Help and emergencies in Bosnian
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Bosnian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Bosnian phrases in this lesson
- Pomoć!PO-moch
- Help!
- Zovite doktora!ZO-vi-te DOK-to-ra
- Call a doctor
- Policijapo-LI-tsi-ya
- Police
- Apotekaa-po-TE-ka
- Pharmacy
- BolnicaBOL-ni-tsa
- Hospital
- Izgubio sam seiz-GOO-bi-o sam se
- I'm lost
- Nije mi dobroNI-ye mi DOB-ro
- I don't feel well
- Ukrali su mioo-KRA-li soo mi
- It was stolen
- Hitan slučajHI-tan SLOO-chay
- It's an emergency
- Ostavite me na miruos-TA-vi-te me na MI-roo
- Leave me alone
Shout this clearly and loudly in any emergency. The "ć" is a soft "ch" sound. Bosnians are generally quick to respond to someone in genuine distress.
The ambulance number is 124. Bosnia has public hospitals in all main towns. For non-urgent care, a private clinic (privatna klinika) is often faster and accepts foreign visitors readily.
The police number is 122.
Pharmacies are common and well-stocked in Bosnian towns. Many pharmacists speak some English and German. Look for the green cross sign, the same as most of Europe.
Public hospitals (bolnica) are free for emergency treatment. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card; others should have travel insurance. Sarajevo's main hospital is Klinički centar.
Masculine form. A woman would say "izgubila sam se." Either way, this phrase, combined with a helpless expression, reliably prompts Bosnians to stop and assist you.
Literally "it is not good for me." A clear way to signal you are unwell without needing to describe symptoms. A pharmacist or hotel reception will understand immediately.
Literally "they stole from me." Follow with the item: "ukrali su mi novčanik" (they stole my wallet). Report theft to the nearest police station and get a report number for insurance.
Literally "urgent case". "Hitna pomoć" (HIT-na PO-moch) is the ambulance, number 124.
Literally "leave me in peace".