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A1 noun 7 min read

kino

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips kino in 30 Seconds

Explanation kino in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'kino' is one of the first nouns you will learn. It is essential for basic social interactions. You should focus on the simplest sentence structure: 'Grem v kino' (I am going to the cinema). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex declensions; just remember that 'v kino' means movement toward the place, and 'v kinu' means you are already inside. You will use this word to talk about your hobbies and weekend plans. It is a masculine noun, which is important when you want to say 'velik kino' (big cinema) or 'majhen kino' (small cinema). You should also learn the word 'vstopnica' (ticket) to use alongside 'kino'. Simple questions like 'Kje je kino?' (Where is the cinema?) are vital for basic navigation in a Slovenian city. Most A1 textbooks will introduce 'kino' in a chapter about free time and leisure activities, often paired with 'gledati film' (to watch a movie).

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'kino' in more descriptive contexts. You will start using more adjectives, like 'popoln kino' (a perfect cinema) or 'najljubši kino' (favorite cinema). You should also become more comfortable with the cases. For example, using the genitive: 'Blizu kina je park' (There is a park near the cinema). You will also learn to talk about time in relation to the cinema: 'Kino se odpre ob petih' (The cinema opens at five). A2 learners should be able to describe a past visit to the cinema: 'Včeraj sem bil v kinu in gledal sem komedijo' (Yesterday I was at the cinema and I watched a comedy). You might also start using the word in the plural: 'V Ljubljani je veliko kinov' (There are many cinemas in Ljubljana - note the genitive plural). This level is about expanding the range of things you can say about the cinema experience, including talking about snacks like 'pokovko' (popcorn).

At the B1 level, 'kino' becomes a part of more complex discussions about culture and preferences. You can now discuss the quality of a specific cinema: 'Ta kino ima najboljši zvok' (This cinema has the best sound). You will use the word in conditional sentences: 'Če bi imel čas, bi šel v kino' (If I had time, I would go to the cinema). B1 learners should be familiar with the role of the cinema in Slovenian society, such as the importance of independent cinemas versus multiplexes. You can express opinions: 'Raje imam manjše, umetniške kine kot velike centre' (I prefer smaller, art-house cinemas over large centers). You will also handle the word in all six cases fluently, including the instrumental: 'Med kinom in kavarno je ozka ulica' (Between the cinema and the cafe is a narrow street). You are also starting to use related compound words like 'kinospored' (cinema schedule).

At the B2 level, you can use 'kino' in the context of abstract discussions about the film industry and cultural trends. You might discuss 'kino kot umetnost' (cinema as art) or the impact of 'kino kulture' (cinema culture) on the youth. You can understand and participate in debates about whether 'kino' is dying due to streaming services. Your vocabulary around the word expands to include technical terms like 'projekcija' (projection) or 'platno' (screen). You can describe the atmosphere of a 'kino' in detail: 'V kinu je vladalo napeto vzdušje' (A tense atmosphere prevailed in the cinema). B2 learners can also use the word in idiomatic or more formal ways, such as 'kino operater' (cinema operator) or discussing the 'zgodovina slovenskega kina' (history of Slovenian cinema). You are expected to use the dual form correctly: 'Oba kina sta zaprta' (Both cinemas are closed).

At the C1 level, you use 'kino' with the nuance of a native speaker. You can discuss the architectural significance of certain 'kino' buildings or the socio-political role of 'kino' in history. You might analyze the 'estetika kina' (aesthetics of cinema) or the 'fenomenologija kino izkušnje' (phenomenology of the cinema experience). You can use the word in high-level academic or journalistic writing. For example: 'Kino ni zgolj prostor za predvajanje filmov, temveč prostor družbene refleksije' (Cinema is not merely a space for showing films, but a space for social reflection). You are comfortable with all archaic and specialized forms. You can discuss the nuances between 'kino' and 'kinematografija' (cinematography). You understand cultural references to famous Slovenian cinemas and can discuss their legacy in the context of urban development and cultural memory.

