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A1 adjective 6 min read

zdrav

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips zdrav in 30 Seconds

Explanation zdrav in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'zdrav' is one of the first adjectives you learn. You use it in its simplest forms to describe yourself, your family, or common foods. You learn the basic gender endings: zdrav (masculine), zdrava (feminine), and zdravo (neuter). You also learn the essential social phrases like 'Na zdravje!' and the greeting 'Zdravo!'. The focus is on basic identification and simple sentences like 'Jaz sem zdrav' (I am healthy) or 'Jabolko je zdravo' (The apple is healthy). You are not expected to decline it through all cases yet, but you should recognize it in simple texts and conversations about daily routines and wellbeing.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'zdrav' in comparative and superlative forms to make choices and express preferences. You can say 'Sadje je bolj zdravo kot čips' (Fruit is healthier than chips). You also start using 'zdrav' in the plural and in more varied contexts, such as describing a 'zdrav način življenja' (healthy lifestyle). You become more comfortable with the adjective-noun agreement in various cases, especially the accusative (e.g., 'Jem zdravo hrano'). You also begin to understand the difference between the adjective 'zdrav' and the noun 'zdravje'.

By B1, you use 'zdrav' to discuss more abstract topics such as the environment, the economy, or mental health. You can participate in discussions about 'zdravo okolje' (a healthy environment) or 'zdrav razum' (common sense). Your grammatical control improves, allowing you to use 'zdrav' correctly in all six Slovenian cases. You also start using related words like 'zdravnik' (doctor) and 'zdravilo' (medicine) with ease. You can explain why something is healthy and provide detailed advice on maintaining a 'zdrav življenjski slog'.

At the B2 level, you use 'zdrav' in formal and professional contexts. You might read medical reports or news articles about 'javno zdravje' (public health). You understand idiomatic expressions more deeply and can use 'zdrav' to describe the 'zdravje' of a business or a political system. You can argue the merits of different health policies or environmental regulations using 'zdrav' and its synonyms like 'vitalen' or 'krepak' to add variety to your speech. Your use of the word is nuanced, reflecting an understanding of both its literal and metaphorical meanings.

At the C1 level, your use of 'zdrav' is sophisticated and natural. You can use it in academic or literary contexts, perhaps discussing the 'zdrav duh v zdravem telesu' (a sound mind in a sound body) in a philosophical debate. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'zdrav' and its less common synonyms. You can use the word in complex sentence structures and in the dual number without hesitation. You also recognize archaic or highly formal uses of the root in older literature or legal documents.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'zdrav'. You can use it to convey subtle irony, poetic imagery, or high-level technical precision. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Slavic languages. You can effortlessly switch between registers, using 'zdrav' in a casual slang context or a formal medical dissertation. Your mastery includes all possible idiomatic uses and the ability to coin new expressions based on the root 'zdrav' that sound natural to native speakers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

zdrav in 30 Seconds

Zdrav means 'healthy' and is used for people, food, and abstract concepts.
It changes its ending to match the gender: zdrav (m), zdrava (f), zdravo (n).
Common social uses include 'Zdravo!' (Hello) and 'Na zdravje!' (Cheers/Bless you).
It is a central word in Slovenian culture, emphasizing nature and wellness.

The Slovenian word zdrav is a fundamental adjective that translates primarily to 'healthy' in English. It is a versatile term used to describe the physical condition of living beings, the nutritional value of food, and metaphorically, the robustness of abstract concepts like economies or relationships. In the Slovenian linguistic landscape, 'zdrav' is more than just a medical descriptor; it is a cultural pillar representing vitality and well-being.

Physical Vitality: When referring to people or animals, 'zdrav' indicates an absence of illness. It is frequently used in medical contexts, daily greetings, and inquiries about one's state of being. For example, after a long flu, one might say 'Končno sem spet zdrav' (I am finally healthy again).
Nutritional Wholesomeness: The word is essential in the context of diet. 'Zdrava hrana' (healthy food) is a common phrase found in supermarkets, restaurants, and health blogs. It implies that the food is natural, unprocessed, and beneficial for the body.
Abstract Soundness: In a more figurative sense, 'zdrav' describes things that are functioning correctly or logically. 'Zdrav razum' (common sense) is a vital concept in Slovenian discourse, suggesting a mind that is balanced and rational.

