Basic Verbs

1. Ићи

   I-ći

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Imperfective "ићи" pairs with perfective "отићи". Serbian has infinitives, but everyday speech prefers "да + present".

2. Доћи

   Do-ći

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

3. Јести

   Jes-ti

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

4. Пити

   Pi-ti

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

5. Куповати

   Ku-po-va-ti

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Imperfective "куповати" pairs with perfective "купити"; a single purchase takes the perfective.

6. Видети

   Vi-de-ti

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

7. Чекати

   Če-ka-ti

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

8. Желим да идем

   Že-lim da i-dem

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

9. Желим да једем

   Že-lim da je-dem

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Желим ово

    Že-lim o-vo

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

11. Не треба ми

    Ne tre-ba mi

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

12. Тражим

    Tra-žim

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

13. Имам

    I-mam

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

14. Немам

    Ne-mam

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Желим да подигнем новац

    Že-lim da po-dig-nem no-vac

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

16. Желим да резервишем

    Že-lim da re-zer-vi-šem

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Помозите ми, молим вас

    Po-mo-zi-te mi, mo-lim vas

    Please help me

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

18. Реците ми, молим вас

    Re-ci-te mi, mo-lim vas

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

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