The word 'sestra' encompasses both a biological female sibling and a professional female nurse.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A female sibling sharing the same parents.
- A common term for a female nurse in medical settings.
- Used for female cousins when specified with the relation type.
Overview
Reč 'sestra' je jedna od osnovnih imenica u srpskom jeziku koja označava porodični odnos. U gramatičkom smislu, to je imenica ženskog roda koja se menja po prvoj deklinaciji (imenice koje se završavaju na -a). Pored primarnog značenja koje označava krvno srodstvo (ćerka istih roditelja), reč ima široku primenu u društvenom i profesionalnom kontekstu. U medicini, 'medicinska sestra' je standardni termin za ženu koja pruža negu pacijentima, a u bolničkom okruženju se često koristi samo skraćeni oblik 'sestra' prilikom obraćanja. Takođe, u religioznom kontekstu, reč se koristi za monahinje (časna sestra). U srpskoj kulturi, termin 'sestra' se često koristi i za bliske rođake (npr. sestra od tetke, sestra od strica), što može biti zbunjujuće za govornike engleskog jezika gde se koristi reč 'cousin'. U neformalnom govoru, žene se ponekad međusobno oslovljavaju sa 'sestro' kako bi iskazale bliskost, solidarnost ili prijateljstvo, čak i ako nisu u srodstvu.
Examples
Moja sestra studira medicinu.
everydayMy sister is studying medicine.
Molim vas, sestro, kada dolazi doktor?
formalPlease, nurse, when is the doctor coming?
Gde si, sestro, nisam te videla dugo!
informalHey sister, I haven't seen you in a long time!
Medicinska sestra mora posedovati visoku empatiju.
academicA nurse must possess high empathy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
kao sestra
like a sister
časna sestra
nun
sestra po majci
maternal half-sister
Often Confused With
Sestričina is specifically a sister's daughter (niece), while sestra is the sibling.
Rođaka is a general term for any female relative, whereas sestra is specific.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in register. When referring to a nurse, 'medicinska sestra' is the full title, but 'sestra' is the most common way to address them directly. In informal settings, it can be used as a term of endearment for friends.
Common Mistakes
English speakers often use 'sestra' for a female cousin without adding the clarifying phrase (e.g., 'od tetke'), which can lead to confusion about the exact relationship. Also, remember that 'sestra' is always feminine.
Tips
Specify the relation for cousins
In Serbian, always add 'od tetke/strica/ujaka' to 'sestra' to clarify you mean a cousin.
Watch the vocative case
When calling your sister, use 'Sestro!' instead of 'Sestra!' as it is the correct vocative form.
Extended family terminology
Serbians value extended family, so calling a cousin 'sestra' is a sign of closeness.
Word Origin
Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *swésōr, which evolved into 'sestra' in Slavic languages and 'sister' in Germanic languages.
Cultural Context
In Serbian culture, the bond between siblings is considered extremely strong. It is common for people to remain very close to their sisters throughout their entire lives.
Memory Tip
The word 'sestra' starts with an 'S' just like 'sister' in English, and they sound very similar, making it easy to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsKaže se 'medicinska sestra', ali se u svakodnevnom govoru u bolnici često koristi samo 'sestra'.
Sama reč 'sestra' obično znači rođena sestra, ali se uz dodatak (npr. sestra od tetke) koristi i za rođake.
Množina reči sestra u nominativu glasi 'sestre'.
Kaže se 'polusestra' ili preciznije 'sestra po ocu' ili 'sestra po majci'.
Test Yourself
Moja mlađa ___ se zove Marija.
U ovoj rečenici nam je potreban nominativ jednine jer je 'sestra' subjekat.
Ko radi u bolnici i pomaže doktorima?
Medicinska sestra je profesionalni naziv za osobu koja radi u zdravstvu.
imam / ja / sestre / dve
Standardni red reči u srpskom jeziku je Subjekat + Predikat + Objekat.
Score: /3
Summary
The word 'sestra' encompasses both a biological female sibling and a professional female nurse.
- A female sibling sharing the same parents.
- A common term for a female nurse in medical settings.
- Used for female cousins when specified with the relation type.
Specify the relation for cousins
In Serbian, always add 'od tetke/strica/ujaka' to 'sestra' to clarify you mean a cousin.
Watch the vocative case
When calling your sister, use 'Sestro!' instead of 'Sestra!' as it is the correct vocative form.
Extended family terminology
Serbians value extended family, so calling a cousin 'sestra' is a sign of closeness.
Examples
4 of 4Moja sestra studira medicinu.
My sister is studying medicine.
Molim vas, sestro, kada dolazi doktor?
Please, nurse, when is the doctor coming?
Gde si, sestro, nisam te videla dugo!
Hey sister, I haven't seen you in a long time!
Medicinska sestra mora posedovati visoku empatiju.
A nurse must possess high empathy.
