How to Be Polite in the Serbian Croatian Bosnian Language

When speaking and dealing with people in any language, it is important to be polite. Even if the Serbian-Croation-Bosnian language (all identical languages, but called by different names) is not your native language, being polite is the best policy. Even if you fumble with the language, the fact that you're polite will help native speakers be more patient with you and more willing to help.

Instructions

1. Most European languages have a formal and informal way of saying "you." In the Serbian-Croation-Bosnian language, the two ways of saying "you" are "ti" (informal) and "Vi" (formal). When addressing older people, always use the formal "Vi." To play it safe, use "Vi" always until you are given permission to use "ti" with someone. This shows your respect for the person.

2. Do not use someone's first name, unless they are a friend or relative. It is considered rude to use someone's first name.

3. Use "molim." Molim is crucial to sounding polite in the Serbian-Croation-Bosnian language--it means "please," but can also be used as a response when someone thanks you.

4. Also use "molim" if you didn't understand a word and need the person to explain. In this case, "molim" is a polite way of saying "What's that?" If you say, "Sta?" (What?) it is considered extremely rude.

5. Use your greetings. Greetings are always used regardless of familiarity and are a great show of politeness. In the Serbian-Croation-Bosnian language, these greetings are as follows: Dobro jutro (Good morning), Dobar dan (Good day)--use this most of the day, Dobro vece (Good evening), Dovidenja (Goodbye), and Zdravo--most commonly used informal greeting, can be used when coming and leaving.