Meaning
Informal word for money.
Cultural Background
In a kafana, the person who 'ima lovu' is expected to be generous. It is common for friends to argue over who gets to pay the bill, a practice known as 'otimanje oko računa'. 'Lova' is a central theme in the 'New Wave' of Serbian trap music. It represents success, survival, and status in the urban jungle. Many Serbian slang words come from Romani (lova, čavo, dila, manov). This reflects the deep, often unacknowledged, cultural exchange in the Balkans. The 90s hyperinflation made 'lova' a daily obsession. People would carry bags of 'lova' that were worth very little, leading to a cynical and resilient attitude toward currency.
The 'Pri Lovi' Trick
If you want to sound like a native, don't just say 'Imam lovu'. Say 'Pri lovi sam' (I'm near the money). It's a very natural way to say you have cash available.
Gender Matters
Always remember 'lova' is feminine. Say 'dobra lova', not 'dobar lova'.
Meaning
Informal word for money.
The 'Pri Lovi' Trick
If you want to sound like a native, don't just say 'Imam lovu'. Say 'Pri lovi sam' (I'm near the money). It's a very natural way to say you have cash available.
Gender Matters
Always remember 'lova' is feminine. Say 'dobra lova', not 'dobar lova'.
Money Taboos
While 'lova' is used a lot, asking someone exactly how much 'love' they earn is still considered rude in many Serbian circles.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'lova'.
Nemam više ____ u novčaniku.
After 'nemam' (I don't have), we use the genitive case. The genitive of 'lova' is 'love'.
Which sentence is appropriate for a job interview?
How should you ask about the salary?
'Plata' (salary) is the professional term. 'Lova' is too informal.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Phrase: 'On leži na lovi.'
This is a common idiom meaning someone has an abundance of money.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hoćemo u bioskop? B: Ne mogu, _________.
'Nemam ni kintu' (I don't have a cent) is a logical reason to decline a movie invitation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Serbian Words for Money
Formal
- • Novac
- • Sredstva
- • Valuta
Informal
- • Pare
- • Keš
Slang
- • Lova
- • Kinta
- • Šuške
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNemam više ____ u novčaniku.
After 'nemam' (I don't have), we use the genitive case. The genitive of 'lova' is 'love'.
How should you ask about the salary?
'Plata' (salary) is the professional term. 'Lova' is too informal.
Phrase: 'On leži na lovi.'
This is a common idiom meaning someone has an abundance of money.
A: Hoćemo u bioskop? B: Ne mogu, _________.
'Nemam ni kintu' (I don't have a cent) is a logical reason to decline a movie invitation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's not vulgar or a swear word. It's just very informal slang. You can use it in front of your parents, but maybe not your boss.
Usually, 'lova' implies cash or general wealth. If you're paying by card, it's better to say 'karticom', but you can still say 'Nemam love na kartici' (I don't have money on the card).
'Lova' is more general and can mean a lot of money. 'Kinta' is almost always used for small amounts or when you are broke.
You can say 'Bez love sam' or 'Nemam ni kintu'.
Related Phrases
Kinta
synonymSlang for money, usually small amounts.
Pare
similarThe most common informal word for money.
Novac
contrastThe formal/standard word for money.
Biti pri lovi
builds onTo have money on you / to be wealthy.
Brza lova
specialized formFast money / easy money.
