Meaning
Someone known for a long time.
Cultural Background
Slovenians often stay in the same town their whole lives, meaning 'stari prijatelji' are often people they have known since kindergarten. In the wider Balkan region, an 'old friend' is treated like family and is often invited to all major family celebrations (slava, weddings). In rural areas, 'star prijatelj' might also imply a family connection that spans generations (your fathers were also friends). In the capital, the phrase is often used more loosely to include people from university or first jobs.
The Dual Rule
If you are talking about TWO old friends, remember to use 'dva stara prijatelja'. It's a classic Slovenian trap!
Gender Matters
Always check if the friend is male or female before you start the sentence. 'Star' vs 'Stara' is a big difference.
Meaning
Someone known for a long time.
The Dual Rule
If you are talking about TWO old friends, remember to use 'dva stara prijatelja'. It's a classic Slovenian trap!
Gender Matters
Always check if the friend is male or female before you start the sentence. 'Star' vs 'Stara' is a big difference.
Introduction Etiquette
When introducing a 'star prijatelj', it's polite to briefly mention how long you've known them (e.g., 'že 20 let').
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'star' or 'stara'.
Maja je moja ______ prijateljica.
Maja is female, so we use the feminine form 'stara'.
Which sentence is correct for introducing two male friends you've known for years?
Kako rečeš?
This uses the dual form, which is required for two people in Slovenian.
Match the Slovenian phrase with its English meaning.
Poveži pare.
These are the basic gender and number variations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kdo je to? B: To je Marko, moj ______ ______.
Marko is a male name, so 'star prijatelj' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMaja je moja ______ prijateljica.
Maja is female, so we use the feminine form 'stara'.
Kako rečeš?
This uses the dual form, which is required for two people in Slovenian.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the basic gender and number variations.
A: Kdo je to? B: To je Marko, moj ______ ______.
Marko is a male name, so 'star prijatelj' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you must use 'stara prijateljica'.
Usually no, it means you have known them for a long time. However, it can mean age in specific contexts.
Use 'stari prijatelj' (add an -i).
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone.
The plural is 'stari prijatelji'.
Yes, that means 'an old friendship'.
In slang, people just say 'stari', but it's very informal.
Use the dual: 'dva stara prijatelja'.
Yes, in Slovenian, adjectives almost always come before the noun.
Yes, you can call an old dog your 'star prijatelj'.
Related Phrases
dober prijatelj
similara good friend
prijatelj iz otroštva
specialized formchildhood friend
bivši prijatelj
contrastex-friend
znanec
contrastacquaintance
