Meaning
A youth or teenager.
Cultural Background
The term 'dečko' is used for boyfriends regardless of the man's actual age, though 'mlad dečko' specifically highlights youth. In Montenegro, 'momak' is much more common than 'dečko' for both 'guy' and 'boyfriend'. In Novi Sad, you might hear 'gari' as a slang synonym for 'dečko' or 'friend'. In 'Serblish' (Serbian-English mix), people often use 'dečko' even when speaking English to refer to a specific cultural type of young man.
Boyfriend Alert
If you say 'moj dečko', everyone will think you mean your boyfriend. Use 'jedan dečko' for just 'a guy'.
Case Matters
Don't forget the 'animate' rule! It's 'Vidim mladog dečka', not 'Vidim mlad dečko'.
Meaning
A youth or teenager.
Boyfriend Alert
If you say 'moj dečko', everyone will think you mean your boyfriend. Use 'jedan dečko' for just 'a guy'.
Case Matters
Don't forget the 'animate' rule! It's 'Vidim mladog dečka', not 'Vidim mlad dečko'.
Regional Flavor
Use 'momak' if you are in Montenegro or talking to someone from the mountains to sound more authentic.
Age is Relative
In Serbia, you can be a 'dečko' until you're 35 if you're still living with your parents!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'mlad dečko' in the accusative case.
Vidim ______ (mlad dečko) u parku.
Because 'dečko' is a living being, the accusative case for masculine nouns ends in -a and the adjective in -og.
Which word is the most formal synonym for 'mlad dečko'?
Izaberi najformalniju reč:
'Mladić' is the standard formal/literary term for a young man.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English meaning.
Poveži parove:
These are the core variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Ana: Ko je on? Marko: To je ____ moje sestre.
In this context, referring to a sister's boyfriend or a young guy she knows, 'mlad dečko' fits best.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Age Categories in Serbian
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVidim ______ (mlad dečko) u parku.
Because 'dečko' is a living being, the accusative case for masculine nouns ends in -a and the adjective in -og.
Izaberi najformalniju reč:
'Mladić' is the standard formal/literary term for a young man.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core variations of the phrase.
Ana: Ko je on? Marko: To je ____ moje sestre.
In this context, referring to a sister's boyfriend or a young guy she knows, 'mlad dečko' fits best.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are much older (e.g., 70) or if you are being sarcastic/affectionate.
The most common plural is 'mladi dečaci' or 'mladi momci'.
No, it is standard informal/neutral Serbian. It's not rude.
You say 'mlada devojka'.
Not always, but context is key. If you say 'my dečko', it does.
Yes: млад дечко.
Yes, it's very common for parents to call their teenage sons 'dečko'.
'Tip' is more like 'dude' or 'guy' and is more informal/slangy.
No, it's neutral/informal. Use 'mladić' for formal writing.
No, that's a contradiction. Use 'stariji čovek'.
Related Phrases
mlada devojka
similaryoung girl/woman
dobar momak
similara good guy
mali dečak
contrastlittle boy
stariji čovek
contrastolder man
večiti dečko
specialized formeternal boy
