Learning a new language is always an exciting journey, and one of the fascinating aspects is discovering how different languages express concepts that may seem straightforward in your native tongue. In Bosnian, two such concepts are “counting” and “calculating.” These two actions, while related, are distinct in their own right. The words used to describe them in Bosnian are **brojiti** and **računati**. Understanding the nuances of these terms can provide deeper insight into the Bosnian language and its usage.

Brojiti – Counting

**Brojiti** is the Bosnian word for “counting.” This verb is used when you are determining the number of items in a group or sequence. Counting is a fundamental skill that we use daily, whether we are counting objects, people, or even time.

Brojiti
To count; to determine the number of items in a set.
Djeca uče kako brojiti do deset.

Related Vocabulary for Brojiti

Broj
Number; a mathematical object used to count, measure, and label.
Moj omiljeni broj je sedam.

Brojanje
Counting; the action or process of counting.
Brojanje novca može biti zamorno.

Brojač
Counter; a device or person that counts objects or events.
Brojač je pokazao tačan broj posjetilaca.

Brojiti unatrag
To count backwards; to count in reverse order.
Moramo brojiti unatrag od deset do jedan.

Prebrojati
To recount; to count again or to count carefully.
Moramo prebrojati glasove za tačan rezultat.

Usage of Brojiti in Sentences

To get a better understanding of how to use **brojiti** in sentences, let’s look at some examples:

Brojiti
Djeca uče kako brojiti do deset.

Broj
Moj omiljeni broj je sedam.

Brojanje
Brojanje novca može biti zamorno.

Brojač
Brojač je pokazao tačan broj posjetilaca.

Brojiti unatrag
Moramo brojiti unatrag od deset do jedan.

Prebrojati
Moramo prebrojati glasove za tačan rezultat.

Računati – Calculating

**Računati** is the Bosnian word for “calculating.” This verb is used when you are performing mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Calculating often involves more complex thought processes than simple counting.

Računati
To calculate; to perform mathematical operations.
Učimo kako računati složene matematičke probleme.

Related Vocabulary for Računati

Račun
Bill or account; a statement of money owed for goods or services.
Račun za večeru je bio prilično visok.

Računanje
Calculation; the process of using mathematics to find an answer.
Računanje može biti zabavno sa pravim alatima.

Računar
Computer; an electronic device for storing and processing data.
Računar mi pomaže u izradi domaćih zadataka.

Izračunati
To calculate; to compute a result or answer.
Moramo izračunati troškove putovanja.

Proračun
Budget; an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time.
Proračun za ovaj mjesec je vrlo strog.

Usage of Računati in Sentences

To get a better understanding of how to use **računati** in sentences, let’s look at some examples:

Računati
Učimo kako računati složene matematičke probleme.

Račun
Račun za večeru je bio prilično visok.

Računanje
Računanje može biti zabavno sa pravim alatima.

Računar
Računar mi pomaže u izradi domaćih zadataka.

Izračunati
Moramo izračunati troškove putovanja.

Proračun
Proračun za ovaj mjesec je vrlo strog.

Comparing Brojiti and Računati

While both **brojiti** and **računati** involve numbers, they are used in different contexts. **Brojiti** is typically used for simple counting tasks, such as counting the number of items or people. **Računati**, on the other hand, is used for more complex mathematical operations that require calculation.

Examples of Contexts

Let’s look at some examples to illustrate the different contexts in which these verbs are used:

**Brojiti**

Brojiti
Djeca uče kako brojiti do deset.

Prebrojati
Moramo prebrojati glasove za tačan rezultat.

**Računati**

Računati
Učimo kako računati složene matematičke probleme.

Izračunati
Moramo izračunati troškove putovanja.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Language learners often confuse **brojiti** and **računati** because both involve numbers. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

Mixing Up Contexts

One common mistake is using **brojiti** when you should use **računati**, and vice versa.

Incorrect:
Moram brojiti troškove putovanja.
Correct:
Moram izračunati troškove putovanja.

Using the Wrong Form

Another common mistake is using the wrong form of the verb. Remember that **brojiti** is for counting and **računati** is for calculating.

Incorrect:
Učimo kako brojiti složene matematičke probleme.
Correct:
Učimo kako računati složene matematičke probleme.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of **brojiti** and **računati**, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of **brojiti** or **računati**.

1. Djeca uče kako ______ do deset.
2. Moram ______ troškove putovanja.
3. Brojač je pokazao tačan ______ posjetilaca.
4. Učimo kako ______ složene matematičke probleme.
5. Moramo ______ glasove za tačan rezultat.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following sentences from English to Bosnian, using the correct form of **brojiti** or **računati**.

1. We need to count the number of books.
2. I need to calculate the total cost.
3. The children are learning to count backwards.
4. Can you calculate this math problem?
5. They recounted the votes to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between **brojiti** and **računati** is essential for mastering the Bosnian language. While both verbs involve numbers, their usage contexts are quite different. **Brojiti** is used for simple counting, whereas **računati** is used for more complex calculations. By practicing with these verbs and their related vocabulary, you can enhance your comprehension and use of the Bosnian language. Happy learning!