a collective noun to discuss demographics. You'll hear about 'nezaposlenost mladih' (youth unemployment) or 'uspjeh mladih inovatora' (the success of young innovators). In these contexts, it refers to the population aged roughly between 15 and 30.
In Music and Pop Culture: Croatian pop and rock songs are filled with references to youth. Songs often celebrate 'mladost' (youth) as a fleeting, precious time. You might hear lyrics like 'ostati mlad' (to stay young) or 'mlada krv' (young blood).

Jeste li vi mladi par koji se doselio u susjedstvo?

Translation: Are you the young couple that moved into the neighborhood?

In a professional setting, a 'mladi stručnjak' (young expert/professional) is a term used to describe someone who is highly educated but perhaps lacks years of field experience. It is generally a positive term, implying a fresh perspective and modern skills. Conversely, in a more traditional village setting, being 'mlad' might imply you should listen more and talk less to your elders!

For English speakers, the most frequent pitfall when using mlad is failing to adjust the ending for gender and number. In English, 'young' never changes, but in Croatian, saying 'mlad djevojka' is a glaring error that identifies you immediately as a beginner. You must say mlada djevojka. Another common mistake is confusing mlad with mali (small/little). While young people are often small, the words are not interchangeable. A 'mali čovjek' is a short man, while a 'mlad čovjek' is a young man.

The 'New' vs 'Young' Confusion: Learners often use mlad when they should use nov (new). You wouldn't say 'mlad auto' for a new car; that sounds like the car has a biological age. Use nov for inanimate objects unless you are specifically referring to 'young' wine or 'young' cheese.
Definite vs. Indefinite Forms: The difference between mlad and mladi can be tricky. Use mlad (short form) after the verb 'to be': 'On je mlad.' Use mladi (long form) before a noun or after a pointer: 'Ovaj mladi čovjek'. Using the wrong form won't stop you from being understood, but it is a sign of a non-native speaker.

Greška: Moj mali brat ima 25 godina. (Should be 'mladi' if you mean age, not size).

Lastly, be careful with the word mladunče. While it comes from the same root, it specifically refers to animal offspring (like a cub or pup). Calling a human baby 'mladunče' might be seen as a joke or slightly rude depending on the tone. Stick to 'beba' or 'dijete' for humans.

While mlad is the go-to word for 'young', Croatian offers several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech. Depending on whether you want to emphasize vitality, lack of experience, or a specific stage of youth, you might choose a different word.

Mlađahan: This is a more poetic or descriptive version of 'mlad'. It translates roughly to 'youthful'. It is often used to describe someone who is not necessarily young in years but has a young spirit or appearance. 'Mlađahna dama' (a youthful lady).
Nezreo: This means 'immature' or 'unripe'. While 'mlad' is neutral or positive, 'nezreo' can be a criticism of someone's behavior. However, for fruit, it simply means it's not ready to eat yet. 'Mlad plod' (young fruit) vs 'Nezreo plod' (unripe fruit).
Svjež: Meaning 'fresh'. In the context of food, 'mlad' and 'svjež' often go together. A 'mladi sir' is by definition a 'svježi sir' (fresh cheese/cottage cheese).

On je još uvijek zelen u ovom poslu.

Translation: He is still 'green' (inexperienced/young) in this job.

A very common colloquial alternative is the word zelen (green). Just like in English, if you say someone is 'zelen', you mean they are young and inexperienced in a specific field. It is slightly more informal than 'mlad'. On the opposite end, if you want to emphasize that someone is no longer young, the antonym is star (old). Between 'mlad' and 'star', you have 'srednjih godina' (middle-aged).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The English word 'mild' and the Latin word 'mollis' (soft) are distant cognates of the Croatian word 'mlad'. They all trace back to the same ancient concept of 'softness' associated with new life.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mlâd/

US /mlæd/

The stress is on the only syllable. It is a monosyllabic word.

Rhymes With

sad (now) rad (work) grad (city) glad (hunger) jad (misery) pad (fall) sklad (harmony) hlad (shade)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'l' as a dark 'l' like in 'ball'; it should be a clear European 'l'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'd' so it sounds like 'mlah-duh'.
Failing to devoice the 'd' slightly, making it sound too heavy.
Using a long 'a' like in 'father' instead of the short Croatian 'a'.
Stressing the word too long; it should be quick and sharp.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and phonetic. Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but remembering gender endings (mlad/mlada/mlado) takes practice.