At the C2 level, 'kino' is a tool for masterful expression. You can engage in deep philosophical discourse about the 'smrt kina' (the death of cinema) or its rebirth in the digital age. You can use the word in complex literary metaphors. You have a complete grasp of the word's etymological journey and its various connotations in different Slovenian dialects or historical periods. You can write critiques of 'kino politike' (cinema policies) or the funding of 'nacionalni kino' (national cinema). Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word in everything from spontaneous puns to formal keynote speeches about the future of the moving image. You understand the subtle differences in how 'kino' is perceived in rural versus urban Slovenian settings and can navigate these cultural nuances effortlessly in conversation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

kino in 30 Seconds

Kino is the Slovenian word for a cinema or movie theater, used to describe the physical venue.
It is a masculine noun that follows a slightly irregular declension pattern due to its '-o' ending.
The word is central to Slovenian social life, often used in phrases about going out for entertainment.
Grammatically, it requires different case endings depending on whether you are moving toward it or are already there.

In the Slovenian language, the word kino represents more than just a building; it encapsulates the entire social and cultural experience of cinematography. Derived from the shortened form of 'kinematograf', it is a masculine noun that refers specifically to the physical theater where films are projected onto a screen for a public audience. For a Slovenian speaker, the concept of 'kino' is deeply rooted in leisure, dating culture, and artistic appreciation. Whether you are in the heart of Ljubljana visiting the iconic Kinodvor or in a smaller town like Novo Mesto, 'kino' remains the primary term for this venue.

Social Context: The term is most frequently used when planning evening activities. Unlike the English 'movies', which can refer to the films themselves, 'kino' almost always refers to the venue. You don't 'watch a kino', you 'go to the kino'.
Grammatical Gender: Crucially for learners, 'kino' is a masculine noun. While many words ending in '-o' in Slovenian are neuter, 'kino' is an exception (along with 'avto' and 'radio'), which affects how adjectives and verbs interact with it.

Historically, the Slovenian cinema scene has been a hub for intellectual gathering. During the Yugoslav era, the 'kino' was a place of state-sanctioned art and occasionally subversive foreign films. Today, it reflects a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and European indie films. When you use the word 'kino', you are invoking a tradition of communal storytelling that spans over a century in the region. It is common to hear people say 'Gremo v kino?' which is the standard invitation for a movie night.

Zvečer greva v kino, da si ogledava novo dramo.

The word is also used in compound forms and specific cultural events, such as 'Letni kino' (Open-air cinema), which is a beloved summer tradition in Slovenian cities where screens are set up in squares or castle courtyards. This versatility makes 'kino' a foundational piece of vocabulary for any A1 learner looking to navigate social life in Slovenia.

Using 'kino' correctly involves understanding Slovenian declension (sklanjanje). Because it is a masculine noun ending in '-o', it follows a specific pattern that is slightly different from standard masculine nouns ending in consonants. Most notably, the '-o' remains in the nominative but changes in other cases. For example, the genitive is 'kina', and the locative is 'kinu'.

The Accusative (Movement): When expressing direction, we use 'v' + accusative. Since 'kino' is inanimate, the accusative looks like the nominative. Example: 'Grem v kino.' (I am going to the cinema.)
The Locative (Location): When expressing static location, we use 'v' + locative. The ending changes to '-u'. Example: 'Sem v kinu.' (I am in the cinema.)

Learners often struggle with the distinction between the film and the place. In English, we might say 'The movie was great,' but in Slovenian, you would say 'Film je bil odličen.' You would never say 'Kino je bil odličen' unless you were specifically praising the architecture or the seating of the theater itself.

Pred kinom se dobimo ob osmih zvečer.

Common sentence structures include: 'Kateri kino je najbližje?' (Which cinema is closest?), 'Vstopnice za kino so drage.' (Cinema tickets are expensive.), and 'Kino nima več prostih sedežev.' (The cinema has no more free seats.) Mastering these variations allows the learner to move beyond simple identification to functional communication.

In Slovenia, 'kino' is a word you will hear in various settings, from casual street talk to formal news reports about film festivals. One of the most common places to hear it is in radio advertisements for upcoming premieres. The announcers will often emphasize the 'kino doživetje' (cinema experience) to lure audiences away from streaming services.

