Questions & Answers about Uvek perem ruke pre ručka.
Why is there no word for I in this sentence?
Because Serbian often leaves out subject pronouns when the verb already makes the subject clear.
Perem means I wash, so ja is not necessary. The ending -em tells you it is first person singular.
So:
- Uvek perem ruke pre ručka. = I always wash my hands before lunch.
- Ja uvek perem ruke pre ručka. = also correct, but ja adds emphasis, like I always wash my hands before lunch.
What exactly does perem mean grammatically?
Perem is the present tense, first person singular form of the verb prati, meaning to wash.
So:
- prati = to wash
- perem = I wash / I am washing
In this sentence, because of uvek meaning always, the present tense has a habitual meaning:
- Uvek perem... = I always wash...
It is not describing one action happening right now, but a regular habit.
Why is it ruke?