Learn Croatian: Moraš mazati kremu dva puta na dan. - You must apply the cream two times a day.

To express rate or frequency (like 'per day' or 'a week'), Croatian uses the preposition na followed by the accusative case. Here, dan is in the accusative. Because it is an inanimate masculine noun, its accusative form looks identical to its nominative form.

Why is it dva puta instead of just dva put?

In Croatian, numbers ending in 2, 3, or 4 require the noun following them to be in the genitive singular case. The noun put (meaning 'time' or 'occurrence') becomes puta in the genitive singular.

Would it be wrong to use the perfective verb namazati in this sentence?

Yes, it would be grammatically incorrect here. The phrase dva puta na dan (two times a day) clearly shows that this is a repeated, habitual action. For recurring actions, you must use an imperfective verb like mazati.

Is mazati the standard verb for applying creams?

Yes! While it translates to 'apply' in this context, mazati literally means 'to smear' or 'to spread'. It is the everyday verb for applying creams, ointments, and lotions, as well as for spreading food like butter or jam on bread.