Jabolko na dan poskrbi, da ostaneš zdrav.

Slovenians place a high value on health, which is reflected in the frequency of this word. It appears in the most common toast, 'Na zdravje!' (To health/Cheers!), used whenever people clink glasses. This highlights how deeply the concept of being 'zdrav' is woven into the social fabric. Whether you are discussing a child's growth, the quality of local produce, or the state of the environment, 'zdrav' is your go-to adjective for expressing positivity and functional integrity.

Njegov dedek je še vedno zelo zdrav in aktiven.

Environmental Health: 'Zdravo okolje' (a healthy environment) is a term used in political and ecological discussions, referring to clean air, water, and sustainable living conditions.

Using 'zdrav' correctly requires an understanding of Slovenian adjective declension. As an A1 learner, you will mostly use it in the nominative case to describe people or things. The word must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. This agreement is crucial for sounding natural and being understood accurately in both spoken and written Slovenian.

Masculine Singular: Use 'zdrav' for masculine nouns. Example: 'Moj oče je zdrav.' (My father is healthy). Note that in the definite form (the healthy...), it becomes 'zdravi', as in 'Zdravi moški telovadi vsak dan.'
Feminine Singular: Use 'zdrava' for feminine nouns. Example: 'Solata je zdrava.' (Salad is healthy). This is the most common form you will hear when discussing food or feminine subjects like 'mama' or 'prijateljica'.
Neuter Singular: Use 'zdravo' for neuter nouns. Example: 'To jabolko je zdravo.' (This apple is healthy). 'Zdravo' is also used as an adverb meaning 'healthily' or as a common informal greeting.

Ali je ta način življenja zdrav?

When forming comparisons, 'zdrav' follows the standard patterns. To say 'healthier', you use 'bolj zdrav'. To say 'the healthiest', you use 'najbolj zdrav'. For example, 'Zelenjava je bolj zdrava kot sladkarije' (Vegetables are healthier than sweets). Understanding these comparative forms allows you to express preferences and make health-related choices in conversation.

Potrebujemo zdrav odnos do dela.

In Slovenia, you will encounter the word 'zdrav' and its derivatives everywhere from the doctor's office to the local 'gostilna'. It is deeply embedded in the culture of wellness and nature that Slovenians cherish. Understanding the context in which 'zdrav' appears will help you grasp the cultural nuances of the country.

At the Doctor (Zdravnik): When a doctor examines you and finds nothing wrong, they will say: 'Ste popolnoma zdravi' (You are completely healthy). The word 'zdravnik' (doctor) itself comes from the root 'zdrav', literally meaning 'the one who makes you healthy'.
Social Gatherings: The most common toast in Slovenia is 'Na zdravje!'. While it literally means 'To health', it is the equivalent of 'Cheers'. You will also hear 'Zdravo!' as an informal greeting among friends, similar to 'Hello' or 'Hi'.
Media and Advertising: Commercials for yogurt, vitamins, and outdoor gear constantly use 'zdrav' to appeal to the Slovenian love for a healthy lifestyle. Phrases like 'Zdrav zajtrk' (Healthy breakfast) or 'Zdrava izbira' (Healthy choice) are ubiquitous on packaging.

Ko nekdo kihne, mu rečemo: "Na zdravje!"

Beyond the literal sense, you'll hear 'zdrav' in political speeches regarding the 'zdravje naroda' (health of the nation) or in economic reports discussing a 'zdravo gospodarstvo' (healthy economy). It serves as a benchmark for quality and stability across all sectors of Slovenian life.