Speaking 1/5

Simple pronunciation with no difficult consonant clusters.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with 'glad' (hunger) or 'grad' (city) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

biti (to be) on (he) ona (she) čovjek (man/person) dijete (child)

Learn Next

star (old) velik (big) mali (small) nov (new) dobar (good)

Advanced

naraštaj (generation) iskustvo (experience) punoljetnost (adulthood) pubertet (puberty) djetinjstvo (childhood)

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Mlad (m) čovjek, Mlada (f) žena, Mlado (n) dijete.

Indefinite vs. Definite Adjectives

On je mlad (indefinite). Mladi čovjek (definite) je ovdje.

Comparative Formation

Mlad -> mlađi (i-mutation).

Superlative Formation

Mlađi -> najmlađi (adding 'naj-').

Case Declension

Vidim mladog (Accusative) čovjeka.

Examples by Level

On je mlad.

He is young.

Subject + Verb + Adjective (masculine singular).

Moja sestra je mlada.

My sister is young.

Subject (feminine) + Verb + Adjective (feminine singular).

Ovo je mlado drvo.

This is a young tree.

Neuter noun 'drvo' requires the neuter adjective 'mlado'.

Mi smo mladi.

We are young.

Plural subject requires the plural adjective 'mladi'.

Jesi li ti mlad?

Are you young?

Question form using the masculine adjective.

Mladi luk je ukusan.

Spring onion is tasty.

'Mladi' here is the definite form used as a specific name for a vegetable.

Oni nisu mladi.

They are not young.

Negative sentence with plural adjective.

Mlada žena pjeva.

A young woman is singing.

Adjective preceding a feminine noun.

Moj mlađi brat ide u školu.

My younger brother goes to school.

Comparative form 'mlađi' used as an attributive adjective.

Kad sam bio mlad, igrao sam nogomet.

When I was young, I played football.

Past tense 'bio' + adjective 'mlad'.

Ovaj mladić je vrlo ljubazan.

This young man is very kind.

The noun 'mladić' is derived from the adjective 'mlad'.

Tražimo mlade radnike.

We are looking for young workers.

Accusative plural 'mlade' matching 'radnike'.

Ona izgleda mlađe nego što jest.

She looks younger than she is.

Comparative adverb/adjective form 'mlađe'.

Kupio sam mladi sir na tržnici.

I bought young (fresh) cheese at the market.

Specific food terminology.

Mladi parovi često putuju.

Young couples often travel.

Nominative plural masculine.

To je bila moja mlada nada.

That was my young hope.

Metaphorical use of 'mlad'.

Mladi danas provode puno vremena na internetu.

Young people today spend a lot of time on the internet.

'Mladi' used as a collective noun.

Upoznao sam jednu mladu i talentiranu umjetnicu.

I met a young and talented (female) artist.

Accusative singular feminine adjectives.

Njegova mlađa kći studira medicinu.

His younger daughter is studying medicine.

Comparative 'mlađa' modifying 'kći'.

Mladost je najljepše doba života.

Youth is the most beautiful time of life.

The noun 'mladost' (youth).

Oni su bili mladi i puni ideja.

They were young and full of ideas.

Plural adjectives in a descriptive sentence.

Vino je još uvijek mlado i oporo.

The wine is still young and tart.

Describing the stage of fermentation.

Mladi mjesec se jedva vidi na nebu.

The new moon is barely visible in the sky.

Astronomical term.

Svi smo mi jednom bili mladi.

We were all young once.

Reflective use of the adjective.

Politika prema mladima mora se promijeniti.

Policy towards the youth must change.

Dative plural 'mladima' after the preposition 'prema'.

Ona je mlađahna žena s puno duha.

She is a youthful woman with a lot of spirit.

Use of the descriptive synonym 'mlađahan'.

Mladi stručnjaci napuštaju zemlju u potrazi za boljim uvjetima.

Young experts are leaving the country in search of better conditions.

Collocation 'mladi stručnjaci'.

Njegov postupak je bio prilično nezreo i mladenački.

His action was quite immature and youthful.

Adjective 'mladenački' (youth-like).

Uživajte u svojoj mladosti dok traje.

Enjoy your youth while it lasts.

Locative case 'mladosti'.

