When learning a new language, understanding the nuances and subtleties can significantly enhance your proficiency and confidence. One such aspect in the Bosnian language is the use of intensifiers in sentences. Intensifiers are words or phrases used to give emphasis or add force to the meaning of other words, often adjectives or adverbs. In Bosnian, as in English, these linguistic tools help convey emotions, exaggerate points, or clarify statements. This article will guide you through the various intensifiers used in Bosnian grammar, providing examples and explanations to aid your understanding.
What are Intensifiers?
Intensifiers are words that heighten the meaning of the words they modify. In English, common intensifiers include words like “very,” “extremely,” and “absolutely.” In Bosnian, intensifiers serve the same purpose, helping to emphasize or amplify the degree of an adjective or adverb. For instance, in the sentence “She is very happy,” “very” is the intensifier, emphasizing the degree of happiness.
Common Intensifiers in Bosnian
Just as in English, Bosnian uses a variety of intensifiers. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:
1. Veoma (Very)
One of the most frequently used intensifiers in Bosnian is “veoma,” which translates to “very” in English. It is used to stress the intensity of an adjective or adverb. For example:
– “Ona je veoma srećna.” (She is very happy.)
– “On je veoma pametan.” (He is very smart.)
2. Izuzetno (Exceptionally)
“Izuzetno” is another intensifier that means “exceptionally” or “remarkably.” It is used when you want to emphasize something to an extraordinary degree:
– “Ona je izuzetno talentovana.” (She is exceptionally talented.)
– “On je izuzetno brz.” (He is exceptionally fast.)
3. Potpuno (Completely)
“Potpuno” means “completely” and is used to indicate that something is done to its fullest extent:
– “Ona je potpuno sigurna.” (She is completely sure.)
– “On je potpuno spreman.” (He is completely ready.)
4. Strašno (Terribly)
“Strašno” translates to “terribly” and is often used to intensify both positive and negative adjectives:
– “Ona je strašno ljepa.” (She is terribly beautiful.)
– “On je strašno umoran.” (He is terribly tired.)
5. Nevjerovatno (Incredibly)
“Nevjerovatno” means “incredibly” and is used to describe something that is hard to believe because it is so extreme:
– “Ona je nevjerovatno pametna.” (She is incredibly smart.)
– “On je nevjerovatno brz.” (He is incredibly fast.)
Intensifiers with Negatives
In Bosnian, intensifiers can also be used with negative adjectives or adverbs to amplify their meaning. This is similar to how we use intensifiers in English. For example:
– “Ona je veoma nesretna.” (She is very unhappy.)
– “On je potpuno nesposoban.” (He is completely incapable.)
Intensifiers with Comparatives and Superlatives
Intensifiers can also be used with comparative and superlative forms in Bosnian to emphasize the degree of comparison:
1. With Comparatives
When using comparatives, intensifiers can heighten the degree of comparison:
– “Ona je mnogo bolja od njega.” (She is much better than him.)
– “On je daleko brži od mene.” (He is far faster than me.)
2. With Superlatives
Intensifiers can also be used to emphasize the superlative degree of an adjective:
– “Ona je najbolja učenica u razredu.” (She is the best student in the class.)
– “On je najbrži trkač na takmičenju.” (He is the fastest runner in the competition.)
Colloquial Usage of Intensifiers
In everyday Bosnian speech, intensifiers are often used colloquially to add emphasis or express emotions more vividly. Some colloquial intensifiers include:
1. Baš (Really)
“Baš” is a common colloquial intensifier used to emphasize something:
– “Ona je baš ljepa.” (She is really beautiful.)
– “On je baš dobar.” (He is really good.)
2. Stvarno (Really)
“Stvarno” is another colloquial intensifier that means “really”:
– “Ona je stvarno pametna.” (She is really smart.)
– “On je stvarno brz.” (He is really fast.)
3. Užasno (Awfully)
“Užasno” translates to “awfully” and is used to intensify both positive and negative adjectives:
– “Ona je užasno simpatična.” (She is awfully nice.)
– “On je užasno umoran.” (He is awfully tired.)
Intensifiers in Questions
Intensifiers can also be used in questions to seek more specific or intensified information. For example:
– “Da li je ona veoma pametna?” (Is she very smart?)
– “Da li je on potpuno spreman?” (Is he completely ready?)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using intensifiers can add depth and emotion to your sentences, it’s important to use them correctly to avoid misunderstandings or awkward expressions. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Overuse
Using too many intensifiers in a single sentence can make it sound awkward or exaggerated. For example:
– “Ona je veoma izuzetno strašno pametna.” (She is very exceptionally terribly smart.)
Instead, choose one intensifier that best fits the context.
2. Incorrect Placement
In Bosnian, the placement of an intensifier is important for the sentence to make sense. Generally, the intensifier comes before the adjective or adverb it modifies:
– Correct: “Ona je veoma srećna.” (She is very happy.)
– Incorrect: “Ona veoma je srećna.” (She very is happy.)
3. Misuse with Verbs
Intensifiers are typically used with adjectives and adverbs, not with verbs. Using them incorrectly with verbs can lead to confusion:
– Incorrect: “On veoma voli jesti.” (He very likes to eat.)
– Correct: “On jako voli jesti.” (He really likes to eat.)
Practice Exercises
To help reinforce your understanding of intensifiers in Bosnian, here are some practice exercises. Try to fill in the blanks with the appropriate intensifier:
1. Ona je _________ pametna. (She is very smart.)
2. On je _________ umoran. (He is terribly tired.)
3. Ona je _________ talentovana. (She is exceptionally talented.)
4. On je _________ siguran. (He is completely sure.)
5. Da li je ona _________ pametna? (Is she very smart?)
Answers:
1. veoma
2. strašno
3. izuzetno
4. potpuno
5. veoma
Conclusion
Understanding and using intensifiers correctly can greatly enhance your fluency in Bosnian, adding depth and emotion to your conversations. Whether you are emphasizing a positive trait, exaggerating a point, or clarifying a statement, the appropriate use of intensifiers will make your speech more engaging and expressive. Practice incorporating these words into your sentences, and soon, you’ll find yourself using them naturally and effectively. Happy learning!
