When you start learning a new language, one of the most useful words to know is "how." In Serbian, that word is kako.
You'll use kako to ask about methods, ways, or conditions. For example, if you want to ask "How are you?" you would say "Kako ste?" or "Kako si?" depending on who you're talking to.
It's a very versatile word and appears in many common phrases. Master kako early, and you'll be able to form basic questions and understand simple inquiries.
This little word is a building block for more complex sentences and a fundamental part of everyday Serbian conversation.
When asking a question about the manner or way something is done, use kako. For example, 'Kako si?' means 'How are you?'
It can also be used to ask about someone's opinion or feeling about something. If you want to ask 'How do you like it?', you would say 'Kako ti se sviđa?'
Kako can introduce a clause explaining how something happens, similar to 'as' or 'like' in English. For instance, 'Uradio sam kako si rekao' means 'I did as you said.'
You'll hear kako frequently in everyday conversation, making it a very useful word to learn early on.
When asking about the manner or way something is done, kako is the word to use. It's often found at the beginning of questions, similar to 'how' in English. For example, 'Kako si?' means 'How are you?'
You can also use kako to express 'as' or 'like' in certain contexts, for instance, 'Radi kako ja radim' translates to 'Work as I work'. It's a versatile word that you'll hear and use frequently in everyday Serbian conversation. Mastering its use early on will greatly improve your ability to form basic questions and descriptive sentences.
kako 30秒了解
- Use 'kako' to ask 'how'.
- It can also mean 'as' or 'like'.
- Very common in everyday speech.
容易混淆的词
'Kako' is your go-to for asking about the manner, method, or state of something. Think 'how are you?', 'how do you do this?', 'how does it work?'
Remember, 'kako' is 'how' (method/manner), and 'kada' is 'when' (time). If you're asking about the time an event occurred, use 'kada'. If you're asking about the way it occurred, use 'kako'.
Use 'kako' for the *way* something is, and 'koliko' for the *amount* or *number* of something. 'How much' or 'how many' always use 'koliko'.
习语与表达
"Kako si?"
How are you?
Zdravo! Kako si danas? (Hello! How are you today?)
neutral"Kako ide?"
How's it going?
E, Marko, kako ide sa projektom? (Hey, Marko, how's it going with the project?)
informal"Kako da ne!"
Of course! / Why not! (Can also be sarcastic: As if!)
Hoćeš li mi pomoći? Kako da ne! (Will you help me? Of course!) / On će to uraditi, kako da ne! (He'll do that, as if!)
neutral"Kako god"
Whatever / However
Kako god ti želiš. (However you want.)
neutral"Kako se kaže...?"
How do you say...?
Kako se kaže 'book' na srpskom? (How do you say 'book' in Serbian?)
neutral"Kako god okreneš"
Whichever way you look at it / No matter what
Kako god okreneš, situacija je teška. (Whichever way you look at it, the situation is difficult.)
neutral"Kako vreme leti!"
How time flies!
Već je kasno, kako vreme leti! (It's already late, how time flies!)
neutral"Kako si to mislio?"
How did you mean that?
Nisam razumeo, kako si to mislio? (I didn't understand, how did you mean that?)
neutral"Kao da"
As if / As though
Osećam se kao da sam prespavao ceo dan. (I feel as though I slept the whole day.)
neutral"Nema veze kako"
It doesn't matter how
Samo to završi, nema veze kako. (Just finish it, it doesn't matter how.)
informal容易混淆
Often confused with 'kada' (when), but in some contexts, it can also mean 'how' in a slightly different nuance, similar to 'in what way'.
'Kada' primarily means 'when', referring to time. However, in certain idiomatic expressions or questions about manner, it can overlap with 'how'. For example, 'Kada ste to uradili?' could mean 'When did you do that?' or 'How did you do that?' depending on context, though 'kako' is more direct for 'how'.
Kada se to radi? (How is that done? / When is that done?)
Confused with 'kako' when asking about quantity or degree, as 'how much' or 'how many' are related to 'how'.
'Koliko' specifically asks about quantity (how much, how many), while 'kako' asks about manner or method (how).
Koliko košta? (How much does it cost?) vs. Kako ste? (How are you?)
While clearly meaning 'why', learners might initially mix it up with 'how' if they are still solidifying question words.
'Zašto' asks for a reason or cause, whereas 'kako' asks for the method or manner.
Zašto si to uradio? (Why did you do that?) vs. Kako si to uradio? (How did you do that?)
Similar to 'zašto', learners might confuse 'gde' (where) with 'kako' if they haven't fully grasped the distinct uses of question words.
'Gde' asks for a location, while 'kako' asks for the manner or method.
Gde si? (Where are you?) vs. Kako si? (How are you?)
In some interrogative sentences, 'šta' (what) can precede a verb in a way that feels similar to asking 'how', especially for learners who are not yet familiar with Serbian sentence structure.
