Meaning
To like someone or something very much.
Cultural Background
In Belgrade, 'gotiviti' is more than a word; it's a social filter. If you 'gotiviš' the right things (the right clubs, the right underground music), you are considered 'urbana faca' (an urban face/figure). While Gen X and Millennials in Serbia use 'gotiviti' heavily, Gen Z is starting to mix it with 'vibe-ovati'. However, 'gotiviti' remains the 'classic' slang that everyone understands. The root of the word might also be linked to 'gotiv' (an old word for a feast or treat). This connects 'liking' someone to the cultural importance of hosting and feeding guests well. In the Serbian digital space, 'gotiviti' is the equivalent of 'liking' or 'hearting' a post. It's common to see it in comments as a sign of genuine, non-bot-like appreciation.
The 'Baš' Booster
Always use 'baš' (really/just) with gotiviti to sound more native: 'Baš te gotivim!'
Not for Romance
If you're on a first date and say 'Gotivim te', it might put you in the 'friend zone'. Use 'Sviđaš mi se' for romantic interest.
Meaning
To like someone or something very much.
The 'Baš' Booster
Always use 'baš' (really/just) with gotiviti to sound more native: 'Baš te gotivim!'
Not for Romance
If you're on a first date and say 'Gotivim te', it might put you in the 'friend zone'. Use 'Sviđaš mi se' for romantic interest.
Belgrade vs. The Rest
In Belgrade, this is 100% natural. In very rural areas, older people might prefer 'drag mi si'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'gotiviti' in the present tense.
Ja ______ (gotiviti) tvoj novi stil.
The first person singular of 'gotiviti' is 'gotivim'.
Which sentence is correct slang?
How do you say 'I like those guys'?
'Gotiviti' takes the Accusative case directly without prepositions.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang response.
A: 'Hoćeš da ideš na koncert onog novog benda?' B: 'Naravno, baš ih ______!'
'Gotivim' is the most natural way to express liking a band in a casual conversation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. 'Baš je gotivna.' 2. 'Koja gotiva!' 3. 'Zgotivio sam ga.'
Gotivna (adj) describes a person; Gotiva (noun) describes a situation; Zgotivio (verb) describes the process.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Liking in Serbian
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJa ______ (gotiviti) tvoj novi stil.
The first person singular of 'gotiviti' is 'gotivim'.
How do you say 'I like those guys'?
'Gotiviti' takes the Accusative case directly without prepositions.
A: 'Hoćeš da ideš na koncert onog novog benda?' B: 'Naravno, baš ih ______!'
'Gotivim' is the most natural way to express liking a band in a casual conversation.
1. 'Baš je gotivna.' 2. 'Koja gotiva!' 3. 'Zgotivio sam ga.'
Gotivna (adj) describes a person; Gotiva (noun) describes a situation; Zgotivio (verb) describes the process.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'I dig this' in English.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship. Otherwise, stick to 'ceniti'.
'Voleti' is 'to love'. 'Gotiviti' is 'to like/vibe with'. You gotiviš a cool person, but you voliš your mother.
It's regular: Gotivio sam (m), Gotivila sam (f).
Yes, 'gotiva'. You can say 'Ovo je totalna gotiva!' (This is a total vibe!).
Yes! 'Gotivim tvoj auto' (I like your car) is very common.
Yes, it is understood and used across the region, though it's most iconic to Belgrade.
It means 'to start liking someone'. It's the perfective version of the verb.
Yes, you can follow it with 'da' + present tense to mean 'I like doing...'.
It's completely gender-neutral. Everyone uses it.
Related Phrases
sviđati se
similarto like / to appeal to
voleti
similarto love
blejati
builds onto chill / to hang out
biti gotivan
specialized formto be cool
zgotiviti
specialized formto take a liking to
