Word Stress

Level 1

In standard Bosnian the stress usually sits on an earlier syllable, not on the last one.

How It Works

English learners often put the stress at the end of a word. In Bosnian this usually sounds wrong. In most native words the stress falls on an earlier syllable.

WordStressMeaning
kafaKAfacoffee
mamaMAmamum
komšijaKOmšijaneighbour
školaŠKOlaschool

Bosnian also has rising and falling pitch on the stressed syllable, and the length of vowels can change. You do not need that yet. For now, pick the right syllable and say it clearly. Words you hear from other languages may keep their own stress. The best way to learn each word is to listen to Poppy and copy her.

Examples (5)

  1. KAfa

    coffee

    Stress on the first of two syllables.

  2. MAma

    mum

    Short word, stress on the first syllable.

  3. KOmšija

    neighbour

    Stress on the first of three syllables.

  4. ŠKOla

    school

    Again not on the last syllable.

  5. SEstra

    sister

    The first syllable carries the stress.

Common Mistakes

  • Stressing the last syllable like an English word

    kaFA
    KAfa

    Standard Bosnian does not stress the last syllable of kafa.

How It Connects

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

Word StressLevel 1

Learn This First

Stress is placed on syllables, which are built from vowels.

Words in This Pattern

naglasak