Using prepositions and directional words correctly in Serbian requires a basic understanding of noun cases.

You need to change the ending of a noun depending on whether you’re staying in a place or moving towards it.

This concept works differently than in English.

English relies entirely on the preposition itself to show meaning, while Serbian relies on both the preposition and the word ending.

Once you learn a few basic rules, giving directions and describing locations becomes very straightforward.

Here’s exactly how to use prepositions and directional words in Serbian.

The difference between location and motion

In Serbian, where you are and where you’re going use two completely different grammar rules.

When you’re already located somewhere, you use the Locative case.

When you’re moving toward a destination, you use the Accusative case.

The preposition stays the exact same in both sentences.

Only the ending of the noun changes to show whether you’re stationary or in motion.

Here’s an example using the word grad (city).

In the first sentence, grad has no special ending because the Accusative case for inanimate masculine nouns stays the same as the dictionary form.

In the second sentence, we add the letter u to the end of grad to form the Locative case.

Using u and na (in and on)

The two most common prepositions of place in Serbian are u and na.

The preposition u generally translates to “in” or “into”.

You use u for enclosed spaces, buildings, countries, and cities.

The preposition na generally translates to “on” or “onto”.

You use na for flat surfaces, open spaces, islands, and events.

Sometimes, Serbian uses na for locations where English would use “at” or “to”.

For example, you always use na when talking about the post office, the train station, or the university.

Leaving a place: iz and sa

When you leave a location, Serbian has a strict rule for which preposition you must use.

If you traveled u (into) a place, you must use iz (out of) when leaving it.

If you traveled na (onto) a place, you must use sa (off of / from) when leaving it.

Both iz and sa require the noun to be in the Genitive case.

Here’s an example using na and sa.

Important directional words in Serbian

Learning basic vocabulary for directions helps you navigate Serbian cities.

Here are the most essential directional words you need to know.

Note that in neighboring countries like Croatia and Bosnia, you might hear the word ravno used for “straight”.

In Serbia, people almost exclusively use the word pravo to mean “straight ahead”.

Giving basic directions

When asking for or giving directions to a stranger, you should use the formal “you” (Vi).

This means your verbs should end in -te.

To tell someone to go straight, you use the imperative verb idite (go).

To tell someone to turn, you use the imperative verb skrenite (turn).

If you want to ask where something is, just use the word gde (where) followed by the location.

If you memorize these directional words and the basic rules for u and na, you’ll find your way around Serbia.