Srce

Srce is the Serbo-Croatian word for the heart, used in Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Montenegrin. It denotes the muscular organ that pumps blood and is also used metaphorically to mean the center or core of something. Grammatically, srce is a neuter noun; the plural form is typically srca.

Etymology and cognates: The term originates in Proto-Slavic and has cognates across Slavic languages. Related forms appear as serce in Polish and srdce in Czech and Slovak, reflecting a common Indo-European heritage with regional phonetic developments.

Usage: In medical and biological contexts, srce refers to the anatomical heart. In everyday language, it appears in phrases describing essence, warmth, or emotion, such as expressions meaning “at heart” or “the heart of the matter.” It also features prominently in literature, poetry, and folk sayings to convey courage, vitality, or affection.

Cultural notes: In South Slavic cultures, the heart is a traditional symbol of love, life, and emotional center, with srce appearing in proverbs and songs to evoke these ideas.

See also: heart; Slavic linguistics; list of Slavic cognates.