Questions & Answers about Oni kasno idu kući.
Why is the verb form idu instead of following a regular pattern?
The verb ići (to go) is irregular. For oni (they), the present tense form is idu. You simply have to memorize its conjugation, as it doesn't look much like its dictionary form!
Why do we use kući here instead of the basic word kuća?
kuća just means a house, but kući is a special directional form used to mean 'towards home' or 'homewards'. Because idu is a verb of motion, you use kući to show the destination they are traveling toward.
Does idu translate strictly to 'they are going' or can it mean 'they go'?
It means both! Croatian only has one present tense. Depending on the context, idu translates to either 'they are going' (happening right now) or 'they go' (a regular habit, like going home late every Friday).
Could I change the word order and put kasno at the end of the sentence?
Yes, you can definitely say Oni idu kući kasno. Croatian word order is very flexible. However, placing adverbs like kasno (late) right before the verb is very natural and common in everyday speech.