Even though 'zdrav' seems simple, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into their Slovenian vocabulary. These mistakes usually stem from grammar rules or confusing 'zdrav' with related nouns and verbs.

Gender Mismatch: The most frequent error is using the masculine 'zdrav' for all nouns. Saying 'Juha je zdrav' is incorrect because 'juha' (soup) is feminine; it must be 'Juha je zdrava'. Always check the gender of the noun before choosing the adjective ending.
Confusing Adjective and Noun: Learners often confuse 'zdrav' (healthy) with 'zdravje' (health). You cannot say 'Jaz sem zdravje'; you must say 'Jaz sem zdrav'. Similarly, don't confuse it with 'zdravilo' (medicine).
The 'Na zdravje' Trap: Some learners try to use 'zdrav' when toasting. Remember that the toast is always the noun phrase 'Na zdravje' (To health), never 'Na zdrav'.

Napačno: On je zdravje. Pravilno: On je zdrav.

Another subtle mistake is the placement of the adjective. In English, we might say 'The person healthy', but in Slovenian, the adjective almost always precedes the noun in a phrase: 'zdrava oseba'. When used as a predicate (after 'is'), it follows the verb: 'Oseba je zdrava'. Pay attention to these structural differences to avoid sounding like a direct translation from English.

While 'zdrav' is the most common way to say healthy, Slovenian offers several synonyms and related terms that can add precision to your speech, depending on whether you are talking about physical strength, hygiene, or vitality.

Čil (Vigorous/Sprightly): Used primarily for older people who remain active and healthy. 'Čil starec' implies a grandfather who is still hiking and full of energy.
Vitalen (Vital/Energetic): A loanword that functions similarly to English. It emphasizes life force and energy rather than just the absence of disease.
Krepak (Robust/Strong): Focuses on physical strength and a sturdy build. A 'krepak fant' is a healthy, strong boy.
Higieničen (Hygienic): Used when 'healthy' refers to cleanliness and sanitary conditions, such as 'higienične razmere' (hygienic conditions).

Njegov dedek je še vedno zelo čil.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to describe health with more nuance. While 'zdrav' is always correct, using 'čil' or 'krepak' shows a deeper mastery of the Slovenian language and its descriptive richness.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Pacient je trenutno v dobrem in zdravem stanju."

Neutral

"Sadje je zdrava izbira za malico."

Informal

"Zdravo, stari! Kako si?"

Child friendly

"Jej korenje, da boš zdrav in močan!"

Slang

"Ta tip je čisto zdrav v glavo, prisežem."

Fun Fact

The link between 'health' and 'wood' suggests that ancient Slavs viewed a sturdy tree as the ultimate symbol of health and strength.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈzdraːu̯/

US /zdraʊ/

The stress is on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

prav (right) trav (grass - genitive plural) lav (lion - dialectal) mrav (ant - dialectal root) narav (nature - genitive plural) strav (fear - dialectal) razprav (discussion - genitive plural) rokav (sleeve - genitive plural)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'v' as a sharp 'f'. In Slovenian, 'v' at the end of a word sounds like 'w'.
Making the 'z' sound unvoiced like 's'.
Over-emphasizing the 'd' and 'r' cluster.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and appears frequently in beginner texts.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and case endings.

Speaking 2/5

The 'v' at the end and the 'zdr' cluster can be tricky for some.

Listening 1/5

Clearly articulated in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

biti (to be) jaz (I) hrana (food) jabolko (apple) dober (good)

Learn Next

bolan (sick) zdravje (health) zdravnik (doctor) telo (body) življenje (life)

Advanced

vitalnost (vitality) okrevanje (recovery) diagnoza (diagnosis) preventiva (prevention) blagostanje (well-being)

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Zdrav (m) moški, zdrava (f) ženska, zdravo (n) dete.

Comparison of Adjectives

Zdrav -> bolj zdrav -> najbolj zdrav.

Definite vs. Indefinite Adjectives

Zdrav (indefinite: a healthy) vs. Zdravi (definite: the healthy).

