To describe an impression or an unreal situation, use the phrase kao da (as if). Pair it with a fully conjugated verb to interpret body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues.
If the impression describes an ongoing state, use the present tense after kao da—even if the main action happened in the past.
| His face is pale as if he is sick. | Lice mu je blijedo kao da je bolestan. |
| They were trembling and pale as if it is winter. | Drhtali su i bili blijedi kao da je zima. |
Notice how in the second example, the main verbs are in the past tense, but the imagined situation uses the present tense (je zima).
Interpreting Body Language
You can use kao da to react to someone's gestures or expressions in the moment.
| Do not frown as if you have a problem! | Nemoj se mrštiti kao da imaš problem! |
| The woman sighed and started to tremble as if she is afraid. | Žena je uzdahnula i počela drhtati kao da se boji. |
| Do not stare at her as if she is a monster. | Nemoj buljiti u nju kao da je čudovište. |
Impressions of Past Actions
When the impression is about something that has already happened, use the past tense after kao da.
| The boy started to sweat and frown as if he hid something. | Dječak se počeo znojiti i mrštiti kao da je nešto sakrio. |
| Why are you sweating as if you saw a ghost? | Zašto se znojiš kao da si vidio duha? |
Expressions and Gestures
To talk specifically about someone's look, use the phrase izraz lica (facial expression).
| He has a facial expression as if he is angry. | Ima izraz lica kao da je ljut. |
You can also use kao da to interpret deliberate gestures, like a wink.
| He winked as if he has a secret. | Namignuo je kao da ima tajnu. |