Ulazna vrata su zatvorena.

to be

Breakdown of Ulazna vrata su zatvorena.

• zatvoren: closed
• vrata: door
• ulazni: entrance

Questions & Answers about Ulazna vrata su zatvorena.

Why is vrata plural when the English meaning is just door?

Because vrata is a plural-only noun in Croatian when it means door. This is very common and important to learn early.

So even when English uses singular door, Croatian usually says vrata and treats it grammatically as plural:

• Vrata su otvorena. = The door is open.
• Vrata su zatvorena. = The door is closed.

This is why the verb is also plural: su, not je.

Do not confuse this with vrat, which is a completely different word meaning neck.

Why does the sentence use su and not je?

Because the subject ulazna vrata is grammatically plural.

• su = are
• je = is

Since vrata behaves as a plural noun, Croatian says:

• Ulazna vrata su zatvorena.

not:

• Ulazna vrata je zatvorena. ✘

Even though English translates it as The entrance door is closed, Croatian grammar still treats vrata as plural.

What does ulazna mean here?