Questions & Answers about Ukras i konfete su na stolu.
Why is the verb su used here instead of je?
Because the subject is compound: ukras i konfete = the decoration and the confetti.
In Serbian, when two things are joined by i (and), the verb normally goes in the plural:
- ukras je = the decoration is
- konfete su = the confetti are
- ukras i konfete su = the decoration and the confetti are
So su is the 3rd person plural form of biti (to be).
Why is stolu used, not sto?
Because after na meaning on in a location sense, Serbian uses the locative case.
The basic form is:
- sto = table
But after na when something is already located on the table, it becomes:
- na stolu = on the table
So:
- sto = nominative
- stolu = locative
This is one of the most important patterns to learn:
- na stolu = on the table
- u kući = in the house
- na polici = on the shelf
Why is it na stolu and not ?