Kozarec

Kozarec is a common noun in Slovenian that denotes both a drinking vessel and, in a broader sense, a container such as a jar or bottle. In everyday usage, the primary sense is a drinking glass, used for beverages. In other contexts, kozarec can refer to a jar or bottle used for storing liquids or foods, such as a jam jar or a pickle jar. The phrase kozar vode means a glass of water, illustrating the word’s use in counting or ordering drinks.

Etymology and regional use: Kozarec is formed with the Slavic suffix -ec, indicating a type of container. It has been part of Slovenian lexicon for centuries and remains common in standard language. While closely related terms exist in other South Slavic languages, their exact meanings and connotations vary by language and region. In Slovenian, both senses—drinking vessel and storage jar—are widely understood, with context providing the distinction.

Usage notes: In modern Slovenian, kozarec is versatile and appears in everyday speech and writing. Its sense is disambiguated by context; for example, kozarec vode clearly means a glass of water, whereas kozarec marmelade would refer to a jar of marmalade. The word can also appear in compound or descriptive phrases describing containers or quantities, reflecting its dual role as both a cup and a jar in practical use.