Meaning
Describing windy weather.
Cultural Background
The fear of 'Promaja' (draft) is a major cultural trait. 'Duva vetar' is often a signal to close all windows to avoid getting sick. The 'Košava' wind is a specific type of wind that people talk about constantly in autumn and winter. It is known for being very cold and clearing the smog. In coastal regions, people distinguish between 'Bura' (cold, dry wind) and 'Jugo' (warm, humid wind). They might say 'Duva bura' instead of just 'Duva vetar'. Wind is often seen as a mystical force in folk songs, sometimes carrying messages from loved ones or omens of war.
Word Order
You can say 'Vetar duva' or 'Duva vetar'. Both are correct, but 'Duva vetar' sounds more like you are announcing the weather.
Don't use 'Je'
Never say 'Je vetar' to mean 'It is windy'. It's a common mistake for English speakers!
Meaning
Describing windy weather.
Word Order
You can say 'Vetar duva' or 'Duva vetar'. Both are correct, but 'Duva vetar' sounds more like you are announcing the weather.
Don't use 'Je'
Never say 'Je vetar' to mean 'It is windy'. It's a common mistake for English speakers!
Add 'Baš'
Add 'baš' (really/quite) to sound more native: 'Baš duva vetar!'
The Promaja Rule
If you say 'Duva vetar' inside a house, expect someone to immediately check if the windows are closed.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form for the present tense.
Danas _____ vetar.
'Vetar' is singular, so we use the third-person singular form 'duva'.
Which sentence correctly describes that it was windy yesterday?
Juče...
'Je duvao' is the past tense (perfekat) for a masculine subject.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching adjectives like 'jak' (strong) and 'hladan' (cold).
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: Da li da obučem jaknu? Marko: Da, napolju _____.
The context of wearing a jacket suggests it might be windy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Wind Intensity
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDanas _____ vetar.
'Vetar' is singular, so we use the third-person singular form 'duva'.
Juče...
'Je duvao' is the past tense (perfekat) for a masculine subject.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching adjectives like 'jak' (strong) and 'hladan' (cold).
Ana: Da li da obučem jaknu? Marko: Da, napolju _____.
The context of wearing a jacket suggests it might be windy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, but 'Piri vetar' is more accurate for a gentle breeze.
Duvaju vetrovi (The winds are blowing).
It's mostly related to the cultural belief in 'promaja' (drafts) causing illness.
Ne duva vetar.
It is masculine (taj vetar).
Yes, in context, people often just say 'Baš duva!'
It's a specific, strong, cold wind common in the Balkan region.
Yes, it follows the standard -ati conjugation pattern.
Only if you are making small talk about the weather while walking to the office.
Related Phrases
Vetrovito je
similarIt is windy
Piri vetar
specialized formA light wind is blowing
Duva košava
specialized formThe Košava wind is blowing
Oluja se sprema
builds onA storm is brewing
Mirno je
contrastIt is calm
