Questions & Answers about Rasvjeta na ulici danas ne radi.
Since rasvjeta clearly comes from svjetlo (light), what exactly does the ras- prefix add?
The prefix ras- (a variation of raz-) often carries the meaning of spreading or distributing something over an area. So while svjetlo is just a light or light source, rasvjeta refers to lighting or illumination as a whole system spread out over a space, like streetlights.
Is it more natural to say rasvjeta na ulici or to use the adjective form ulična rasvjeta?
Both are extremely common and correct. Ulična rasvjeta is the standard, fixed term for street lighting, but rasvjeta na ulici (literally lighting on the street) is slightly more conversational and fits perfectly when making an everyday observation like this.
I usually think of raditi as people working at a job. Is it the standard verb for broken systems or electronics?
Yes! While you might be tempted to use a word like funkcionirati (to function), native speakers overwhelmingly use raditi for any machine, device, or system that is operating correctly, and ne radi when it is broken.