Mlada mladenka je blistala u vjenčanici.

The young bride shone in her wedding dress.

Redundant but common emphasis 'mlada mladenka'.

On je bio najmlađi sudionik konferencije.

He was the youngest participant of the conference.

Superlative form 'najmlađi'.

Društvo se mora brinuti o svojim mladim naraštajima.

Society must take care of its young generations.

Instrumental case plural.

Njegova poezija odiše mladenačkim zanosom.

His poetry exudes youthful enthusiasm.

Abstract usage of 'mladenački'.

Projekt je usmjeren na osnaživanje mladih poduzetnika.

The project is aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs.

Genitive plural 'mladih'.

Iako je u godinama, zadržao je mladolik izgled.

Although he is up in years, he kept a youthful appearance.

Compound adjective 'mladolik' (mlad + lik/face).

Mladoženja je s nestrpljenjem čekao pred oltarom.

The groom waited impatiently in front of the altar.

The noun 'mladoženja' (groom).

Kritika je pohvalila mladog redatelja za njegov prvijenac.

The critics praised the young director for his debut.

Accusative masculine singular.

Mladost-ludost, rekli bi stari ljudi kad netko pogriješi.

Youth-folly, old people would say when someone makes a mistake.

Fixed idiomatic expression.

Znanost se trudi pronaći način za pomlađivanje stanica.

Science is trying to find a way to rejuvenate cells.

Verbal noun 'pomlađivanje'.

Ova regija je poznata po vrhunskom mladom maslinovom ulju.

This region is known for top-quality young (new) olive oil.

Agricultural context for 'mlad'.

U njezinu se pogledu još uvijek nazire ona ista mladenačka iskra.

In her gaze, that same youthful spark can still be discerned.

Nuanced descriptive language.

Mladunčad divljih životinja zahtijeva posebnu skrb u azilu.

The young of wild animals require special care in the sanctuary.

Collective noun 'mladunčad' (young animals).

On je vječni mladić koji odbija odrasti.

He is an eternal youth who refuses to grow up.

Metaphorical noun phrase.

Autor u romanu tematizira gubitak mladenačkih iluzija.

In the novel, the author themes the loss of youthful illusions.

Literary analysis context.

Mlađak se pojavio na obzoru, označavajući početak novog ciklusa.

The new moon appeared on the horizon, marking the start of a new cycle.

Noun 'mlađak' specifically for the new moon.

Njezina je ljepota bila tek u zametku, kao u kakva mlada pupoljka.

Her beauty was only in the beginning, like in some young bud.

Archaic/Poetic genitive comparison.

Sustav obrazovanja trebao bi biti inkluzivniji prema mlađim naraštajima.

The education system should be more inclusive toward younger generations.

Formal sociopolitical instrumental plural.

Pomladivši svoju momčad, trener je postigao nevjerojatan uspjeh.

By rejuvenating his team, the coach achieved incredible success.

Gerund/Adverbial participle 'pomladivši'.

Common Collocations

mladi luk

mladi krumpir

mladi mjesec

mladi par

mladi stručnjak

mladi sir

mlada nada

mlada obitelj

mlado vino

mladi naraštaj

Common Phrases

kad sam bio mlad

— A nostalgic opening for a story about the past. Used by older people to reminisce.

Kad sam bio mlad, nismo imali mobitele.

na mladima svijet ostaje

— A common proverb meaning that the future belongs to the younger generation.

Učite i radite, jer na mladima svijet ostaje.

ostati mlad u srcu

— To maintain a youthful spirit or attitude despite getting older.

Važno je ostati mlad u srcu.

vječno mlad

— Forever young; often used in songs or to describe someone who doesn't seem to age.

On želi biti vječno mlad.

mladi i stari

— Everyone; people of all ages.

Na koncertu su bili i mladi i stari.

mlada krv

— New, energetic people brought into a group or organization.

Treba nam malo mlade krvi u uredu.

od malih nogu

— From a very young age (literally 'from small feet'). Related to youth.

On svira klavir od malih nogu.

mladi dani

— One's youthful days or years.

To su bili moji sretni mladi dani.

biti mlad

— To be young; the state of youth.

Lijepo je biti mlad.

mlada mladenka

— A common tautology used at weddings to emphasize the bride's beauty and youth.

Mlada mladenka je bila prekrasna.

