Sidrište je blizu otoka, a jedro je spremno.

to be

Breakdown of Sidrište je blizu otoka, a jedro je spremno.

• spreman: ready
• blizu: near
• otok: island

Questions & Answers about Sidrište je blizu otoka, a jedro je spremno.

What does sidrište mean, and is it a common word?

Sidrište means anchorage or anchoring place—a place where boats or ships can anchor.

It is a real and correct Croatian word, but for many learners it may feel a bit more specific or nautical than very everyday vocabulary. In general Croatian, you may also often hear related words such as:

• sidro = anchor
• usidriti = to anchor
• luka = port, harbor

So sidrište is specifically the place suitable for anchoring.

Why is it otoka and not otok after blizu?

Because blizu normally takes the genitive case in Croatian.

So:

• otok = island (nominative, basic dictionary form)
• otoka = of the island / near the island (genitive singular)

That is why you say:

• blizu otoka = near the island

This is a very common pattern. Other examples:

• blizu kuće = near the house
• blizu grada = near the city
• blizu mora = near the sea

So the important thing to remember is:

• blizu + genitive

What is the function of je in both parts of the sentence?