Sjever

Sjever is the term for the cardinal direction north in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian. It is used to denote the northern part of a region, the northern direction on a compass, and as the basis for many directional terms. The word has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as sever in Russian and sever in Slovenian, reflecting a common Slavic root.

Etymology and cognates: Sjever derives from Proto-Slavic *severъ, a root shared with related words for north in several Slavic languages. This lineage is evident in the similar forms found across the region, with variations shaped by local phonology.

Usage and examples: In everyday language, sjever is used in phrases like na sjeveru grada or van sjevera, meaning toward or in the north of a city. Weather and navigation contexts frequently employ sjever in compound forms, such as sjeverni vjetar (north wind) or sjeverozapad (northwest). Directional terms often appear on maps and in travel guidance.

Related terms and notes: The root sjever also appears in derivative forms such as sjeverac, referring to a northerner, and sjeverni, meaning northern or related to the north. The word participates in a wide range of combinations to describe directions, regions, and climatic or navigational concepts. While remaining a straightforward geographic term, sjever is part of a broader family of Slavic directional vocabulary with shared origins.