Meaning
Buying goods at a store.
Cultural Background
Shopping is often followed by a long coffee break in a café. It is a social ritual, not just a task. The 'pijaca' (green market) is a central part of 'kupovina'. People prefer buying fresh vegetables there rather than in supermarkets. Large shopping malls (tržni centri) have become the primary weekend destination for families, replacing traditional parks in some cases. In the past, 'kupovina' was often done in 'dućani' (small traditional shops), and the phrase carried a sense of community interaction.
The 'U' Rule
Always use 'u' + Accusative for this phrase. It's a non-negotiable grammar rule for motion.
Coffee First
If someone invites you 'u kupovinu', expect to spend at least 30 minutes in a café as part of the trip.
Meaning
Buying goods at a store.
The 'U' Rule
Always use 'u' + Accusative for this phrase. It's a non-negotiable grammar rule for motion.
Coffee First
If someone invites you 'u kupovinu', expect to spend at least 30 minutes in a café as part of the trip.
Nabavka vs Kupovina
Use 'nabavka' if you want to sound like a local who is doing serious grocery shopping.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'ići'.
Ja danas ______ u kupovinu.
The subject is 'Ja' (I), so the verb must be 'idem'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right one:
The preposition 'u' requires the Accusative case 'kupovinu'.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English meaning.
Match them:
These are the standard translations for these variations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gde si bio? B: ______ sam u kupovinu.
Assuming the speaker is male, 'Išao sam' is the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Shopping
Places
- • Tržni centar
- • Pijaca
- • Prodavnica
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJa danas ______ u kupovinu.
The subject is 'Ja' (I), so the verb must be 'idem'.
Choose the right one:
The preposition 'u' requires the Accusative case 'kupovinu'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these variations.
A: Gde si bio? B: ______ sam u kupovinu.
Assuming the speaker is male, 'Išao sam' is the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is very common and natural in informal speech, especially among younger people.
'Kupovina' is general shopping. 'Nabavka' is specifically for groceries and household supplies.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both a boss and a friend.
Use the past tense of 'ići': 'Išao sam u kupovinu' (male) or 'Išla sam u kupovinu' (female).
Related Phrases
ići u šoping
synonymGoing shopping (informal)
obaviti nabavku
specialized formTo do the grocery run
razgledati izloge
contrastTo window shop
baciti se u trošak
builds onTo spend a lot of money