Urban Environments: In cities like Ljubljana, 'kino' is synonymous with specific locations. People might say 'Dobimo se pri kinu Šiška,' referring to a famous cultural center that used to be a cinema.
Digital Contexts: On websites like 'mojkino.si' or 'kolosej.si', the word is ubiquitous. You will see buttons like 'V kino!' (To the cinema!) or 'Kino spored' (Cinema schedule).

During the Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFE), the word 'kino' is on everyone's lips. You'll hear phrases like 'Grem iz enega kina v drugega' (I'm going from one cinema to another) as enthusiasts rush between screenings. It's also a staple in parenting, where 'grem z otroki v kino' (I'm going to the cinema with the kids) is a standard weekend plan.

Ali veš, kje je ta kino? Ne najdem vhoda.

In a professional context, film critics and distributors use 'kino' when discussing 'kino distribucija' (cinema distribution) versus television or online releases. It signifies the premium, intended way to view a cinematic work.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing 'kino' (the place) with 'film' (the movie). In English, we often say 'I saw a good movie at the cinema.' In Slovenian, if you say 'Videl sem dober kino,' you are literally saying you saw a high-quality building, which sounds absurd to a native speaker.

Gender Confusion: Mistaking 'kino' for a neuter noun because of the '-o' ending. This leads to wrong adjective endings like 'novo kino' instead of the correct 'novi kino'.
Preposition Errors: Using 'na' instead of 'v'. In Slovenian, you go 'v kino' (into the cinema), not 'na kino' (onto the cinema).

Another error involves the plural forms. While 'kini' (cinemas) exists, learners often try to apply the neuter plural '-a' (kina), which is actually the genitive singular form. Saying 'V mestu so tri kina' is incorrect; it should be 'V mestu so trije kini'.

Napačno: Grem na kino. Pravilno: Grem v kino.

Lastly, don't confuse 'kino' with 'gledališče' (theater). While both are performance venues, 'gledališče' is strictly for live plays and operas. If you tell a friend you are going to the 'kino' to see 'Hamlet', they will assume you are watching a filmed version of the play, not a live performance.

While 'kino' is the standard term, there are several related words that learners should be aware of to enrich their vocabulary and understand different nuances of the film-going experience in Slovenia.

Bioskop: This is an older, more traditional term used in some other Slavic languages (like Serbian). In Slovenia, it is considered archaic or very informal, but you might still encounter it in older literature or when talking to the elderly.
Kinematograf: The full, formal version of 'kino'. It is rarely used in conversation but appears in legal documents, historical texts, or formal company names.
Filmska dvorana: Literally 'film hall'. This refers specifically to the room where the movie is shown, rather than the entire building/business.

Comparing 'kino' with 'dom kulture' (house of culture) is also important. In many smaller Slovenian villages, there isn't a dedicated cinema building. Instead, movies are shown in the 'dom kulture', a multi-purpose hall. In these cases, people might say 'v domu kulture bo kino' (there will be a cinema showing in the house of culture).

Namesto v velik kino smo šli v manjšo dvorano.

Finally, we have 'letni kino' (summer cinema). This is not a different word for the building, but a specific type of event. It highlights the Slovenian love for outdoor socializing during the warm months, often held in historical settings like the Ljubljana Castle.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Vljudno vas vabimo na otvoritev novega kinematografa."

Neutral

"Kino se nahaja v središču mesta."

Informal

"Ej, gremo v kino?"

Child friendly

"Poglej, kako velik kino!"

Slang

"Kakšen kino je naredil tvoj brat!"

Fun Fact

In the early 20th century, 'kino' was often called 'žive slike' (living pictures) in Slovenia before the international term became standardized.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkiːnɔ/

US /ˈkinoʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable: KI-no.

Rhymes With

vino (wine) fino (fine/nice) mimo (past/by) sinu (to the son - dative) tino (a name) bino (stage - archaic) latino casino

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like a 'u' (Kinu) in the nominative case.
Making the 'i' too short, sounding like 'kin' in English.
Over-aspirating the 'k' like in some English dialects.
Stress on the second syllable (ki-NO).
Pronouncing 'k' like 'ch' (chino).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Declension endings (-u, -a, -om) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward and similar to other European languages.

