Breakdown of Molim kilogram junetine za juhu.
juha
soup
kilogram
kilogram
moliti
to ask for, to request / please
za
for (+ accusative)
Questions & Answers about Molim kilogram junetine za juhu.
Why is junetina in the genitive case (junetine) here?
After words that express a quantity or measurement, like kilogram, Croatian requires the following noun to be in the genitive case. This is known as the genitive of quantity.
The English translation says beef, but isn't the standard Croatian word for beef govedina?
Yes, but Croatian makes a strict distinction at the butcher. Junetina specifically refers to meat from a young bovine, usually 1 to 2 years old, which is what is most commonly sold as everyday beef in Croatia. Govedina refers to meat from an older, mature animal and is generally tougher.
Why do we use the accusative case (juhu) after za?
The preposition za takes the accusative case when it indicates the purpose or intended use of something, such as buying meat specifically for a soup (za juhu).
Can I say Molim vas instead of just Molim at the start of this sentence?
Absolutely. Molim vas is slightly more formal and very common, but just saying Molim followed by what you want is a perfectly natural, standard way to order at a store counter in Croatia.