Pick a language and start learning!

Difference between “u” and “na” Exercises in Serbian language

Students engaged in linguistic diversity discussions.

In the Serbian language, mastering the correct use of "u" and "na" can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. These prepositions, although seemingly simple, carry distinct meanings and applications that are crucial for constructing accurate and meaningful sentences. "U" typically translates to "in" or "into," indicating a position within a space or movement towards the interior of something. For example, you would use "u" when saying "u kući" (in the house) or "u školu" (to school). On the other hand, "na" often translates to "on" or "onto," and is used to describe a position on a surface or movement towards a surface. Examples include "na stolu" (on the table) or "na posao" (to work). Understanding the nuances between "u" and "na" is essential, as using the incorrect preposition can lead to confusion or a completely different meaning. While English speakers might find these distinctions somewhat similar to the use of "in" and "on," Serbian prepositions also interact with the grammatical cases, adding another layer of complexity. For instance, "u" typically requires the locative or accusative case, while "na" requires the locative or accusative case depending on the context. This page provides grammar exercises designed to help you practice and internalize the rules governing "u" and "na," enabling you to use these prepositions with confidence and precision in your Serbian conversations.

Exercise 1

1. Ja idem *u* školu svaki dan (preposition for a building or institution). 2. On je bio *na* koncertu sinoć (preposition for an event). 3. Oni su otišli *na* plažu prošlog vikenda (preposition for an open space). 4. Učitelj je pričao *o* knjizi *u* biblioteci (preposition for a place inside a building). 5. Ona radi *u* bolnici kao medicinska sestra (preposition for a workplace). 6. Sastanak će se održati *na* stadionu sutra (preposition for a large open venue). 7. Kupio sam voće *na* pijaci (preposition for a market). 8. Putovali smo *u* Italiju prošlog leta (preposition for a country). 9. On voli da se odmara *na* planini (preposition for a natural open area). 10. Mi ćemo večerati *u* restoranu večeras (preposition for a dining place).

Exercise 2

1. She is waiting for me *u* the park (preposition for location). 2. I left my keys *na* the table (preposition for placement). 3. We have a meeting *u* the office tomorrow (preposition for location). 4. He placed the book *na* the shelf (preposition for placement). 5. They are swimming *u* the pool (preposition for location). 6. She put the groceries *na* the counter (preposition for placement). 7. I will meet you *u* the restaurant (preposition for location). 8. The cat is sitting *na* the windowsill (preposition for placement). 9. He is studying *u* the library (preposition for location). 10. She left her coat *na* the chair (preposition for placement).

Exercise 3

1. On je otišao *u* školu (the word for "in" or "to" when referring to a building). 2. Sastanak je bio *na* trgu (the word for "on" when referring to an open space). 3. Ona je *u* kancelariji (the word for "in" when referring to a room or building). 4. Čekam te *na* stanici (the word for "at" when referring to a transportation stop). 5. Njihova kuća je *u* gradu (the word for "in" when referring to a city). 6. Idemo *na* koncert (the word for "to" when referring to an event). 7. On radi *u* bolnici (the word for "in" when referring to a hospital). 8. Proveli smo vikend *na* selu (the word for "in" when referring to a rural area). 9. Kupio sam povrće *u* prodavnici (the word for "in" when referring to a shop). 10. Gledali smo film *na* televiziji (the word for "on" when referring to TV).