Listening 1/5

Easily distinguishable in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

film gledati iti v mesto

Learn Next

vstopnica kokice igralec režiser zgodba

Advanced

scenarij kadrov montaža produkcija kritika

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in -o (borrowed words)

Kino, avto, radio all follow masculine declension despite ending in -o.

Accusative for direction with 'v'

Grem v kino (I go into the cinema).

Locative for location with 'v'

Sem v kinu (I am in the cinema).

Instrumental for location with 'pred'

Čakam pred kinom (I wait in front of the cinema).

Genitive for possession or proximity

Vrata kina (The doors of the cinema).

Examples by Level

Grem v kino.

I am going to the cinema.

Accusative case for movement.

Kje je kino?

Where is the cinema?

Nominative case for existence.

Kino je blizu.

The cinema is nearby.

Adverb 'blizu' used with nominative.

Rad imam kino.

I like the cinema.

Accusative case after 'imeti rad'.

To je nov kino.

This is a new cinema.

Masculine adjective 'nov' matching 'kino'.

Kino se odpre ob šestih.

The cinema opens at six.

Reflexive verb 'se odpre'.

Kupim vstopnico za kino.

I buy a ticket for the cinema.

Preposition 'za' + accusative.

V kinu je tema.

It is dark in the cinema.

Locative case for location.

Včeraj smo bili v kinu.

Yesterday we were at the cinema.

Past tense with locative.

Kateri kino je najboljši?

Which cinema is the best?

Superlative adjective 'najboljši'.

Greš z mano v kino?

Are you going to the cinema with me?

Preposition 'z' + instrumental 'mano'.

Pred kinom je velika vrsta.

There is a long line in front of the cinema.

Preposition 'pred' + instrumental 'kinom'.

Kino nima več kokic.

The cinema has no more popcorn.

Genitive case after negation.

V kinu ne smemo govoriti.

We are not allowed to talk in the cinema.

Modal verb 'smemo' + infinitive.

Ta kino je zelo star.

This cinema is very old.

Demonstrative pronoun 'ta'.

Gledam film v kinu.

I am watching a movie in the cinema.

Present tense.

Če bi imel denar, bi kupil ta kino.

If I had money, I would buy this cinema.

Conditional mood.

Zaradi dežja nismo šli v kino.

Because of the rain, we didn't go to the cinema.

Preposition 'zaradi' + genitive.

V kinu so predvajali slovenski film.

A Slovenian film was shown in the cinema.

Plural verb for unspecified subject.

Kino je bil poln ljudi.

The cinema was full of people.

Adjective 'poln' + genitive.

V kinu se počutim sproščeno.

I feel relaxed in the cinema.

Reflexive verb 'počutiti se'.

Obisk kina je draga zabava.

Visiting the cinema is expensive entertainment.

Genitive of 'kino' as a noun modifier.

Kino ponuja različne zvrsti filmov.

The cinema offers various genres of movies.

Third person singular.

V kinu sem srečal starega prijatelja.

I met an old friend in the cinema.

Past tense transitive verb.

Kljub slabemu vremenu je bil kino nabito poln.

Despite the bad weather, the cinema was packed.

Preposition 'kljub' + dative.

Kino je prenovil svojo zvočno opremo.

The cinema has renovated its sound equipment.

Perfective verb 'prenoviti'.

Vstop v kino je dovoljen le z masko.

Entry to the cinema is allowed only with a mask.

Passive participle 'dovoljen'.

Kino igra pomembno vlogo v mestnem življenju.

The cinema plays an important role in city life.

Metaphorical usage.

V kinu so uvedli nove digitalne projektorje.

New digital projectors were introduced in the cinema.

Plural past tense.

Zaradi digitalizacije se mnogi kini zapirajo.

Due to digitalization, many cinemas are closing.

Genitive plural 'kinov'.

Kino dvorana je bila hladna.

The cinema hall was cold.

Compound-like noun phrase.

Vsak teden grem vsaj enkrat v kino.

I go to the cinema at least once every week.

Frequency adverb 'vsaj enkrat'.

Arhitektura tega kina je izjemno modernistična.

The architecture of this cinema is exceptionally modernist.

Genitive singular.

Kino kot institucija se sooča s krizo identitete.

Cinema as an institution is facing an identity crisis.

Abstract usage.

