Zubobolja je jaka, tako da zakazujem pregled.

to be

Breakdown of Zubobolja je jaka, tako da zakazujem pregled.

• jak: strong
• pregled: medical examination
• zubobolja: toothache

Questions & Answers about Zubobolja je jaka, tako da zakazujem pregled.

Why is it jaka and not jak?

Because zubobolja is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective has to agree with it.

• jak = masculine singular
• jaka = feminine singular
• jako = neuter singular

So:

• zubobolja je jaka = the toothache is severe/strong

This is normal adjective agreement in Serbian.

What exactly is zubobolja? Is it one word?

Yes. Zubobolja is one word, and it means toothache.

It is built from:

• zub = tooth
• bol / bolja in this compound idea = pain/ache

Serbian often forms words like this as compounds. A learner might also hear:

• boli me zub = my tooth hurts

That is a very common alternative way to express a similar idea.

Why is je included here?

Je is the 3rd person singular present of biti (to be).

So:

• zubobolja je jaka = the toothache is severe

In standard Serbian, you normally include je in this kind of sentence. English speakers sometimes want to drop it because some languages allow that more freely, but here it is needed.

Why use jaka for pain? Doesn't it literally mean ?