Case Declension (Nominative to Instrumental)

Z zdravim (instrumental) načinom življenja.

Adverb Formation

Zdravo (adverb) - On živi zdravo.

Examples by Level

Jaz sem zdrav.

I am healthy.

Masculine singular nominative.

Ali si zdrava?

Are you healthy? (to a female)

Feminine singular nominative.

To jabolko je zdravo.

This apple is healthy.

Neuter singular nominative.

Zdravo!

Hello!

Informal greeting.

Na zdravje!

Cheers!

Common toast using the noun form.

Moj pes je zdrav.

My dog is healthy.

Masculine singular nominative.

Zelenjava je zdrava.

Vegetables are healthy.

Feminine singular nominative.

Mama je zdrava.

Mom is healthy.

Feminine singular nominative.

Svež zrak je zdrav.

Fresh air is healthy.

Adjective modifying a masculine noun.

Jem samo zdravo hrano.

I eat only healthy food.

Feminine accusative singular.

Hočem biti bolj zdrav.

I want to be healthier.

Comparative form.

Oni so zdravi otroci.

They are healthy children.

Masculine plural nominative.

Voda je najbolj zdrava pijača.

Water is the healthiest drink.

Superlative form, feminine.

Imamo zdrav način življenja.

We have a healthy lifestyle.

Masculine accusative singular.

Ali je ta riba zdrava?

Is this fish healthy?

Feminine nominative singular.

Zajtrk je zelo zdrav.

Breakfast is very healthy.

Masculine nominative singular.

Potrebujemo zdrav razum za rešitev težave.

We need common sense to solve the problem.

Idiomatic use of 'zdrav' with 'razum'.

V zdravem telesu zdrav duh.

A healthy mind in a healthy body.

Locative case used in a proverb.

Podjetje ima zdrave finance.

The company has healthy finances.

Metaphorical use in business.

Živimo v zdravem okolju.

We live in a healthy environment.

Locative case, neuter.

Zdrav odnos je ključen za srečo.

A healthy relationship is key to happiness.

Masculine nominative singular.

Zdrava tekmovalnost je dobra.

Healthy competition is good.

Feminine nominative singular.

On je zdrav kot riba.

He is as healthy as a fish.

Common Slovenian idiom.

Iščem zdravo alternativo sladkorju.

I am looking for a healthy alternative to sugar.

Feminine accusative singular.

Poročilo kaže na zdrav razvoj gozdov.

The report indicates healthy forest development.

Masculine accusative singular.

Zdrava kmečka pamet nam pravi, da to ni prav.

Common sense tells us this isn't right.

Fixed expression 'zdrava kmečka pamet'.

Vzdrževanje zdrave telesne teže je pomembno.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important.

Feminine genitive singular.

Spodbujamo zdravo kritičnost do medijev.

We encourage healthy criticism of the media.

Feminine accusative singular.

Investicija bo zagotovila zdravo rast podjetja.

The investment will ensure healthy company growth.

Feminine accusative singular.

Njegova pljuča so popolnoma zdrava.

His lungs are completely healthy.

Neuter plural nominative.

Vzpostaviti moramo zdrav dialog.

We must establish a healthy dialogue.

Masculine accusative singular.

Ta odločitev temelji na zdravih temeljih.

This decision is based on healthy foundations.

Masculine locative plural.

Njegova argumentacija je bila zdrava in logična.

His argumentation was sound and logical.

Feminine nominative singular.

Kljub letom je ohranil zdrav in bister um.

Despite his years, he kept a healthy and clear mind.

Masculine accusative singular.

To je znak zdrave družbe.

This is a sign of a healthy society.

Feminine genitive singular.

Potrebno je najti zdravo ravnovesje med delom in počitkom.

It is necessary to find a healthy balance between work and rest.

Neuter accusative singular.

Njegov pristop h kmetovanju je ekološko zdrav.

His approach to farming is ecologically sound.

Masculine nominative singular.

Dosegli smo zdrav kompromis.

