Meaning
Feeling physically well.
Cultural Background
Slovenians often use 'Na zdravje!' not just for toasts, but also when someone sneezes. It reflects the high value placed on physical health in a nation of hikers. In villages, being 'zdrav' is often proven by one's ability to do hard physical labor. A 'zdrav kmečki fant' (healthy farm boy) is a common trope. Slovenia is famous for its 'zdravilišča' (health spas). People go there to 'postati zdravi' (become healthy) using thermal water. There is a saying that 'mountain air makes you healthy'. Many Slovenians head to the Alps every weekend for this reason.
The 'V' sound
Remember that 'zdrav' ends in a 'v' that sounds like a 'w'. Don't pronounce it like a sharp 'v' as in 'victory'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if you are talking to a man (zdrav) or a woman (zdrava). Slovenians are sensitive to this!
Meaning
Feeling physically well.
The 'V' sound
Remember that 'zdrav' ends in a 'v' that sounds like a 'w'. Don't pronounce it like a sharp 'v' as in 'victory'.
Gender Agreement
Always check if you are talking to a man (zdrav) or a woman (zdrava). Slovenians are sensitive to this!
Use it as a greeting
You can just say 'Zdravo!' to anyone as a friendly 'Hi'. It's the most common informal greeting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'zdrav'.
Moja sestra je ____.
Sestra is feminine singular, so the adjective must end in -a.
Which sentence is correct for two men?
Midva ____.
Midva (we two, masculine) requires the dual verb 'sva' and the dual ending '-a'.
Match the Slovenian phrase with its English meaning.
1. Zdrav kot riba, 2. Na zdravje, 3. Zdrava hrana
These are common idiomatic uses of the word 'zdrav'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kako si? B: Hvala, zdaj sem že ____.
The speaker is saying they are healthy now.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can be 'zdrav'?
People
- • otrok
- • dedek
- • športnik
Food
- • jabolko
- • solata
- • voda
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMoja sestra je ____.
Sestra is feminine singular, so the adjective must end in -a.
Midva ____.
Midva (we two, masculine) requires the dual verb 'sva' and the dual ending '-a'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common idiomatic uses of the word 'zdrav'.
A: Kako si? B: Hvala, zdaj sem že ____.
The speaker is saying they are healthy now.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, 'Zdravo' is also the most common informal way to say 'Hello' in Slovenia.
You can say 'Počutim se zdravega' (m) or 'Počutim se zdravo' (f), but 'Sem zdrav' is more common.
Yes, you can say 'psihično zdrav' for mentally healthy.
It depends on gender: 'zdravi' (m), 'zdrave' (f), 'zdrava' (n).
Related Phrases
zdrav kot riba
idiomVery healthy/fit.
na zdravje
similarCheers / Bless you.
zdrav duh v zdravem telesu
builds onA healthy mind in a healthy body.
ozdraveti
specialized formTo get well.
