SR→EN

lele

леле

lȅle · /lêle/

RU Suggest an edit
INTERJECTION
  1. colloq. oh no; oh dear; wow
    Lele, zaboravio sam ključeve u stanu! — Oh no, I left the keys in the flat!
    Lele, kako si porastao! — Wow, look how you've grown!
  2. (of pain) ouch; ow
    Lele, udario sam se o ormar! — Ouch, I banged into the wardrobe!

Used throughout Serbia but especially characteristic of the south; in kuku lele, lele meni it sounds like a traditional lament, often with an ironic touch.

Synonyms:
Expressions
  • kuku lele — woe is me; alas
    Kuku lele, šta ćemo sad? — Woe is me, what do we do now?
  • lele meni — woe is me
    Lele meni, opet sam zakasnio na posao. — Woe is me, I'm late for work again.
AI Updated 29 October 2026