Meaning
Hair that is cut short.
Cultural Background
The proverb 'Duga kosa, kratka pamet' (Long hair, short brains) was historically used to belittle women, but today it's mostly a relic of the past. A buzz cut ('na keca') is often associated with a 'tough' or 'sporty' image in cities like Belgrade. In contrast to laypeople, monks often have long hair and beards, making 'kratka kosa' a sign of secular life. Short hair on women is increasingly seen as a symbol of professional success and independence in modern Serbian society.
Singular Only
Always remember that 'kosa' is singular. Never say 'moje kose'.
Height vs Length
Don't call a short person 'kratak'. It sounds like you're saying they are a short piece of wood.
Meaning
Hair that is cut short.
Singular Only
Always remember that 'kosa' is singular. Never say 'moje kose'.
Height vs Length
Don't call a short person 'kratak'. It sounds like you're saying they are a short piece of wood.
Case Agreement
When you use 'imam' (I have), change 'kratka kosa' to 'kratku kosu'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'kratka kosa' in the Accusative case.
Moja sestra želi ______.
The verb 'želeti' (to want) requires the Accusative case.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
Even for multiple people, 'kosa' remains singular as a collective noun.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue at the hairdresser.
Frizer: Kako se šišamo? Klijent: Molim Vas, želim ______.
The client is asking for a short haircut.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hair Lengths in Serbian
Types of Short Hair
Styles
- • Na keca (Buzz cut)
- • Paž (Bob)
- • Piksi (Pixie)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMoja sestra želi ______.
The verb 'želeti' (to want) requires the Accusative case.
Select the correct option:
Even for multiple people, 'kosa' remains singular as a collective noun.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Frizer: Kako se šišamo? Klijent: Molim Vas, želim ______.
The client is asking for a short haircut.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in 99% of cases, 'kosa' is a collective singular noun referring to all the hair on your head.
You say 'Želim kratku frizuru' or 'Želim da se ošišam na kratko'.
Yes, 'kratak film' is correct because it refers to length/duration.
The opposite is 'duga kosa' (long hair).
Yes, 'kosa' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'kratka'.
Absolutely. It is the standard term for both men and women.
It's a slang term for a buzz cut, specifically using the #1 clipper setting.
No, 'mala' means small in size, not short in length. Use 'kratka'.
You can say 'veoma kratka kosa' or 'skroz kratka kosa'.
It is neutral and can be used in any context, from a doctor's office to a bar.
Related Phrases
Duga kosa
contrastLong hair
Ošišati se
builds onTo get a haircut
Na keca
specialized formBuzz cut
Plava kosa
similarBlonde hair