V kinu se zrcali duh časa.

The spirit of the times is reflected in the cinema.

Reflexive verb 'zrcaliti se'.

Kino je postal zatočišče za ljubitelje umetnosti.

The cinema has become a sanctuary for art lovers.

Noun as subject with complement.

Brez kina bi bilo kulturno življenje siromašnejše.

Without the cinema, cultural life would be poorer.

Preposition 'brez' + genitive.

Kino vpliva na oblikovanje javnega mnenja.

Cinema influences the formation of public opinion.

Verb 'vplivati' + preposition 'na'.

Program kina je skrbno kuriran.

The cinema's program is carefully curated.

Passive construction.

Kino dvorane so se spremenile v večnamenske prostore.

Cinema halls have turned into multi-purpose spaces.

Reflexive 'spremeniti se'.

Kino je ontološko povezan s konceptom časa.

Cinema is ontologically connected to the concept of time.

Philosophical terminology.

Sublimnost kino izkušnje presega zgolj vizualno.

The sublimity of the cinema experience transcends the merely visual.

High-level vocabulary.

Kino ostaja bastion kolektivnega doživljanja umetnosti.

Cinema remains a bastion of collective art experience.

Metaphorical 'bastion'.

V kinu se vzpostavlja specifičen odnos med gledalcem in podobo.

A specific relationship between the viewer and the image is established in the cinema.

Complex passive reflexive.

Kino je preživel številne tehnološke revolucije.

Cinema has survived numerous technological revolutions.

Perfective past.

Eroziija kino kulture je zaskrbljujoč trend.

The erosion of cinema culture is a worrying trend.

Abstract noun phrase.

Kino dvorana služi kot heterotopija v sodobni družbi.

The cinema hall serves as a heterotopia in modern society.

Foucaultian terminology.

Ni ga čez dober kino ob deževnem popoldnevu.

Nothing beats a good cinema on a rainy afternoon.

Idiomatic expression 'ni ga čez'.

Common Collocations

iti v kino

vstopnica za kino

kino spored

predvajati v kinu

obisk kina

majhen kino

lokalni kino

kino dvorana

vstopiti v kino

kino premiera

Common Phrases

Gremo v kino?

— A standard invitation to go watch a movie. Used among friends and family.

Zvečer nimam dela. Gremo v kino?

Kaj igrajo v kinu?

— Asking what movies are currently showing. Focuses on the schedule.

Ne vem, kaj bi delal. Kaj igrajo v kinu?

V kinu je gužva.

— Meaning the cinema is very crowded. 'Gužva' is a common colloquialism.

Danes je sobota, zato je v kinu gužva.

Pred kinom se dobimo.

— Setting a meeting point outside the entrance. Very common for dates.

Pred kinom se dobimo ob sedmih.

Kino je razprodan.

— The screening or the venue has no more tickets available.

Žal je kino za nocoj razprodan.

Imaš rad kino?

— Asking someone if they enjoy the experience of going to the movies.

Imaš rad kino ali raje gledaš filme doma?

Kino pod zvezdami.

— A poetic way to refer to outdoor summer cinema screenings.

Kino pod zvezdami je najbolj romantičen.

Grem iz kina.

— Expressing that you are leaving the cinema venue.

Ravno grem iz kina, film je bil super.

Vstopnice so v kinu.

— Indicating that the physical tickets are located at the box office.

Ne skrbi, vstopnice so že v kinu.

Kino v živo.

— Sometimes used for live broadcasts of operas or ballets in a cinema.

Danes predvajajo Metropolitansko opero, to je kino v živo.

Often Confused With

kino vs film

English speakers often say 'I saw a good kino' instead of 'I saw a good film'.

kino vs gledališče

Mistaking a movie theater for a live theater.

kino vs telovadnica

Rare, but occasionally confused by beginners for other public buildings ending in -a.

Idioms & Expressions

"Kot v kinu"

— Something that is very exciting, dramatic, or unbelievable to watch. Similar to 'like a movie'.

Nesreča se je zgodila tik pred mano, bilo je kot v kinu.

informal

"Narediti kino"

— To cause a scene or create a lot of drama in public. Usually negative.

