When learning a new language, mastering the verbs is key to constructing meaningful sentences and expressing a wide range of actions. Croatian, a South Slavic language spoken mainly in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and neighboring areas, possesses a rich set of verbs that form the cornerstone of everyday communication. Below is a list of essential Croatian verbs along with their definitions and examples of usage.

Biti – This is the Croatian verb for “to be,” which is one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in the language.
Ja sam sretan. (I am happy.)

Imati – It means “to have,” another essential verb that indicates possession, relationship, or a feature.
Ona ima lijepu kuću. (She has a beautiful house.)

Razumjeti – This verb translates to “to understand,” and is crucial for clear communication.
Razumijem što govorite. (I understand what you are saying.)

Govoriti – Meaning “to speak” or “to talk,” this verb is used for discussing communication in any language.
Govorimo o politici. (We are talking about politics.)

Željeti – “To want,” indicative of desire or wish.
Želim naučiti hrvatski. (I want to learn Croatian.)

Morati – This verb means “must” or “to have to,” signifying obligation or necessity.
Moram ići na posao. (I have to go to work.)

Moci – It stands for “can” or “to be able to,” connoting the ability or possibility to do something.
Mogu li dobiti račun, molim vas? (Can I get the bill, please?)

Voljeti – Translates to “to love,” expressing a strong feeling towards someone or something.
Volim čitati knjige. (I love reading books.)

Raditi – Meaning “to work” or “to do,” this verb is often used in the context of professional activities or tasks.
On radi u uredu. (He works in an office.)

Ići – “To go,” this verb is employed to describe movement from one place to another.
Idemo u kino. (We are going to the cinema.)

Vidjeti – It means “to see,” and is used when referring to the act of visual perception.
Vidim te. (I see you.)

Jesti – Translates to “to eat,” necessary when talking about consuming food.
Jedemo večeru. (We are eating dinner.)

Piti – Meaning “to drink,” this verb is used when someone is consuming a liquid.
Pije li on kavu? (Is he drinking coffee?)

Dolaziti – “To come,” used for indicating the action of moving towards a particular location or person.
Dolazim za pet minuta. (I am coming in five minutes.)

Ostati – This verb means “to stay,” indicative of remaining in a certain place or condition.
Ostat ću kod kuće. (I will stay at home.)

By incorporating these essential Croatian verbs into your vocabulary, you will significantly enhance your ability to communicate in Croatian. As with any language, regular practice and usage of these verbs in sentences will help you become more fluent and comfortable in a variety of conversational situations. Sretno u učenju! (Good luck with learning!)