Meaning
Spending time doing nothing in particular.
Cultural Background
In Serbia, 'blejanje' is most often done in 'kafići' (cafes). One espresso can justify three hours of sitting. It is considered rude for a waiter to rush you. The quays (kej) of the Sava and Danube rivers are the primary 'bleja' spots in Belgrade. Thousands of people 'bleje' there every weekend. In smaller towns or neighborhoods, 'blejanje' happens in front of 24/7 convenience stores. It's a low-cost way to socialize. For the generation that grew up in the 90s, 'blejanje' was a survival mechanism against the boredom of isolation and poverty.
Use with 'na'
When using the noun, always use 'na': 'Idemo na bleju.'
Not for Grandma
Unless your grandma is very cool, use 'družiti se' with elders.
Meaning
Spending time doing nothing in particular.
Use with 'na'
When using the noun, always use 'na': 'Idemo na bleju.'
Not for Grandma
Unless your grandma is very cool, use 'družiti se' with elders.
The 'U' factor
Saying 'blejim u prazno' means you are staring into space, completely zoned out.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'blejati'.
Mi smo juče ceo dan ____ u parku.
The sentence requires the past tense plural form to match 'Mi' (We).
Which sentence is appropriate for a business meeting?
How would you say you are waiting for a colleague?
'Blejim' is too informal for a professional setting.
Match the Serbian slang with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the different grammatical forms of the same root.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang response.
A: Šta radiš? B: Evo ____, smaram se.
'Blejim' and 'smaram se' (being bored) are frequently used together.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bleja Levels
Solo Bleja
- • Phone
- • TV
- • Window
Social Bleja
- • Coffee
- • Beer
- • Chatting
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi smo juče ceo dan ____ u parku.
The sentence requires the past tense plural form to match 'Mi' (We).
How would you say you are waiting for a colleague?
'Blejim' is too informal for a professional setting.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the different grammatical forms of the same root.
A: Šta radiš? B: Evo ____, smaram se.
'Blejim' and 'smaram se' (being bored) are frequently used together.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's just very informal. It's like saying 'hang out' in English.
No, blejanje implies you are awake, even if you are doing nothing.
A 'blejač' is someone who spends a lot of time hanging out, often used for someone who doesn't have a job or much to do.
Yes, you can 'blejati' at home by yourself, usually on your phone or watching TV.
Yes, it is understood and used throughout the region, though 'bleja' is most iconic to Belgrade.
Working hard (raditi naporno) or being busy (biti u gužvi).
Only if you are friends and the environment is very casual.
As a verb, yes (blejimo, blejite, bleje). As a noun, 'bleje' is the plural.
Because they stand around aimlessly, which looked like the youth on the streets in the 90s.
It's so common now that it's just a standard part of the language, not necessarily 'edgy' anymore.
Related Phrases
smarati se
similarto be bored
kulirati
synonymto chill
zujati
contrastto buzz around
ubijati vreme
similarto kill time
blejač
specialized forma person who hangs out a lot
