Meaning
Expressing the need for water (masculine).
Cultural Background
It is customary to offer a glass of water to any guest immediately upon arrival, often accompanied by 'slatko' (fruit preserve). In Serbian cafes, a glass of water is almost always served alongside 'domaća kafa' (Turkish coffee) to cleanse the palate. Many Serbian cities have historic public fountains ('česme') where people drink for free; it's a point of local pride. While you say 'Žedan sam' for water, when drinking alcohol, the focus shifts to 'Živeli!' (Cheers!).
Gender Agreement
Always check your gender! Men say 'žedan', women say 'žedna'.
Avoid 'Imam žeđ'
Even though you 'have' thirst in English or Spanish, in Serbian you 'are' thirsty.
Meaning
Expressing the need for water (masculine).
Gender Agreement
Always check your gender! Men say 'žedan', women say 'žedna'.
Avoid 'Imam žeđ'
Even though you 'have' thirst in English or Spanish, in Serbian you 'are' thirsty.
Use 'Baš'
Add 'baš' (baš sam žedan) to sound more like a native speaker when you are really thirsty.
Free Water
Don't be afraid to ask for 'česmovača' (tap water) in Belgrade; it's safe and common.
Test Yourself
If you are a woman, how do you say 'I am thirsty'?
Choose the correct form:
The feminine form of the adjective 'žedan' is 'žedna'.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
Ja ______ žedan.
'Sam' is the first-person singular form of the verb 'biti'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and want water.
'Žedan sam' means 'I am thirsty'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Da li si žedan? B: Da, ______ sam.
The answer should match the gender used in the question (masculine).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gender Agreement for 'Žedan'
Ways to Quench Thirst
Drinks
- • Voda
- • Sok
- • Kafa
- • Čaj
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the correct form:
The feminine form of the adjective 'žedan' is 'žedna'.
Ja ______ žedan.
'Sam' is the first-person singular form of the verb 'biti'.
You are at a restaurant and want water.
'Žedan sam' means 'I am thirsty'.
A: Da li si žedan? B: Da, ______ sam.
The answer should match the gender used in the question (masculine).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's more natural to just say 'Žedan sam'. The 'Ja' is used for emphasis.
Yes, it's a neutral statement of fact. To be extra polite, add 'Molim vas' (Please).
Say 'Pije mi se pivo' instead of 'Žedan sam piva'.
Say 'Nisam žedan' (male) or 'Nisam žedna' (female).
You can say 'Suva mi usta' (My mouth is dry).
Yes, 'Pas je žedan' (The dog is thirsty).
The plural is 'Žedni smo' (We are thirsty).
Yes, but as a predicate adjective, you mostly use the nominative form.
Yes, it's the noun for 'thirst'.
It means sparkling/mineral water, which Serbians love when they are thirsty.
Related Phrases
Gladan sam
similarI am hungry
Pije mi se voda
synonymI feel like drinking water
Ugasiti žeđ
builds onTo quench thirst
Ožedneo sam
specialized formI became thirsty