We reached a healthy compromise.

Masculine accusative singular.

Zdrava mera skepticizma je vedno koristna.

A healthy amount of skepticism is always useful.

Feminine nominative singular.

Prehrana mora biti uravnotežena in zdrava.

The diet must be balanced and healthy.

Feminine nominative singular.

Integriteta sistema sloni na zdravih moralnih načelih.

The integrity of the system rests on sound moral principles.

Neuter locative plural.

Njegova poezija odraža zdrav odnos do narave.

His poetry reflects a healthy relationship with nature.

Masculine accusative singular.

Zdrav jedro naroda se je uprlo tiraniji.

The healthy core of the nation resisted tyranny.

Neuter nominative singular.

Filozof razpravlja o zdravem bivanju v sodobnem svetu.

The philosopher discusses healthy living in the modern world.

Neuter locative singular.

Ta arhitekturni slog spodbuja zdravo bivalno okolje.

This architectural style promotes a healthy living environment.

Neuter accusative singular.

Umetnikovo delo je presenetljivo zdravo v svojem optimizmu.

The artist's work is surprisingly healthy in its optimism.

Neuter nominative singular.

Vzpostavitev zdravih temeljev za prihodnje generacije.

Establishing healthy foundations for future generations.

Masculine genitive plural.

Zdrav korenine jezika segajo globoko v zgodovino.

The healthy roots of the language reach deep into history.

Feminine nominative plural.

Common Collocations

zdrav način življenja

zdrava hrana

zdrav razum

zdravo okolje

zdrav odnos

zdrava mera

zdrav nasmeh

zdrava konkurenca

zdrav razvoj

biti zdrav

Common Phrases

Na zdravje!

— Used as a toast when drinking or after someone sneezes.

Na zdravje vsem prisotnim!

Zdravo!

— A very common informal greeting.

Zdravo, kako si?

Zdrav kot riba

— To be very healthy and fit.

Moj dedek je zdrav kot riba.

Zdrav duh v zdravem telesu

— A proverb emphasizing the link between physical and mental health.

Vsak dan tečem, ker verjamem v zdrav duh v zdravem telesu.

Zdrava kmečka pamet

— Practical common sense.

Včasih potrebuješ le zdravo kmečko pamet.

Ostani zdrav!

— A parting wish, meaning 'Stay healthy!'.

Srečno in ostani zdrav!

Zdravilo za vse

— A metaphorical 'cure-all'.

Smeh je zdravilo za vse.

Zdrava prehrana

— A healthy diet.

Zdrava prehrana je osnova za dobro počutje.

Pridi zdrav domov

— A wish for someone traveling: 'Come home safe and sound'.

Pazi nase in pridi zdrav domov.

Zdravje je največje bogastvo

— A proverb: 'Health is the greatest wealth'.

Ne pozabi, da je zdravje največje bogastvo.

Often Confused With

zdrav vs zdravilo

Zdravilo means 'medicine', while zdrav means 'healthy'.

zdrav vs zdravnik

Zdravnik means 'doctor', the person who helps you stay zdrav.

zdrav vs zdravje

Zdravje is the noun 'health', used in phrases like 'Na zdravje'.

Idioms & Expressions

"biti zdrav kot dren"

— To be as healthy as a dogwood (very tough and healthy).

Kljub zimi je zdrav kot dren.

informal

"zdrava mera"

— A reasonable amount of something.

Imej zdravo mero pri pitju kave.

neutral

"zdravje na prvem mestu"

— Health comes first.

Pusti delo, zdravje je na prvem mestu.

neutral

"zdrav kot pes"

— Extremely healthy (less common than 'riba').

On je zdrav kot pes, nikoli ne zboli.

informal

"prodajati zdravje"

— To look very healthy/radiant.

Poglej jo, kar prodaja zdravje.

informal

"zdrav razum"

— The ability to think logically and practically.

Kje si pustil zdrav razum?

neutral

"biti v zdravi koži"

— To feel good in one's own skin/body.

