Moja sestra se tušira u kupatilu, a ja se oblačim u sobi.

My sister is showering in the bathroom, and I am getting dressed in the room.

Breakdown of Moja sestra se tušira u kupatilu, a ja se oblačim u sobi.

• ja: I
• u: in
• moj: my
• a: and

Questions & Answers about Moja sestra se tušira u kupatilu, a ja se oblačim u sobi.

Why is it moja sestra and not moj sestra?

Because moja has to agree with sestra in gender, number, and case.

• sestra is feminine singular
• so the possessive adjective must also be feminine singular: moja

Compare:

• moj brat = my brother
• moja sestra = my sister
• moje dete = my child

So moja sestra is the correct agreement.

What does se mean in this sentence?

Se is a reflexive particle. In verbs like tuširati se and oblačiti se, it is part of the verb itself.

So:

• tuširati se = to shower
• oblačiti se = to get dressed / to dress oneself

In English, we usually do not translate se literally as oneself every time. For example:

• Tuširam se. = I’m showering.
• Oblačim se. = I’m getting dressed.

So here, se is required because these are reflexive verbs in Serbian.

Why is se placed after sestra and ja?