Learning Croatian can be an exciting journey, filled with nuances and subtleties that make the language unique. One common area of confusion for learners is understanding the difference between “Let’s go” and “Let’s start” in Croatian. These concepts are expressed using the words idemo and krenimo, respectively. While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, each word has its specific context and usage. Let’s delve into these words and explore their meanings, uses, and nuances.

Idemo: Let’s Go

The word idemo comes from the verb “ići,” which means “to go.” When you say idemo, you are essentially saying “Let’s go.” This phrase is used to indicate that you are ready to leave a place or move towards a specific destination.

ići – to go
<ići is the infinitive form of the verb meaning “to go.” It is one of the most commonly used verbs in Croatian.

Moramo ići kući.
We have to go home.

idemo – let’s go
is the first person plural form of “ići,” used to suggest going somewhere together.

Idemo u park.
Let’s go to the park.

kuća – house, home
refers to a physical house or a home where someone lives.

Vraćamo se kući kasno.
We are returning home late.

Usage of Idemo

Idemo is commonly used when you are physically moving from one place to another. It implies a sense of departure and travel.

kino – cinema
is the Croatian word for “cinema” or “movie theater.”

Idemo u kino večeras?
Are we going to the cinema tonight?

trgovina – store, shop
refers to a place where goods are bought and sold.

Idemo u trgovina po hranu.
Let’s go to the store for food.

Krenimo: Let’s Start

The word krenimo is derived from the verb “krenuti,” which means “to start” or “to set off.” When you say krenimo, you are essentially saying “Let’s start” or “Let’s set off.” This phrase is used to indicate the beginning of an action or journey.

krenuti – to start, to set off
is the infinitive form of the verb meaning “to start” or “to set off.”

Vrijeme je da krenemo.
It’s time to start.

krenimo – let’s start
is the first person plural form of “krenuti,” used to suggest starting something together.

Krenimo s radom.
Let’s start working.

posao – work, job
refers to the tasks or activities that one does as part of their employment or responsibilities.

Imamo puno posao za obaviti.
We have a lot of work to do.

Usage of Krenimo

Krenimo is commonly used when you are initiating an action or embarking on a journey. It implies a sense of commencement and readiness to proceed.

putovanje – journey, trip
refers to traveling from one place to another, often over a considerable distance.

Krenimo na putovanje.
Let’s start the journey.

sastanak – meeting
is a gathering of people for a specific purpose, often related to work or planning.

Vrijeme je da krenemo sa sastanak.
It’s time to start the meeting.

Comparing Idemo and Krenimo

While both idemo and krenimo can be translated as “let’s go” in English, their uses are contextually different.

idemo
– Used to indicate moving to a different location.
– Implies physical movement.
– Commonly used when the destination is known.

Idemo na plažu.
Let’s go to the beach.

krenimo
– Used to indicate the beginning of an action or journey.
– Implies starting something new.
– Commonly used when initiating an activity or journey.

Krenimo s učenjem hrvatskog jezika.
Let’s start learning Croatian.

Common Mistakes and Tips

It’s easy to mix up idemo and krenimo if you are not familiar with their specific contexts. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

Use Idemo for Physical Movement
When you are talking about physically going somewhere, use idemo.

Incorrect: Krenimo u park.
Correct: Idemo u park.

Use Krenimo for Starting an Activity
When you are talking about starting an activity or journey, use krenimo.

Incorrect: Idemo s poslom.
Correct: Krenimo s poslom.

Destination vs. Commencement
Remember that idemo often involves a known destination, while krenimo involves the commencement of an action.

Idemo u restoran. (Destination: restaurant)
Krenimo s projektom. (Commencement: project)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

As you become more advanced in Croatian, you’ll notice that idemo and krenimo can be used in more nuanced ways.

Idemo for Figurative Movement
Sometimes idemo can be used figuratively to suggest moving forward in a non-physical sense.

napredak – progress
refers to advancement or improvement in a particular area.

Moramo ići naprijed.
We need to move forward.

Krenimo for Initiating Processes
Krenimo can also be used to initiate processes or procedures in a more formal or structured context.

procedura – procedure
refers to an established or official way of doing something.

Krenimo s procedurom.
Let’s start the procedure.

Practice Exercises

To help solidify your understanding of idemo and krenimo, here are some practice exercises:

Fill in the Blanks
1. ____ na večeru. (Let’s go to dinner.)
2. ____ s projektom. (Let’s start the project.)
3. ____ na izlet. (Let’s go on a trip.)
4. ____ s pripremama. (Let’s start the preparations.)

Translation Practice
1. Let’s go to the market.
2. Let’s start the meeting.
3. Let’s go home.
4. Let’s start the journey.

Answer Key
Fill in the Blanks:
1. Idemo na večeru.
2. Krenimo s projektom.
3. Idemo na izlet.
4. Krenimo s pripremama.

Translation Practice:
1. Idemo na tržnicu.
2. Krenimo sa sastankom.
3. Idemo kući.
4. Krenimo na putovanje.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between idemo and krenimo is crucial for mastering Croatian. While both can be translated as “let’s go,” their contextual uses are distinct. Idemo is used for physical movement to a known destination, while krenimo is used for starting an action or journey. By practicing and familiarizing yourself with these nuances, you will be able to use these words accurately and effectively in your conversations. Happy learning!