ići
/ǐt͡ɕi/Latin, imperfective
The English phrase 'go' is translated into Croatian as ići.
ići is a general term for 'to go' and can be used in most situations to describe moving through space, especially from one place to another. While ići is a broad term, the word krenuti is used when you want to emphasize the act of setting off or starting a journey.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern parts of Croatia, you may encounter the colloquial or relaxed form Odi instead of the standard idi.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ići is imperfective. Its present tense forms include: idem (I go/I am going), ideš (you go/you are going), ide (he/she/it goes/is going), idemo (we go/we are going), idete (you plural/polite go/are going) and idu (they go/they are going). Other forms include ići ću (I will go) and pošao sam (I went).
How do you pronounce it?
/ǐtɕi/
Did you know?
- The verb ići is a distant relative of the English word 'go' through their shared Proto-Indo-European ancestor *h₁éyti.
- When someone says Idem na kavu (I am going for coffee), they are often not actually going to a cafe, but are instead using the phrase as a general invitation to socialize.
- While ići describes the movement, Croatians often use the phrase Idemo! not just to say 'let us go' but as a cheer or a way to encourage someone to keep going during a sporting event.
Examples in context
- Moram ići u školu.I have to go to school.This sentence shows how to express the necessity of going to school using ići.Tatoeba #2619417 by kkupus, translation #533768 by tomkun01
- Želiš li i ti ići?Do you want to go too?This sentence uses ići to ask a question about someone's desire to go.Tatoeba #3965647 by krofna, translation #3962715 by JSakuragi
- Moram ići u krevet.I have to go to bed.This sentence uses ići to express the need to go to bed.Tatoeba #1100672 by vlado, translation #1395 by brauliobezerra
- Ići ću na sastanak.I'll go to the meeting.
- Krenut ću na put kasnije.I'll set off on the journey later.
- Poći ću na službeni put.I'll go on a business trip.
- Idi na plažu.Go to the beach.
- Idi u kinoGo to the cinema
- Idi sutra na tržnicuGo to the market tomorrow
- Molim te, idi tamoPlease go there
- Idi voziti biciklGo cycling
- Idi posjetiti prijateljeGo visit friends
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marko and Mia are deciding where to walk in the city.
- MarkoKamo ćemo sada ići?Where are we going to go now?
- MiaMožemo ići u park.We can go to the park.
- MarkoDobra ideja, idemo!Good idea, let's go!
- MiaIdemo polako.We are going slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations and entries ići, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ići, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
