Question 1

How does the prefix in raširio demonstrate the idea of dispersion?

Accepted Answer

The base verb is širiti (to widen or spread). The prefix raz- adds the specific meaning of dispersion, or spreading out in multiple directions. When attached to a word starting with š, the z in the prefix changes and merges into the š for easier pronunciation, creating raširiti.

Question 2

Why is the relative pronoun in the locative case (u kojem) instead of the accusative (u koji)?

Accepted Answer

While spreading implies action or movement, the root is growing and spreading entirely within the boundaries of the garden (location). If it were moving into the garden from the outside (destination), you would use the accusative.

Question 3

Why do we need the reflexive pronoun se here?

Accepted Answer

Without se, the verb raširiti is transitive, meaning to spread something else (like spreading a blanket). Because the root is spreading itself rather than acting on a separate object, we use se to make the action intransitive.

Question 4

Why is se placed before the subject (korijen) and the verb?

Accepted Answer

The pronoun se is an enclitic, which means it strictly belongs in the second position of its clause. The relative pronoun phrase u kojem occupies the first position of the relative clause, so se must immediately follow it.

Question 5

Why does the sentence end with velik instead of veliki?

Accepted Answer

Velik is the indefinite form of the adjective. In Croatian, when an adjective is used as a predicate (telling us what the subject is, following the verb je), the indefinite, shorter form is preferred if one exists.

Vrt u kojem se korijen raširio vrlo je velik.

Breakdown of Vrt u kojem se korijen raširio vrlo je velik.

Questions & Answers about Vrt u kojem se korijen raširio vrlo je velik.

Learn Vrt u kojem se korijen raširio vrlo je velik and more in Croatian