The vocative case is used for direct addressâwhen you're calling out to someone or something directly.
In Bosnian, it's used when you want to get someone's attention or address them directly in conversation.
ð¡ Think of the vocative as the "calling form" - it's how you call out to someone!
⢠You'll hear the vocative mostly in formal settings (weddings, speeches) or when someone shows strong emotionâaffection, surprise, scolding.
⢠In relaxed conversation many Bosnians simply keep the nominative: Hej, Alen! instead of Hej, Alene!
⢠The change survives best with masculine first names and close-family wordsâfor example brat â brate (brother). Feminine names and neuter nouns usually stay the same.
⢠Regional flavour: usage varies from place to placeâlisten and imitate the locals around you.
⢠When in doubt, nominative is never "wrong."