čekaj
The English word "wait" is translated into Croatian as čekaj in its default form.
The phrase is used to express the action of delaying something until a specific event occurs.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Which one should you use?
The form čekaj is used as a command when addressing one person informally, while čekajte is the form used when addressing multiple people or when addressing one person in a formal manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is used in several forms: the infinitive is čekati, the first-person singular present tense is čekam (I am waiting) and the past tense forms are čekao for masculine singular and čekala for feminine singular. The imperative forms are čekaj for informal singular and čekajte for formal or plural use.
Did you know?
- In Croatian, if you want to say you are 'waiting for' someone, you use the verb čekati followed by the accusative case, meaning you 'wait someone' rather than 'wait for' them.
- In informal speech, particularly among youth, the imperative čekaj is sometimes shortened or blended into other phrases to express disbelief, acting like the English 'Wait, what?'
- The word čekaj is often used as a filler or a way to pause a conversation to gather thoughts, similar to how an English speaker might say 'hold on' or 'wait a minute' even when no one is actually moving.
Examples in context
- Ako mama ne dođe, čekaj da te tata odveze doma.If mom doesn't come, wait for dad to drive you home.This sentence shows how to use čekaj when providing an instruction regarding someone's transport.Tatoeba #13768549 by lostmindRH, translation #13768550 by lostmindRH
- Molim Vas, čekajte ovdje.Please wait here.
- Gospodine, čekajte trenutak.Sir, please wait a moment.
- Sačekaj me ispred kafića.Wait for me in front of the café.
- Čekaj malo, dolazim.Wait a bit, I'm coming.
- Čekaj da kiša prestane.Wait until the rain stops.
- Čekaj da stigne pošiljka.Wait until the shipment arrives.
Example conversation
Luka and Petra are waiting outside a cinema.
- LukaHoćemo li ići sada?Shall we go now?
- PetraČekaj da film počne.Wait until the movie starts.
- LukaDobro, bit ću strpljiv.Okay, I will be patient.
- PetraHvala ti, Luka.Thank you, Luka.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
