Learning the intricacies of Bosnian verbs can be challenging for English speakers, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between verbs that describe motion. Two such verbs are ići and dolaziti, which translate to “going” and “coming” respectively in English. This article will delve into the nuances of these verbs, providing vocabulary and example sentences to help you grasp their usage more effectively.

Ići – Going

The verb ići is used to indicate movement from one place to another. It is often used similarly to the English verb “to go.”

Ići – to go
Moram ići kući.
I have to go home.

Putovati – to travel
Volim putovati po svijetu.
I love to travel around the world.

Hodati – to walk
On voli hodati parkom.
He likes to walk in the park.

Trčati – to run
Ona ide trčati svako jutro.
She goes running every morning.

Odlaziti – to leave
Moram odlaziti na posao.
I have to leave for work.

Se kretati – to move
Mi ćemo se kretati ka gradu.
We will move towards the city.

Usage in Different Contexts

In Bosnian, ići can be used in various contexts to imply different forms of going or movement. For example:

Idem – I go, I am going
Ja idem u školu.
I am going to school.

Idemo – We go, We are going
Mi idemo na izlet.
We are going on a trip.

Idi – Go (imperative)
Molim te, idi tamo.
Please, go there.

Otići – to go away, to leave
On će otići sutra.
He will leave tomorrow.

Dolaziti – Coming

The verb dolaziti is used to indicate movement towards a specific point or person. It is often used similarly to the English verb “to come.”

Dolaziti – to come
On će dolaziti kasnije.
He will come later.

Stići – to arrive
Autobus će stići u 8 sati.
The bus will arrive at 8 o’clock.

Prilaziti – to approach
Ona je prilaziti stolu.
She is approaching the table.

Doći – to come, to arrive
Hoćeš li doći na zabavu?
Will you come to the party?

Pristizati – to come in, to arrive
Ljudi su počeli pristizati.
People have started to come in.

Ulaziti – to enter
Pas je ulaziti u kuću.
The dog is entering the house.

Usage in Different Contexts

In Bosnian, dolaziti can also be used in various contexts to imply different forms of coming or arrival. For example:

Dolazim – I come, I am coming
Ja dolazim kući.
I am coming home.

Dolazimo – We come, We are coming
Mi dolazimo uskoro.
We are coming soon.

Dođi – Come (imperative)
Molim te, dođi ovamo.
Please, come here.

Pristići – to come, to arrive
Oni će pristići uskoro.
They will arrive soon.

Comparing Ići and Dolaziti

Understanding the distinction between ići and dolaziti is crucial for mastering Bosnian. While both verbs indicate movement, the direction and intention behind the movement are what set them apart.

Ići often implies movement away from the speaker or a specific point, whereas dolaziti implies movement towards the speaker or a specific point. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

Ići – to go
Moram ići na posao.
I have to go to work.

Dolaziti – to come
On će dolaziti kući kasnije.
He will come home later.

Otići – to go away, to leave
Moram otići sada.
I have to leave now.

Doći – to come, to arrive
On će doći sutra.
He will come tomorrow.

Combining with Other Verbs

Both ići and dolaziti can be combined with other verbs to indicate different types of actions involving movement.

Ići kupovati – to go shopping
Idem kupovati u tržni centar.
I am going shopping at the mall.

Dolaziti posjetiti – to come to visit
On će dolaziti posjetiti sutra.
He will come to visit tomorrow.

Ići jesti – to go eat
Idemo jesti u restoran.
We are going to eat at the restaurant.

Dolaziti raditi – to come to work
Ona će dolaziti raditi kasnije.
She will come to work later.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake is using ići when you should use dolaziti, or vice versa. To avoid this, always consider the direction of the movement in relation to the speaker or a specific point.

Incorrect: On će ići kući kasnije.
Correct: On će dolaziti kući kasnije.
He will come home later.

Incorrect: Moram dolaziti na posao.
Correct: Moram ići na posao.
I have to go to work.

Conclusion

Mastering the verbs ići and dolaziti is essential for effective communication in Bosnian. By understanding their meanings, usages, and differences, you will be better equipped to express movement accurately. Practice using these verbs in various contexts, and pay attention to the direction of the movement they describe. With time and practice, you’ll find that these verbs become second nature in your Bosnian conversations.