tretje

Tretje is a Slovenian word that functions as the neuter singular form of the ordinal numeral meaning “the third.” It is used to modify neuter nouns, with the masculine and feminine forms being tretji and tretja, respectively. In Slovenian, ordinal numerals decline by gender and number, so the form of tretje changes to agree with the noun it accompanies (for example, tretje mesto = third place, tretje poglavje = third chapter).

Etymology and related forms: Tretje derives from the Proto-Slavic word for “third” and has cognates across Slavic languages, such as Croatian treće, Serbian treće, and Russian третий (tretiy). These forms share a common linguistic heritage and reflect similar grammatical patterns in their respective languages.

Usage and notes: In ordinary prose, tretje appears most often when referring to a neuter-noun phrase that denotes a sequence or a position in a series, such as time periods, chapters, or places. It does not typically stand alone as a noun. In translation, tretje is commonly rendered as “third” in English, with the appropriate agreement to the noun’s gender and number preserved in Slovenian text.

See also: Slovenian grammar, ordinal numerals, numerical adjectives in Slovenian.