Meaning
A soup served at a high temperature.
Cultural Background
The 'Nedeljni ručak' (Sunday lunch) is incomplete without a clear soup. It is traditionally served with 'domaći rezanci' (thin, handmade egg noodles). In this region, the 'rinflajš' tradition means the meat and vegetables from the soup are served as a separate course after the liquid is finished. Offering someone 'nešto toplo' (something warm) usually refers to soup or coffee, and is a sign that you are a welcome guest. Serbs believe that 'promaja' (drafts) and cold food cause illness. 'Topla supa' is the universal antidote to both.
The 'Spoon' Rule
If you want to sound like a local, emphasize that you need to eat something 'sa kašikom' (with a spoon), and 'topla supa' is the best example.
Gender Agreement
Always check the ending. It's never 'toplo supa' or 'topao supa'.
Meaning
A soup served at a high temperature.
The 'Spoon' Rule
If you want to sound like a local, emphasize that you need to eat something 'sa kašikom' (with a spoon), and 'topla supa' is the best example.
Gender Agreement
Always check the ending. It's never 'toplo supa' or 'topao supa'.
Diminutives
Use 'supica' when you want to sound extra friendly or caring.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct ending for the adjective 'topao' to match the noun 'supa'.
Na stolu je ______ supa.
Since 'supa' is a feminine noun in the nominative case, the adjective must end in '-a'.
How do you say 'I want a warm soup' in Serbian?
Choose the correct sentence:
In the accusative case (object of the verb), 'topla supa' changes to 'toplu supu'.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these common culinary collocations.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Konobar: 'Šta želite za predjelo?' Gost: 'Molim Vas, jednu ________.'
The guest is ordering (direct object), so the accusative case 'toplu supu' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Liquid Meals in Serbia
Supa
- • Clear broth
- • Thin noodles
- • Starter course
Čorba
- • Thick texture
- • Vegetables/Meat
- • Hearty
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNa stolu je ______ supa.
Since 'supa' is a feminine noun in the nominative case, the adjective must end in '-a'.
Choose the correct sentence:
In the accusative case (object of the verb), 'topla supa' changes to 'toplu supu'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these common culinary collocations.
Konobar: 'Šta želite za predjelo?' Gost: 'Molim Vas, jednu ________.'
The guest is ordering (direct object), so the accusative case 'toplu supu' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in Serbian culinary terminology, 'supa' almost always refers to a clear broth. If it's thick, it's a 'čorba'.
You can, but it sounds like a warning that the soup might burn you. 'Topla' is more inviting.
They are thin egg noodles that are the most common addition to a 'topla supa'.
Yes! It is a year-round staple, believed to help the body regulate temperature.
Say 'Jednu toplu supu, molim Vas.'
No, it is almost exclusively a first course (predjelo).
'Bujon' is a culinary term for stock used as an ingredient, while 'supa' is the finished dish served to guests.
Usually no. Traditional Serbian 'supa' is made from chicken or beef. Vegetarian versions are called 'posna supa'.
It's the diminutive form, used to express affection or to make the meal sound more comforting.
It's the boiled meat and vegetables from the soup, served as a second course in Vojvodina.
Related Phrases
domaća supa
similarHomemade soup
pileća supa
specialized formChicken soup
goveđa supa
specialized formBeef soup
bistra supa
synonymClear soup
vruća čorba
contrastHot thick soup