Prosim, ne naredi kina sredi ulice.

slang

"Imeti kino doma"

— To have a high-quality home theater setup, or metaphorically, a lot of drama happening at home.

Sosedje se spet kregajo, imajo pravi kino doma.

informal

"Kino za oči"

— Something visually stunning or beautiful to look at.

Ta razgled je pravi kino za oči.

poetic

"Brezplačen kino"

— Watching something interesting happen for free, usually people-watching or a public dispute.

Opazovanje ljudi na trgu je brezplačen kino.

informal

"Cel kino"

— A big mess or a very complicated situation.

Zaradi tvoje napake je nastal cel kino.

slang

"Kino na prostem"

— Refers to outdoor cinema, but can metaphorically mean having no privacy.

Tukaj se ne moreva pogovarjati, to je kino na prostem.

informal

"Pravi kino"

— Used to emphasize that something is truly spectacular or dramatic.

Tekma je bila pravi kino do zadnje minute.

neutral

"Kino predstava"

— Literally a cinema show, but can mean a 'performance' someone is putting on.

Njegovo opravičilo je bila le ena velika kino predstava.

informal

"Kino v glavi"

— Having a vivid imagination or overthinking scenarios.

Včasih imam pravi kino v glavi, ko ne morem spati.

informal

Easily Confused

kino vs film

Both relate to movies.

Kino is the building/venue; film is the actual content you watch.

V kinu gledam film.

kino vs gledališče

Both are entertainment venues.

Gledališče is for live performances (actors on stage); kino is for projections.

V gledališču gledam dramo, v kinu pa film.

kino vs dvorana

A cinema has a hall (dvorana).

Dvorana is just the room; kino is the whole establishment.

Kino ima tri dvorane.

kino vs bioskop

It means the same thing.

Bioskop is older and less common in Slovenia, mostly used in neighboring Slavic countries.

V Sloveniji rečemo kino, ne bioskop.

kino vs televizija

Both display moving images.

Televizija is a device or medium at home; kino is a public social event.

Doma imam televizijo, a raje grem v kino.

Sentence Patterns

Grem v [kino].

Grem v kino.

Kje je [kino]?

Kje je kino?

Bil sem v [kinu].

Bil sem v kinu.

[Kino] je [adjective].

Kino je velik.

Dobimo se pred [kinom].

Dobimo se pred kinom.

Vstopnica za [kino] je [price].

Vstopnica za kino je draga.

Zaradi [noun] nismo šli v [kino].

Zaradi dežja nismo šli v kino.

[Kino] predstavlja [abstract noun].

Kino predstavlja središče kulture.

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Grem na kino. → Grem v kino.
In Slovenian, you go 'into' (v) a cinema, not 'onto' (na) it.
Videl sem dober kino. → Videl sem dober film.
You watch a 'film', not the 'kino' (building) itself.
To je novo kino. → To je novi kino.
Kino is masculine, so the adjective must be masculine (novi), not neuter (novo).
Sem v kino. → Sem v kinu.
When you are already there, you must use the locative case (kinu), not the accusative (kino).
Dva kina sta velika. → Dva kina sta velika.
Actually, 'dva kina' is correct for dual, but people often forget the dual verb 'sta'.

Tips

Mastering the Cases

Always associate 'v kino' with a walking motion and 'v kinu' with a sitting motion. This mental shortcut helps you choose the right case every time.

Related Words

Learn 'kokice' (popcorn) and 'vstopnica' (ticket) at the same time as 'kino'. They are almost always used together in real-life situations.

Visit Kinodvor

If you are in Ljubljana, visit Kinodvor. It's the best place to experience Slovenian 'kino' culture and they often have English subtitles.

Casual Invitations

To sound more like a native, simply say 'Greva v kino?' instead of a long sentence like 'Ali bi želel iti v kino z mano?'

Adjective Agreement

Since 'kino' is masculine, make sure your adjectives end in -i (e.g., 'veliki', 'novi', 'stari'). Don't let the -o ending fool you into using neuter endings.

Preposition Clues

In fast speech, 'v' can sound like a small 'f' or 'u'. Focus on the ending of 'kino' (o vs u) to understand the meaning.

