Sound Change: k, g, h to c, z, s

Ruka and Ruci

Level 3

k, g, h become c, z, s before the ending -i.

How It Works

Some sounds do not sit comfortably next to i, so they change. Before the ending -i:

  • k becomes c
  • g becomes z
  • h becomes s
NominativeDative, locativeMeaning
rukarucihand
noganozileg
majkamajcimother
knjigaknjizibook

The same change shows up in masculine plurals ending in -ik and -ak: učenik, učenici; vojnik, vojnici; momak, momci.

There are exceptions. Plurals with -ov- keep their consonant: drug, drugovi. A few pet names for relatives, like baka (dative baki), keep the consonant, so the change is not applied to every word. Check a new word if you are unsure.

Examples (5)

  1. Pričam o majci.

    I am talking about my mother.

    Majka becomes majci in the locative.

  2. Dajem knjigu Emininoj majci.

    I am giving the book to Emina's mother.

    Majci is also the dative.

  3. Povreda je na nozi.

    The injury is on the leg.

    Noga becomes nozi.

  4. Učenici su u učionici.

    The pupils are in the classroom.

    Učenik becomes učenici in the plural.

  5. Ovo je ruka, a ovo su prsti na ruci.

    This is the hand, and these are the fingers on the hand.

    Ruka becomes ruci in the locative.

Common Mistakes

  • Not changing the consonant.

    Pričam o majki.
    Pričam o majci.

    Before the ending -i, k becomes c.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Sound Change: k, g, h to c, z, sLevel 3Ruka and Ruci

Learn This First

Sound changes happen before endings.

Words in This Pattern

ruka