Question 1

Why do we need the word li in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

In English, you can ask a yes/no question just by moving the verb to the front. In Croatian, you take the verb (je) and add the tiny question particle li right after it to show it's a question.

Question 2

I've seen točan translated as "correct" before. Why does it mean "punctual" here?

Accepted Answer

You have a good memory! Točan literally means "exact", "accurate", or "correct". When you use it to describe a clock or a piece of information, it means "correct". But when you describe a person as točan, it means they are "on time" or "punctual".

Question 3

Since we are learning negative verbs, how would I say "The student is not punctual"?

Accepted Answer

You would replace the positive verb je (is) with its negative form nije (is not). The statement becomes Student nije točan.

Question 4

How do I answer this question with a simple "No, he isn't"?

Accepted Answer

You use the negative form of the verb "to be" that matches the subject. The short answer is simply Ne, nije.

Question 5

Does student mean any kind of student, like a child in elementary school?

Accepted Answer

No, in Croatian, student specifically refers to a university or college student. If you want to talk about a pupil in elementary or high school, you would use the word učenik (for a boy) or učenica (for a girl).

Je li student točan?

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