OPREZ

OPREZ is a term used in several South Slavic languages to signal caution. In everyday use, OPREZ translates roughly as beware or be careful and is commonly found on signs, notices, and safety instructions to warn of potential hazards. The word is widely seen in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia, and is typically written in uppercase to maximize visibility on posters, road signs, and product warnings.

Usage and examples: OPREZ appears on road signs for slippery surfaces, construction zones, or dangerous materials; in manuals and warnings in workplaces; and in media headlines highlighting a hazard. It is often accompanied by a list or a description of the risk, or followed by an exclamation mark (OPREZ!).

Origin and linguistic notes: The term derives from a Slavic root related to vigilance and careful behavior; cognate forms appear across the South Slavic languages with similar meanings. While exact etymology varies by language, OPREZ functions as a conventional warning label rather than a technical term.

Other uses: OPREZ is also used as an acronym or name for organizations, programs, or projects in different countries; such uses are not standardized and depend on the local context. In such cases, the meaning is determined by the organization rather than the word itself.