Word
On veže vezice na novim tenisicama.
Meaning
He is tying the shoelaces on the new sneakers.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Lesson
Breakdown of On veže vezice na novim tenisicama.
on
he
nov
new
na
on, at / to, onto (with motion) / about (thinking about)
vezati
to tie
Questions & Answers about On veže vezice na novim tenisicama.
Why does the verb veže have a ž, while the noun vezice has a z?
Both words share the root vez-, meaning to tie or bind. The infinitive of the verb is vezati. When conjugated in the present tense, a standard sound change turns the z into a ž, resulting in veže. The noun vezica (shoelace) simply keeps the original z.
Why do we use the locative case for na novim tenisicama instead of the accusative?
Even though tying laces involves physical movement, Croatian treats this as an action happening at a fixed location (on the shoes). Because it answers the question of where the action is taking place rather than the destination of a motion, the preposition na takes the locative case.
What are the exact case endings being used in novim tenisicama?
Does tenisicama literally translate to tennis shoes?
Yes! The singular noun tenisica comes directly from the sport of tennis. However, in everyday Croatian, it has become the standard, generic word for any type of sneaker, trainer, or athletic shoe, regardless of what sport you are playing.