Pomembno je, da si v zdravi koži.

neutral

"zdrava podlaga"

— A solid, good foundation for something.

To je zdrava podlaga za najino zvezo.

neutral

"zdrav kot kamen"

— As healthy/hard as a stone.

Njegovo srce je zdravo kot kamen.

literary

"pokati od zdravja"

— To be bursting with health.

Otroci kar pokajo od zdravja.

informal

Easily Confused

zdrav vs zdravilo

Similar root.

Zdravilo is a noun (object), zdrav is an adjective (state).

To zdravilo je dobro, da boš spet zdrav.

zdrav vs pozdraviti

Double meaning.

Can mean 'to greet' OR 'to cure'. Context is key.

Zdravnik me je pozdravil (greeted) in nato pozdravil (cured) mojo bolezen.

zdrav vs zdravilišče

Longer word with same root.

Refers to a place (spa/resort), not the state itself.

Grem v zdravilišče, da ostanem zdrav.

zdrav vs zdravo

Adjective vs. Adverb vs. Greeting.

Needs context to determine if it's 'Hello', 'healthily', or 'neuter healthy'.

Zdravo (Hello), jem zdravo (healthily) jabolko (neuter healthy).

zdrav vs bolan

Antonym.

Direct opposite. Don't mix them up in negative sentences.

Nisem zdrav, sem bolan.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] je [zdrav/a/o].

Brat je zdrav.

[Zdrav/a/o] [Noun].

Zdrava večerja.

[Noun] je bolj [zdrav/a/o] kot [Noun].

Voda je bolj zdrava kot sok.

Jem [zdravo] [Noun].

Jem zdravo hrano.

V [zdravem] [Noun] je [zdrav] [Noun].

V zdravem telesu je zdrav duh.

Imeti [zdrav] [Noun].

Imeti zdrav razum.

Zaradi [zdravega] [Noun]...

Zaradi zdravega načina življenja se počutim dobro.

Kljub [zdravemu] [Noun]...

Kljub zdravemu videzu je bil bolan.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, media, and medicine.

Common Mistakes

On je zdravje. → On je zdrav.
You used the noun 'health' instead of the adjective 'healthy'.
Juha je zdrav. → Juha je zdrava.
Juha is feminine, so the adjective must end in -a.
Jem zdrav hrano. → Jem zdravo hrano.
In the accusative case (object of the verb), 'zdrava hrana' becomes 'zdravo hrano'.
Na zdrav! → Na zdravje!
The toast always uses the noun form 'zdravje'.
Oni so zdravi otrok. → Oni so zdravi otroci.
The noun 'otrok' must also be plural ('otroci') to match the plural adjective 'zdravi'.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always check the last letter of the noun. If it ends in -a (feminine), use 'zdrava'. If it's a consonant (masculine), use 'zdrav'. If it's -o/-e (neuter), use 'zdravo'.

Food Context

When describing food as healthy, 'zdrava hrana' is the collective term, but specific items must match: 'zdrav kruh' (m), 'zdrava solata' (f), 'zdravo olje' (n).

Greetings

Use 'Zdravo' as a quick, friendly greeting. It's very popular among younger generations and in casual workplaces.

Toasting

When you say 'Na zdravje!', make sure you clink glasses and make eye contact. It's a sign of respect in Slovenia.

Healthy as a Fish

Use 'zdrav kot riba' to emphasize that someone is in perfect health. It's a very common and natural-sounding idiom.

The 'v' ending

Remember the spelling ends in 'v', but in speech, it sounds like a 'u'. Don't let the spelling confuse your pronunciation.

Comparing Health

To compare things, use 'bolj' (more) or 'manj' (less) before 'zdrav'. Example: 'Korenje je bolj zdravo kot čokolada'.

Medical Terms

If you are at a pharmacy, you might see 'zdravilno'. This is different from 'zdrav'. It means 'having healing powers'.