'Šta' asks for an object or action, while 'kako' asks for the manner or method. Though 'Šta radite?' (What are you doing?) might be confused with 'Kako ste?' (How are you?).
Šta je ovo? (What is this?) vs. Kako je ovo? (How is this?)
自我测试 42 个问题
Listen for 'How are you?'
Listen for 'What is your name?'
Listen for 'I don't know how.'
Read this aloud:
Kako si?
Focus: ka-koh see
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Kako se zoveš?
Focus: ka-koh seh zoh-vesh
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Pitaj ga kako.
Focus: pee-taj gah ka-koh
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ja ne znam ___ da to uradim.
The sentence asks 'how' to do something, so 'kako' is the correct word.
Možeš li mi objasniti ___ se koristi ovaj program?
The question is asking for an explanation of 'how' the program is used.
Nisam siguran ___ da dođem do tvoje kuće.
The speaker is unsure 'how' to get to the house.
Pokaži mi ___ se piše tvoje ime.
The sentence asks to be shown 'how' to write the name.
On mi je objasnio ___ da popravim auto.
He explained 'how' to fix the car.
Ne znam ___ da ti pomognem u ovoj situaciji.
The speaker doesn't know 'how' to help.
Choose the correct question: How are you?
'Kako si?' is the standard way to ask 'How are you?' in Serbian. 'Gde' means 'where', 'šta' means 'what', and 'kada' means 'when'.
Which sentence means: 'How do you say that in Serbian?'
This is the direct translation of 'How do you say that in Serbian?'. The other options use 'šta' (what), 'kada' (when), or 'gde' (where) which change the meaning of the question.
Complete the sentence: 'Pitao sam ga ___ mu je ime.' (I asked him how his name is.)
To ask 'how his name is' (meaning 'what his name is'), you use 'kako'. 'Šta' means 'what', 'gde' means 'where', and 'zašto' means 'why'.
The sentence 'Kako ide?' means 'How's it going?'.
'Kako ide?' is a common informal way to ask 'How's it going?' or 'How are things?' in Serbian.
The sentence 'Kako mnogo ljudi!' means 'How many people!'.
While 'koliko' is typically used for 'how many', 'kako mnogo' is also a correct and natural way to express 'how many' in an exclamatory context.
In the question 'Kako si došao?', 'kako' asks about the reason for coming.
In 'Kako si došao?', 'kako' asks about the *manner* or *way* of coming (e.g., by car, on foot). To ask about the *reason*, you would use 'zašto' (why).
This is a common way to ask 'How are you today?' in Serbian. The word order is 'How are today you?'
This means 'What is the weather like?' or literally 'How is the weather?'. The word 'Kakvo' is the adjectival form of 'kako'.
This translates to 'How can I get there?'. The word order is 'How can I come to there?'
Nije mi jasno ___ je do toga došlo, s obzirom na sve okolnosti.
The sentence asks for the manner in which something happened, making 'kako' (how) the appropriate choice.
Bez obzira na sve njegove napore, nije mogao da shvati ___ je uspela da reši problem tako brzo.
The sentence implies a question about the method or way something was done, so 'kako' (how) fits best.
Stalno se pitam ___ je moguće da neko poseduje toliko strpljenja u ovakvoj situaciji.
Here, 'kako' (how) is used to express wonder or disbelief about the possibility of something.
Objasni mi, molim te, ___ si uspeo da prebrodiš sve te prepreke bez ičije pomoći.
The question seeks an explanation of the method or process, making 'kako' (how) the correct answer.
Niko mi nije rekao ___ se tačno koristi ova sofisticirana oprema, pa sam morao sam da prokljuvim.
The sentence is about the way or method of using equipment, hence 'kako' (how) is appropriate.
Neverovatno je ___ se brzo prilagodio novom okruženju, kao da je tu oduvek bio.
This sentence expresses amazement at the manner of adaptation, so 'kako' (how) is the best fit.
You are writing a formal email to a Serbian business partner. You need to inquire about the progress of a complex project. Draft a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) that includes the word "kako" to ask about the project's development or state. Focus on maintaining a professional and polite tone.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Poštovani, nadamo se da ste dobro. Želeli bismo da proverimo kako napreduje naš zajednički projekat. Možete li nam ukratko reći kakva je trenutna situacija?
Imagine you are a journalist reporting on a social issue in Serbia. You are interviewing an expert about the effectiveness of a new government policy. Write a question (using "kako") that probes the expert's opinion on how the policy is affecting the community.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Uvaženi profesore, s obzirom na nedavnu implementaciju nove vladine politike, kako smatrate da se ona odražava na svakodnevni život građana i kakav je njen dugoročni uticaj na zajednicu?
