Serbian Conditional Sentences — Uslovne rečenice

English “if” splits into three Serbian words. Pick the one that matches the type of condition.

ako · kad · da — which one, and why

Serbian has three connectors that can all translate English “if”. The choice depends on how real the condition is.

akoReal, open condition. The condition may or may not happen; the result is still possible. Result clause is usually future or present. Ako padne kiša, nećemo ići. “If it rains, we won’t go.”

kadA condition seen as certain — effectively “when”. The event is expected to be fulfilled. Result clause is often future or imperative. Kad dođeš, javi se. “When you arrive, let me know.”

daUnreal / counterfactual. The condition is contrary to fact. It always pairs with the conditional mood (bih, bi, bismo, biste + past participle). Da sam znao, došao bih. “If I had known, I would have come.”

Quick test: if the result still can happen → ako; if the event is expected → kad; if it’s hypothetical or contrary to fact (note the bi… conditional) → da.