Watch the Drama

If someone says 'Kakšen kino!', they are likely commenting on a crazy situation they just witnessed, not inviting you to a movie.

Compound Words

Slovenian loves compounds. Pay attention to 'kinospored' (schedule) on posters; it's the most useful compound for a traveler.

The 'O' Sound

Keep the final 'o' in 'kino' short and crisp. Don't drag it out into an 'oh' sound as in English 'no'.

Rhyme Time

Remember: 'V kinu pijem vino' (In the cinema I drink wine) - even if it's not true, the rhyme helps you remember the locative case!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Key' to 'No' (Kino) - you need a key (ticket) to enter, and there's no light inside once the movie starts.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant neon sign that says 'KINO' in bright violet letters over a dark building with people holding popcorn.

Word Web

Film Vstopnica Kokice Platno Dvorana Sedež Tema Zabava

Challenge

Try to use 'kino' in three different cases today: 'Grem v kino', 'Sem v kinu', and 'To je moj kino'.

Word Origin

The word 'kino' is a shortened form of 'kinematograf'. This term originated from the Greek words 'kinema' (movement) and 'graphein' (to write). It entered Slovenian via German 'Kino', which was also a shortening of 'Kinematograph'.

Original meaning: A device for projecting moving images.

Indo-European (via Greek and German borrowing).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and universally used.

In the US/UK, people say 'movies' or 'cinema'. In Slovenia, 'kino' is the only common word; 'movies' is always 'filmi'.

Kinodvor (Ljubljana's most famous art cinema) Kino Šiška (a former cinema turned into a famous concert venue) LIFFE (Ljubljana International Film Festival)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Planning a date

Bi šla v kino?
Kateri kino ti je všeč?
Se dobiva pred kinom?
Jaz kupim vstopnice za kino.

Asking for directions

Oprostite, kje je najbližji kino?
Ali je kino daleč od tod?
Ali gre ta avtobus do kina?
Iščem kino v tem mestu.

At the box office

Dve vstopnici za kino, prosim.
Ali je kino že poln?
Kdaj se začne kino predstava?
Kje so vstopnice za kino?

Discussing a hobby

Zelo rad hodim v kino.
Moj najljubši kino je Kinodvor.
V kino grem vsaj enkrat na teden.
Kino je moja strast.

Complaining about an experience

V kinu je bilo preglasno.
Kino je bil umazan.
Vstopnice za ta kino so predrage.
V kinu je bilo prevroče.

Conversation Starters

"Kako pogosto hodiš v kino in kateri je tvoj najljubši v mestu?"

"Ali si že kdaj bil v letnem kinu na Ljubljanskem gradu?"

"Kateri kino v Sloveniji ima po tvojem mnenju najboljše kokice?"

"Ali raje gledaš filme doma ali greš raje v pravi kino?"

"Kaj je bila zadnja stvar, ki si jo gledal v kinu?"

Journal Prompts

Opiši svoj zadnji obisk kina. S kom si bil in kaj si gledal?

Zakaj je kino boljši (ali slabši) kot gledanje filmov na Netflixu?

Napiši kratko zgodbo o skrivnostnem srečanju v starem kinu.

Če bi imel svoj kino, kakšne filme bi predvajal v njem?

Opiši arhitekturo kina, ki ti je najbolj všeč.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. Even though it ends in -o, which is typical for neuter nouns, 'kino' is a borrowed word and is treated as masculine in Slovenian.

You say 'Grem v kino'. You use the preposition 'v' followed by the accusative case.

You say 'Sem v kinu'. You use the preposition 'v' followed by the locative case, which ends in -u.

The nominative plural is 'kini'. For example: 'V mestu so trije kini' (There are three cinemas in the city).

No. In Slovenian, 'kino' only refers to the place. To say 'movie', you must use the word 'film'.

It is very rare and sounds foreign or old-fashioned. 'Kino' is the standard word used by everyone.

It is a slang expression meaning to cause a big scene or drama in public. It has nothing to do with movies.

It translates to 'summer cinema' and refers to outdoor movie screenings that happen during the warm months.

You can say 'vstopnica za kino' or use the compound word 'kinovstopnica'.

Yes, the dual form is 'dva kina'. For example: 'V našem kraju sta dva kina'.