You are describing a complex process in Serbian, perhaps explaining how a particular machine works or how a specific cultural tradition is performed. Use "kako" to introduce a step or a method within this explanation. Write a two-sentence explanation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Prvo, neophodno je pažljivo pročitati uputstva pre nego što počnete sa radom. Tada ćete videti kako se pravilno podešava uređaj kako bi se postigli optimalni rezultati.
Na osnovu teksta, šta je ključno za efikasniju implementaciju strategija zaštite životne sredine?
Read this passage:
U poslednjoj deceniji, Srbija je doživela značajne promene u oblasti ekologije i održivog razvoja. Iako je postignut napredak u nekim segmentima, i dalje se postavljaju pitanja kako efikasnije implementirati strategije zaštite životne sredine. Eksperti ističu da je ključno uključivanje građana i jačanje svesti o važnosti očuvanja prirode. Bez aktivne participacije javnosti, malo je verovatno da će se ostvariti dugoročni ciljevi.
Na osnovu teksta, šta je ključno za efikasniju implementaciju strategija zaštite životne sredine?
Tekst eksplicitno navodi da je 'ključno uključivanje građana i jačanje svesti o važnosti očuvanja prirode'.
Tekst eksplicitno navodi da je 'ključno uključivanje građana i jačanje svesti o važnosti očuvanja prirode'.
Koji je glavni problem u vezi sa srpskim kulturnim nasleđem u digitalnom dobu, prema tekstu?
Read this passage:
Kulturno nasleđe Srbije je bogato i raznovrsno, od srednjovekovnih manastira do modernih umetničkih galerija. Međutim, postavlja se pitanje kako adekvatno zaštititi i promovisati ovo nasleđe u digitalnom dobu. Mnoge institucije se bore sa nedostatkom sredstava i kadra za digitalizaciju, što otežava pristup široj publici. Potrebno je razviti inovativne pristupe kako bi se ova dragocenost sačuvala za buduće generacije.
Koji je glavni problem u vezi sa srpskim kulturnim nasleđem u digitalnom dobu, prema tekstu?
Tekst jasno navodi da se 'Mnoge institucije se bore sa nedostatkom sredstava i kadra za digitalizaciju'.
Tekst jasno navodi da se 'Mnoge institucije se bore sa nedostatkom sredstava i kadra za digitalizaciju'.
Koja je glavna etička dilema u vezi sa primenom veštačke inteligencije, pomenuta u tekstu?
Read this passage:
Razvoj veštačke inteligencije (VI) otvara nova vrata za napredak u mnogim sektorima, od medicine do industrije. Ipak, istovremeno se javljaju i etičke dileme o tome kako regulisati njenu primenu i osigurati da služi čovečanstvu, a ne da mu šteti. Diskusije o ovim pitanjima su intenzivne na globalnom nivou, a Srbija se, kao i mnoge druge zemlje, suočava sa izazovom definisanja svog pristupa ovoj revolucionarnoj tehnologiji.
Koja je glavna etička dilema u vezi sa primenom veštačke inteligencije, pomenuta u tekstu?
Tekst navodi 'etičke dileme o tome kako regulisati njenu primenu i osigurati da služi čovečanstvu, a ne da mu šteti.'
Tekst navodi 'etičke dileme o tome kako regulisati njenu primenu i osigurati da služi čovečanstvu, a ne da mu šteti.'
Reflect on how cultural nuances affect the translation of idiomatic expressions from Serbian to English. Provide examples where a direct translation of 'kako' might lose its original intent or create a different connotation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Translating idioms directly from Serbian to English often leads to a loss of original meaning due to differing cultural contexts. For example, a phrase using 'kako' like 'Kako vetar duva' (literally 'How the wind blows'), meaning 'to adapt to circumstances,' would sound odd if translated word-for-word. Instead, 'going with the flow' or 'seeing which way the wind blows' captures the essence, illustrating how 'kako' functions within a larger, culturally specific structure.
Compose a short analytical essay discussing the philosophical implications of asking 'kako' (how) versus 'zašto' (why) in the context of human progress and problem-solving. Consider situations where prioritizing one over the other leads to different outcomes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The distinction between 'kako' and 'zašto' is fundamental to philosophical inquiry and practical problem-solving. Asking 'kako' focuses on methodology and process – 'How can we achieve this?' – leading to actionable steps and innovation. Conversely, 'zašto' delves into root causes and motivations – 'Why did this happen?' – prompting deeper understanding and ethical considerations. In addressing climate change, for instance, a 'kako' approach might lead to developing new technologies, while a 'zašto' approach might scrutinize societal consumption patterns. Both are crucial, but an overemphasis on one can lead to either superficial solutions or endless introspection without progress.
