Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Croatian grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Sutra idemo na kavu.
What does sutra mean exactly and how is it pronounced?
sutra means tomorrow. It’s pronounced [ˈsutra] (stress on the first syllable). The u sounds like in put, the a like in car.
Why is idemo used here and what verb form is it?
idemo is the first person plural present tense of the verb ići meaning to go. Literally we go, but in this context it conveys we’re going as a planned action.
What’s the difference between idemo, hajdemo and ajmo when making a suggestion?
All can mean let’s go.
- idemo is neutral, suitable in most situations.
- hajdemo stems from hajde and is more colloquial.
- ajmo is very informal, used among close friends.
Why is na used before kavu? What does it indicate?
The preposition na here indicates purpose or destination: you’re going for coffee. With verbs of motion or meeting, na takes the accusative case to show what you’re going to do or where you’re going.
What case is kava in kavu, and why?
kavu is the accusative singular of the feminine noun kava (coffee). After na (with motion/purpose), the noun is put in the accusative.
Could you say Idemo na kavu sutra instead of Sutra idemo na kavu? Is one more correct?
Both are grammatically correct because Croatian word order is flexible. Placing sutra at the beginning emphasizes the time. Putting it at the end (Idemo na kavu sutra) is also fine but slightly less common or emphatic.
Why is the present tense idemo used for a future plan? Shouldn’t we use the future tense?
In Croatian you often use the present tense for near-future or planned actions. You could also say Sutra ćemo ići na kavu, which literally means Tomorrow we will go for coffee. However, Sutra idemo na kavu sounds more natural in everyday speech.
What’s the difference between ići na kavu and ići po kavu?
- ići na kavu means go for coffee (to a café to drink).
- ići po kavu means go get coffee (e.g., pick it up to take away or bring to someone).
The preposition po with accusative gives a sense of fetching or collecting something.