Dosta

Dosta is a word found in several South Slavic languages, notably Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Bulgarian, where it means “enough” or “a sufficient amount.” It functions mainly as an adverb but can also appear as part of phrases that express sufficiency or abundance. In everyday speech, it is commonly used in forms such as “Dosta je” (That’s enough) or “Dosta ljudi” (Quite a few people / enough people).

Usage and nuances vary slightly by dialect. In informal contexts, dosta conveys a sense of adequacy or excess depending on the situation, while in more formal discourse speakers may opt for synonyms such as “dovoljno” (sufficient). The word often appears with accompanying particles or adjectives to reinforce its meaning, and it can modify nouns directly, as in “dosta hrane” (enough food).

Etymology and related forms: dosta derives from a common Slavic root associated with sufficiency. It has cognates and parallel forms across Slavic languages, linked to words that express being enough or adequate. This proliferation of related terms reflects a shared linguistic heritage, even though exact spellings and pronunciations differ by language.

In summary, dosta is a common, informal term used across several Slavic languages to express that a quantity is sufficient or more than needed. Its usage centers on conveying adequacy in a straightforward, colloquial way, with formal alternatives available in more formal registers.