Meaning
Informal address for a friend.
Cultural Background
In Belgrade, 'matori' is almost a default setting for male-to-male communication. It signifies that you are part of the 'urban' crowd and not a 'seljak' (peasant/uncultured person). While 'matori' is masculine, 'matora' is used for women. However, some very close-knit groups of girls might use 'matori' neutrally, though this is rare and very specific to certain subcultures. Serbs love irony. Calling a toddler 'matori' is a common way for adults to joke about the child acting like a grown-up. In a 'kafana', you might hear someone call the waiter 'matori' if they have a long-standing relationship. It's a sign that the waiter is 'one of them.'
The 'Brate' Combo
You can combine it: 'Gde si, brate matori!' for maximum local flavor.
Age Sensitivity
Never use this with someone significantly older than you unless you are extremely close family/friends.
Meaning
Informal address for a friend.
The 'Brate' Combo
You can combine it: 'Gde si, brate matori!' for maximum local flavor.
Age Sensitivity
Never use this with someone significantly older than you unless you are extremely close family/friends.
Regional Variations
In Montenegro, you're more likely to hear 'stari' or 'đetiću' instead of 'matori'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct slang form to greet your male friend.
Gde si, ________! Šta ima novo kod tebe?
'Matori' is the correct masculine slang address for a friend.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'Pitaj matorog da li možeš da ideš.'
In this context, 'matorog' (accusative of matori) refers to the father.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: 'Brate, izgubio sam ključeve.' B: 'E jbg, ________, jesi li ih tražio u kolima?'
The speaker is addressing a male friend ('brate'), so 'matori' is the natural follow-up.
Which of these is NOT an appropriate time to use 'matori'?
Select the inappropriate context:
Slang is inappropriate in formal settings with people you don't know.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Matori vs. Brate
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGde si, ________! Šta ima novo kod tebe?
'Matori' is the correct masculine slang address for a friend.
Sentence: 'Pitaj matorog da li možeš da ideš.'
In this context, 'matorog' (accusative of matori) refers to the father.
A: 'Brate, izgubio sam ključeve.' B: 'E jbg, ________, jesi li ih tražio u kolima?'
The speaker is addressing a male friend ('brate'), so 'matori' is the natural follow-up.
Select the inappropriate context:
Slang is inappropriate in formal settings with people you don't know.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on your relationship. In modern urban families, it's common and seen as 'cool,' but in traditional families, it might be seen as disrespectful. Use 'tata' to be safe.
Among friends, no. To a stranger, yes. It's all about the relationship.
Yes, women use 'matora' to address their female friends. Using 'matori' for a woman is less common.
The plural is also 'matori' (for a group of men). 'Gde ste, matori?'
It is understood, but 'stari' is much more common in Zagreb and the coast.
Only if you are outside of work and the environment is very casual. Inside the office, stick to formal titles.
Literally, it can, but as a greeting, it's purely affectionate.
It's a tapped or rolled 'r', similar to Spanish or Italian.
Yes, 'matoriću' is a cute, diminutive version used for younger friends.
Definitely more common in cities like Belgrade, Niš, and Novi Sad.
Related Phrases
brate
similarbrother / bro
liku
similardude / guy
stari
synonymold man
ortaku
similarpartner / buddy