Often Confused With

mlad vs mali

Mali means small/little (size). Mlad means young (age). A small person isn't always young.

mlad vs nov

Nov means new. Use 'nov' for cars or phones, but 'mlad' for people or spring onions.

mlad vs glad

Glad means hunger. It sounds very similar to 'mlad' but has no 'm'.

Idioms & Expressions

"mlad i lud"

— Young and crazy/reckless. Used to excuse or explain mistakes made in youth.

Ma pusti ga, mlad je i lud.

informal

"mladost-ludost"

— A noun phrase expressing that youth and folly go hand in hand.

Napravio je glupost, ali mladost-ludost.

neutral

"zelen kao trava"

— Very young and inexperienced (literally 'green as grass').

On je još zelen kao trava u politici.

informal

"mlado meso"

— Fresh meat; a somewhat crude way to refer to young people in a group.

U firmu je stiglo mlado meso.

slang

"druga mladost"

— A second youth; when an older person starts acting young again.

Djed proživljava drugu mladost.

neutral

"mladi mjesec"

— The new moon phase.

Sutra je mladi mjesec.

neutral

"puna mu je glava mladosti"

— He is full of youthful energy and perhaps unrealistic ideas.

Puna mu je glava mladosti, ne sluša nikoga.

informal

"umrijeti mlad"

— To die young; a tragic and common literary theme.

Mnogi pjesnici su umrli mladi.

neutral

"mladići u plavom"

— The boys in blue; a nickname for the police or a specific sports team.

Mladići u plavom su stigli na teren.

informal

"cvijet mladosti"

— The flower of youth; the prime of one's life.

On je u cvijetu mladosti.

literary

Easily Confused

mlad vs mali

Both describe children or early stages.

Mali is about dimensions/size; Mlad is about time/age.

Mali dječak (short boy) vs Mlad dječak (young boy).

mlad vs svjež

Both are used for food.

Svjež means recently made/picked. Mlad means harvested early in its growth cycle.

Svjež kruh (fresh bread) vs Mladi krumpir (new potatoes).

mlad vs modar

Similar sounding to beginners.

Modar means dark blue or bruised. Mlad means young.

Modro nebo (blue sky) vs Mlado stablo (young tree).

mlad vs mladež

Looks like the plural of mlad.

Mladež is a collective noun for 'the youth' OR it can mean 'a mole' on the skin.

Hrvatska mladež (Croatian youth) vs Imam mladež na leđima (I have a mole on my back).

mlad vs mladica

Derived from the same root.

Mladica specifically refers to a young plant shoot or a type of fish.

Mladica hrasta (oak sapling).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] je [mlad/mlada].

On je mlad.

Ovo je [mlad/mlada/mlado] [Noun].

Ovo je mlad pas.

Kad sam bio/bila [mlad/mlada]...

Kad sam bio mlad, živio sam u Splitu.

Moj [mlađi/mlađa] [Family Member]...

Moj mlađi brat studira.

[Mladi] danas [Verb]...

Mladi danas puno putuju.

On/Ona je [najmlađi/najmlađa] u [Group].

Ona je najmlađa u razredu.

Postati [mlađi]...

Želim postati mlađi.

[Mladost] je [Noun Phrase].

Mladost je dar prirode.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially regarding family and food.

Common Mistakes

On je mlada. → On je mlad.
You used the feminine ending for a masculine subject.
Imam mlad auto. → Imam nov auto.
Cars are 'new' (nov), not 'young' (mlad).
On je mlađi od mene. → On je mlađi od mene.
Actually, this is correct, but learners often forget the 'i' in 'mlađi'.
Moj mali brat ima 30 godina. → Moj mlađi brat ima 30 godina.
Using 'mali' (small) for a 30-year-old is confusing; use 'mlađi' for age.
Mladost-ludost je bila on. → To je bila mladost-ludost.
The idiom is usually used as a standalone comment or with 'to je'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always match 'mlad' to the noun. Mladić is 'mlad', djevojka is 'mlada', dijete is 'mlado'.

Food Context

Look for 'mladi' on menus for the freshest seasonal vegetables like potatoes and onions.

Respect

While 'mlad' is fine, referring to an adult as 'mali' (small) can be patronizing.

Clear 'L'

Make sure your 'l' in 'mlad' is clear and at the front of your mouth, not swallowed.

