Voda is a fundamental feminine noun in Serbian, essential for daily survival and common idiomatic expressions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Essential transparent liquid for all living organisms.
- Feminine noun following the standard -a declension pattern.
- Used in contexts of drinking, nature, and daily hygiene.
Pregled
Reč 'voda' je jedna od najosnovnijih imenica u srpskom jeziku. Označava hemijsko jedinjenje H2O, ali u svakodnevnom životu predstavlja osnovu za hidrataciju i higijenu. Spada u imenice ženskog roda koje se završavaju na -a. 2) Obrasci upotrebe: Kao imenica prve deklinacije, 'voda' menja svoj oblik kroz sedam padeža. Najčešće se koristi u akuzativu (piti vodu) i genitivu (čaša vode). Često se kombinuje sa pridevima koji opisuju temperaturu (hladna, topla) ili poreklo (morska, rečna, mineralna). 3) Uobičajeni konteksti: Reč se koristi u kuhinji, u prirodi, u medicini i u opisu vremenskih prilika. Takođe, 'voda' je čest pojam u ekologiji i industriji. 4) Poređenje sa sličnim rečima: Iako je 'voda' opšti pojam, reč 'tečnost' je širi naučni termin koji obuhvata i ulje ili sok. Reč 'piće' se koristi isključivo za tečnosti koje ljudi konzumiraju radi uživanja ili osveženja, dok je voda osnovna biološka potreba. U odnosu na 'more' ili 'reku', voda je supstanca, dok su more i reka geografski pojmovi koji tu supstancu sadrže.
Examples
Pijem čašu hladne vode.
everydayI am drinking a glass of cold water.
Voda za piće mora biti bakteriološki ispravna.
formalDrinking water must be bacteriologically safe.
Hajde, uskači u vodu!
informalCome on, jump into the water!
Molekul vode se sastoji od vodonika i kiseonika.
academicA water molecule consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Kao dve kapi vode
Like two drops of water (identical)
Tiha voda breg roni
Still water erodes the hill (still waters run deep)
Umutiti vodu
To muddy the waters
Often Confused With
Vođa means 'leader'. It is spelled with a 'đ' and has a completely different meaning despite the similar look.
The root 'vod-' is used in verbs like 'voditi' (to lead), but 'voda' as a noun specifically refers to the liquid.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'voda' is neutral and used in all registers. In informal speech, it is often part of idioms. In formal speech, it is used to discuss resources, ecology, and chemistry. It is one of the first words a learner should master.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake for English speakers is using the nominative 'voda' after 'malo' (a little) or 'čaša' (a glass), where Serbian requires the genitive 'vode'. Another mistake is the pronunciation of 'v' as 'w'; in Serbian, 'v' is always a labiodental fricative.
Tips
Use the Genitive for Quantity
When asking for 'some water' or 'a glass of water', always use the form 'vode' (genitive) instead of 'voda'.
Distinguish from the word 'vođa'
Be careful with pronunciation; 'voda' (water) has a 'd' sound, while 'vođa' (leader) has a 'đ' sound.
Hospitality and Water
In Serbian culture, it is traditional to serve guests a glass of cold water alongside coffee or 'slatko' (fruit preserve).
Word Origin
From Proto-Slavic *voda, from Proto-Indo-European *wed- (water). It shares the same root as the English 'water' and Greek 'hydro'.
Cultural Context
Water is highly valued in the Balkans, which is rich in natural springs. Public fountains (česme) are common in cities and are often historical meeting points.
Memory Tip
Think of 'vodka', which literally means 'little water' in Slavic languages. If you know 'vodka', you already know the root for 'voda'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsReč 'voda' je ženskog roda jer se završava na slovo -a u nominativu jednine.
Kaže se 'čaša vode'. Ovde koristimo genitiv jednine jer izražavamo količinu.
Najčešći glagoli su piti (vodu), sipati (vodu), teći i plivati.
Da, množina je 'vode'. Obično se koristi kada se misli na različite vrste mineralnih voda ili velike vodene površine.
Test Yourself
Molim Vas, dajte mi čašu ___.
Nakon reči koja označava količinu (čaša), imenica mora biti u genitivu.
Deca ___ u hladnoj vodi.
Glagol 'plivati' (to swim) je logički povezan sa boravkom u vodi.
pijem / Svaki / vodu / dan / .
This is the most natural word order in Serbian for 'I drink water every day'.
Score: /3
Summary
Voda is a fundamental feminine noun in Serbian, essential for daily survival and common idiomatic expressions.
- Essential transparent liquid for all living organisms.
- Feminine noun following the standard -a declension pattern.
- Used in contexts of drinking, nature, and daily hygiene.
Use the Genitive for Quantity
When asking for 'some water' or 'a glass of water', always use the form 'vode' (genitive) instead of 'voda'.
Distinguish from the word 'vođa'
Be careful with pronunciation; 'voda' (water) has a 'd' sound, while 'vođa' (leader) has a 'đ' sound.
Hospitality and Water
In Serbian culture, it is traditional to serve guests a glass of cold water alongside coffee or 'slatko' (fruit preserve).
Examples
4 of 4Pijem čašu hladne vode.
I am drinking a glass of cold water.
Voda za piće mora biti bakteriološki ispravna.
Drinking water must be bacteriologically safe.
Hajde, uskači u vodu!
Come on, jump into the water!
Molekul vode se sastoji od vodonika i kiseonika.
A water molecule consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
