LangMedia
Serbian in Serbia
Telling Time
When time is written or spoken of in formal situations, the 24-hour clock is used. This includes bus and train schedules and announcements on radio and television. In conversation, the 12-hour clock is used. Therefore, when consulting a bus schedule, one will see the 24-hour clock; however, the clerk selling the ticket may refer to the departure time using the 12-hour clock.
Socially, Serbs have a relaxed sense of time. One does not have to be absolutely punctual in a social situation; however, it would be considered rude to be more than a half hour late. Punctuality is expected for business appointments.
Banks and businesses open from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Stores open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and are open until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Some clothing stores are open from 10:00 to 3:00 on Sundays.
Videos
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"Dial 95 to Find Out the Exact Time"Transcript document:
Audio
Click on the text to hear the spoken phrase.
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"What time is it?"
(direct)
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"Excuse me, could you tell me the time?"
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"What time should we meet?"
(formal)
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"What time should we meet?"
(informal)
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"What time is my appointment?"
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"It is 10:00 a.m."
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"It is 10:00 p.m."
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"Let's meet at 9:30 in the morning."
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"Let's meet tonight at 7:30."
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"morning"
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"afternoon"
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"evening"
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"noon"
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"midnight"
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"later"
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"earlier"