Weddings

Remember 'mladenci' for newlyweds; it's a very common word in Croatian social life.

Comparatives

Use 'mlađi' for siblings. It's more common than saying 'moj mali brat' for age.

Context Clues

If you hear 'mlad' at a market, it's about food. In a house, it's likely about family.

The 'Lad' Trick

Think of a 'young lad' and just add an 'M' at the start to get 'Mlad'.

Youthful Folly

Use 'mlad i lud' to jokingly explain away a mistake you made when you were younger.

Moon Phases

Learn 'mladi mjesec' to talk about the lunar cycle; it's a poetic way to use the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MLAD' as 'My Life's Active Days'. When you are young, your days are most active. Or, associate it with 'Mild' (soft) food like 'Mladi' cheese.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright green 'mladi luk' (spring onion) standing tall and fresh. The word 'mlad' sounds quick and snappy, just like a fresh vegetable snapping.

Word Web

mladost mladić mlada mlado mlađi najmlađi mladenka mladoženja

Challenge

Try to find 3 items in your fridge that could be described as 'mlad' (like fresh cheese or onions) and say their names in Croatian.

Word Origin

Derived from the Proto-Slavic word *mȏldъ. It has deep Indo-European roots, specifically from the root *meldh-, meaning 'soft' or 'tender'.

Original meaning: Soft, tender, or weak (referring to the physical state of infants or new plants).

Slavic > South Slavic > Croatian

Cultural Context

Calling an older person 'mlad' can be a compliment, but calling a mature professional 'zelen' (green/young) might be offensive as it implies incompetence.

In English, 'young' is used for people and animals, but rarely for food (we say 'new' or 'fresh'). In Croatian, 'mlad' is the standard for both.

The song 'Ostala si uvijek ista' mentions youth. Mladost Zagreb is a famous sports club. The literary work 'Mrtvi kapitali' discusses the role of the youth in rural Croatia.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

Moj mlađi brat.
Moja mlađa sestra.
Najmlađe dijete.
Mlada obitelj.

Market/Food

Imate li mladi luk?
Kilogram mladog krumpira, molim.
Ovaj sir je svjež i mlad.
Mlado vino je stiglo.

Social/News

Mladi traže posao.
Udruga mladih.
Problemi mladih.
Mladi talenti.

Weddings

Čestitke mladencima!
Mlada je prekrasna.
Mladoženja je sretan.
Mladi par se vjenčao.

Nature

Mladi mjesec na nebu.
Mlado drvo u vrtu.
Mladunčad životinja.
Mlade grane.

Conversation Starters

"Jesi li ti najmlađi u svojoj obitelji?"

"Što misliš, je li bolje biti mlad ili star?"

"Voliš li jesti mladi luk uz roštilj?"

"Sjećaš li se što si radio kad si bio mlad?"

"Imaš li mlađeg brata ili mlađu sestru?"

Journal Prompts

Opiši svog mlađeg brata ili sestru. Koliko su stari i što vole raditi?

Napiši o nečemu što si naučio dok si bio mlad, a što ti je i danas važno.

Zamisli da si vječno mlad. Koje bi bile prednosti, a koji nedostatci?

Koji je tvoj omiljeni 'mladi' proizvod s tržnice (sir, luk, krumpir) and zašto?

Opiši jedan 'mladi par' koji poznaješ. Kako su se upoznali?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'nov'. 'Mlad' is used for living things or specific agricultural products like wine and cheese.

'Mlad' is the indefinite form (young), usually used after verbs. 'Mladi' is the definite form (the young [one]), used when referring to a specific person or before a noun.

You use the comparative form 'mlađi'. For example, 'mlađi brat' means 'younger brother'.

Yes, it is what English speakers call spring onions or scallions. It is harvested before the bulb fully develops.

Yes, 'mladi' (plural) is often used as a noun meaning 'young people' or 'the youth'.

It is a common saying that means 'youth is folly'. People use it when a young person does something silly or reckless.

You can use the adjective 'mladolik' (youthful-looking) or say 'izgleda mlado' (looks young).

Generally yes, it implies energy and freshness. However, in a professional context, it can sometimes imply a lack of experience.

Yes, for masculine it is 'mladi', feminine 'mlade', and neuter 'mlada'.

The opposite is 'star', which means 'old'.