Tree Logic

Think of a sturdy tree to remember 'zdrav'. The word root is literally 'wood'.

Common Sense

Use 'zdrav razum' when you want to say someone is being logical. It's a high-frequency phrase in debates.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Drav' river (a major river in Slovenia). If you drink its clean water, you will be 'z-drav' (healthy).

Visual Association

Imagine a vibrant green tree with deep roots. The root of 'zdrav' actually relates to 'wood' or 'tree' in Proto-Slavic.

Word Web

zdravje zdravnik zdravilo zdravo zdravilišče nezdrav ozdraveti zdravilen

Challenge

Try to use 'zdrav' in three different genders today: describe a man, a woman, and a food item.

Word Origin

From Proto-Slavic *sъdorvъ, which is composed of *sъ- (good) and *dorvo (wood/tree).

Original meaning: Originally meant 'made of good wood' or 'firm like a tree'.

Indo-European > Balto-Slavic > Slavic > South Slavic > Slovenian.

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing health with elderly people; 'zdrav' is a positive term, but 'bolan' (sick) can be a delicate subject.

While English speakers use 'Cheers', Slovenians use 'Na zdravje', which literally means 'To health'. This is also said when someone sneezes, similar to 'Bless you'.

Prešeren's 'Zdravljica' (The Toast) - the Slovenian National Anthem. The proverb 'Zdrav duh v zdravem telesu'. Slovenian public health campaigns often use the slogan 'Zdravje je naša izbira'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the doctor's

Ali sem zdrav?
Želim ostati zdrav.
Potrebujem zdravniško potrdilo.
Ste popolnoma zdravi.

Grocery shopping

Iščem zdravo hrano.
Ali je to sadje zdravo?
To je zdrava izbira.
Kupujem zdrave sestavine.

Socializing

Zdravo!
Na zdravje!
Pijmo na tvoje zdravje.
Oni so zdravi ljudje.

Fitness and Sports

Telovadba je zdrava.
Imam zdravo telo.
Zdrav način življenja je pomemben.
Hočem biti bolj zdrav.

Family and Kids

Otrok je zdrav.
Zdrava družina je srečna družina.
Učimo otroke zdrave navade.
Moja babica je še vedno zdrava.

Conversation Starters

"Kaj za vas pomeni zdrav način življenja?"

"Ali mislite, da je slovenska hrana zdrava?"

"Kaj naredite, da ostanete zdravi pozimi?"

"Ali je v vašem mestu zdravo okolje?"

"Katera je najbolj zdrava pijača po vašem mnenju?"

Journal Prompts

Opišite svoj zdrav dan. Kaj jéte in kaj delate?

Zakaj je pomembno imeti zdrav razum v težkih situacijah?

Napišite pismo prijatelju in mu zaželite, da ostane zdrav.

Razmislite o pregovoru 'Zdrav duh v zdravem telesu'. Kaj to pomeni za vas?

Kako se je vaš odnos do zdrave hrane spremenil skozi leta?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You use the feminine plural form, which is 'zdrave'. For example, 'Ženske so zdrave'.

Yes, 'Zdravo' is used among friends, family, and peers. In formal settings, use 'Dober dan' (Good day) or 'Spoštovani' (Respected).

'Zdrav' describes the state of being healthy (e.g., a healthy person), while 'zdravilen' describes something that has healing properties (e.g., a medicinal tea or 'zdravilna rastlina').

You say 'Na zdravje!' while looking the other person in the eye. It literally means 'To health'.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way as for humans. 'Moj konj je zdrav' (My horse is healthy).

It translates to 'healthy peasant logic' and is the Slovenian way of saying 'common sense' or 'practical wisdom'.

The most common way is 'bolj zdrav'. For example: 'Ta zajtrk je bolj zdrav'.

Yes, you can say 'duševno zdrav' for 'mentally healthy'.

The neuter form is 'zdravo'. It is used for neuter nouns like 'jabolko' (apple) or 'dete' (child).

Yes, it is the standard response when someone sneezes.