You are writing a complex instruction manual for a highly specialized piece of equipment. Explain 'kako' to perform a critical, multi-step procedure that requires a nuanced understanding of Serbian technical vocabulary. Focus on precision and clarity in your instructions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
**Kako kalibrisati laserski senzor za precizno nivelisanje:** Prvo, uverite se da je uređaj isključen iz električne mreže i da je radna površina stabilna i ravna. Zatim, pažljivo otvorite zaštitni poklopac senzora, locirajući četiri mikrometarska šrafa za podešavanje. Koristeći specijalizovani alat za kalibraciju, polako rotirajte šraf A u smeru kazaljke na satu dok laserski snop ne bude savršeno poravnat sa referentnom tačkom. Ponovite postupak za šrafove B, C i D, prateći uputstva na digitalnom ekranu uređaja. Nakon uspešne kalibracije, zatvorite poklopac i izvršite testno merenje kako biste potvrdili tačnost. Svaki korak je kritičan za bezbednost i funkcionalnost uređaja.
Prema tekstu, šta je ključno za uspešno prilagođavanje preduzeća tehnološkim promenama?
Read this passage:
U savremenom globalizovanom svetu, pitanje 'kako' se prilagoditi brzim tehnološkim promenama postaje centralno za opstanak i uspeh preduzeća. Kompanije koje ne uspeju da razumeju i implementiraju nove strategije često zaostaju. Ne radi se samo o usvajanju novih alata, već o dubljoj reorganizaciji poslovnih procesa i kulture. 'Kako' efikasno upravljati tim promenama zahteva liderstvo sposobno za vizionarsko razmišljanje i agilnost u donošenju odluka, kao i konstantno ulaganje u edukaciju zaposlenih.
Prema tekstu, šta je ključno za uspešno prilagođavanje preduzeća tehnološkim promenama?
Tekst eksplicitno navodi da 'ne radi se samo o usvajanju novih alata, već o dubljoj reorganizaciji poslovnih procesa i kulture', dodajući da 'kako efikasno upravljati tim promenama zahteva liderstvo sposobno za vizionarsko razmišljanje i agilnost u donošenju odluka, kao i konstantno ulaganje u edukaciju zaposlenih'.
Tekst eksplicitno navodi da 'ne radi se samo o usvajanju novih alata, već o dubljoj reorganizaciji poslovnih procesa i kulture', dodajući da 'kako efikasno upravljati tim promenama zahteva liderstvo sposobno za vizionarsko razmišljanje i agilnost u donošenju odluka, kao i konstantno ulaganje u edukaciju zaposlenih'.
Glavna tema ovog pasusa tiče se:
Read this passage:
Filozofski traktati često istražuju pitanje 'kako' razumemo stvarnost. Da li je naše razumevanje objektivno ili je uvek filtrirano kroz subjektivne percepcije i iskustva? Ova dilema prožima epistemologiju vekovima, postavljajući izazov za svaku tvrdnju o apsolutnoj istini. 'Kako' možemo biti sigurni u ono što znamo? Neki mislioci sugerišu da je konsenzus zajednice ključan, dok drugi insistiraju na individualnom racionalnom promišljanju.
Glavna tema ovog pasusa tiče se:
Pasus se fokusira na 'kako razumemo stvarnost', objektivnost versus subjektivnost, i 'kako možemo biti sigurni u ono što znamo', što su centralna pitanja epistemologije (teorije znanja).
Pasus se fokusira na 'kako razumemo stvarnost', objektivnost versus subjektivnost, i 'kako možemo biti sigurni u ono što znamo', što su centralna pitanja epistemologije (teorije znanja).
Koja je uloga političke volje u uspostavljanju trajnog mira, prema tekstu?
Read this passage:
U kompleksnom sistemu međunarodnih odnosa, pitanje 'kako' uspostaviti trajni mir i stabilnost ostaje jedan od najvećih izazova. Diplomatija, ekonomska saradnja i kulturna razmena su vitalni alati, ali njihova efikasnost zavisi od političke volje i sposobnosti aktera da prevaziđu uske nacionalne interese. 'Kako' izgraditi poverenje među državama sa različitim ideologijama i istorijskim nasleđem zahteva strpljenje, kompromise i dugoročnu viziju, često suočenu sa trenutnim krizama.
Koja je uloga političke volje u uspostavljanju trajnog mira, prema tekstu?
Tekst jasno navodi: 'Diplomatija, ekonomska saradnja i kulturna razmena su vitalni alati, ali njihova efikasnost zavisi od političke volje i sposobnosti aktera da prevaziđu uske nacionalne interese.'
Tekst jasno navodi: 'Diplomatija, ekonomska saradnja i kulturna razmena su vitalni alati, ali njihova efikasnost zavisi od političke volje i sposobnosti aktera da prevaziđu uske nacionalne interese.'
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Remember 'kako' for asking 'how' and for expressing 'as' or 'like' in Serbian.
- Use 'kako' to ask 'how'.
- It can also mean 'as' or 'like'.
- Very common in everyday speech.
