Bolje

Bolje is a word used in several South Slavic languages, primarily Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Montenegrin. It functions as the comparative form of the adjective dobar, meaning "good," and as an adverb meaning "better." In its role as an adjective, it inflects for gender: bolji (masculine), bolja (feminine), and bolje (neuter). As an adverb, bolјe is used to express a higher degree of quality or appropriateness and often appears in constructions such as “bolje je” (it is better) or “bolje da…” (it is better that…).

Etymology and linguistic role

Bolje derives from the Slavic comparative system rooted in the adjective meaning "good." The word is used broadly across standard varieties of these languages and appears in everyday speech as well as in formal writing. Its principal function is to compare qualities or designate preference or suitability.

Usage and examples

Common uses include: “To je bolja ideja.” (That is a better idea.) “On je bolji od njega.” (He is better than him.) “Bolje je ostati kod kuće.” (It is better to stay at home.) It is also common in fixed expressions such as “bolje spriječiti nego liječiti” (better to prevent than to cure) and “bolje ikad nego nikad” (better ever than never).

Notes

Bolje is primarily a grammatical term rather than a standalone concept or proper noun. Its precise forms and usage align with the gender and mood rules of the respective South Slavic language, and it frequently appears in proverbs and everyday idioms to express improvement, preference, or prudence.