Learning to differentiate between the verbs ići and krenuti in Serbian can be challenging for language learners. Both verbs are commonly used to express movement, but they have distinct meanings and usages. Understanding these differences can greatly improve your fluency and comprehension in Serbian. Let’s delve into the nuances of these two verbs and explore their various contexts and conjugations.

Basic Definitions

ići: This verb means “to go” in English. It is used to describe general movement from one place to another.

Idem u školu svaki dan.

krenuti: This verb means “to depart” or “to set off” in English. It is used to emphasize the beginning of a journey or movement.

Krenuli smo na put rano ujutru.

Usage in Different Contexts

General Movement vs. Starting a Journey

ići is used for general movement, whether it’s walking, driving, or any other form of travel. It doesn’t specify the starting point or the initiation of the journey.

Moram ići u prodavnicu kasnije.

krenuti is used when you want to emphasize the initiation of the journey. It’s about the moment you start moving.

Krenuću za pet minuta.

Conjugation Differences

Both verbs are irregular and have unique conjugations that you’ll need to memorize. Here are the present tense conjugations for both verbs:

ići:
– Ja idem
– Ti ideš
– On/ona/ono ide
– Mi idemo
– Vi idete
– Oni/one/ona idu

Idemo na plažu sutra.

krenuti:
– Ja krenem
– Ti kreneš
– On/ona/ono krene
– Mi krenemo
– Vi krenete
– Oni/one/ona krenu

Krenuli smo čim je sunce izašlo.

Perfective vs. Imperfective Aspect

In Serbian, verbs can be either perfective or imperfective. This aspect is crucial in understanding the nuances between ići and krenuti.

ići is an imperfective verb, meaning it describes an action that is ongoing or repeated.

On ide na posao svaki dan.

krenuti is a perfective verb, meaning it describes a completed action or the initiation of an action.

Krenuo je pre sat vremena.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Using ići in Everyday Language

ići is commonly used in various expressions and phrases. Here are a few examples:

ići kući: to go home
Moram ići kući, kasno je.

ići u školu: to go to school
Moja deca idu u školu svako jutro.

ići na posao: to go to work
Idem na posao autobusom.

ići u kupovinu: to go shopping
Idemo u kupovinu sutra.

Using krenuti in Everyday Language

krenuti is often used to emphasize the start of an action. Here are some examples:

krenuti na put: to set off on a journey
Krenuli smo na put u zoru.

krenuti na posao: to set off to work
Krenuću na posao za deset minuta.

krenuti u školu: to set off to school
Deca su krenula u školu pre pola sata.

krenuti sa radom: to start working
Projekat je krenuo sa radom prošle nedelje.

Nuances and Advanced Uses

Expressing Intent and Future Actions

When expressing future intentions, krenuti is often used to indicate a planned start, whereas ići can imply an ongoing action in the future.

Planiram krenuti sa učenjem večeras.
Planiram krenuti sa učenjem večeras.

ići can also be used to indicate future actions, but it often requires additional context to specify the future aspect.

Ići ću u biblioteku kasnije.

Expressing Urgency or Immediate Action

krenuti can be used to express urgency or immediacy, emphasizing the need to start an action right away.

Moramo krenuti odmah!
Moramo krenuti odmah!

ići does not carry the same sense of immediacy and is used more for general statements.

Idemo kad budemo spremni.

Combining with Other Verbs and Prepositions

Both ići and krenuti can be combined with other verbs and prepositions to create more complex expressions.

ići da: to go to do something
Idem da kupim hleb.

krenuti da: to set off to do something
Krenuo je da se nađe sa prijateljem.

ići kroz: to go through
Idemo kroz park.

krenuti ka: to set off towards
Krenuli smo ka planinama.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Learners

Mixing Up ići and krenuti

One common mistake is using ići when you actually mean krenuti, and vice versa. Remember, ići is for general movement, while krenuti is for starting a journey.

Incorrect: *Idem na put rano ujutru.*
Correct: Krenem na put rano ujutru.

Incorrect: *Krenem u školu svaki dan.*
Correct: Idem u školu svaki dan.

Conjugation Errors

Another common mistake is incorrect conjugation of these irregular verbs. Practice their conjugations regularly to avoid errors.

Incorrect: *On idem na posao.*
Correct: On ide na posao.

Incorrect: *Oni krenem kasno.*
Correct: Oni krenu kasno.

Aspect Confusion

Understanding the perfective and imperfective aspects can be tricky. Always consider whether the action is ongoing or completed to choose the correct verb.

Incorrect: *Krenem u kupovinu svake subote.*
Correct: Idem u kupovinu svake subote.

Incorrect: *Idem na put prošle nedelje.*
Correct: Krenuo sam na put prošle nedelje.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding, try these practice exercises:

1. Translate the following sentences into Serbian, using either ići or krenuti:
a. I am going to the store.
b. They set off on a journey last night.
c. We go to school every day.
d. She is setting off to work now.

2. Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense:
a. ići (for all pronouns)
b. krenuti (for all pronouns)

3. Create sentences using these phrases:
a. ići kući
b. krenuti na put
c. ići u kupovinu
d. krenuti sa radom

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between ići and krenuti is essential for effective communication in Serbian. While both verbs deal with movement, their specific uses and nuances set them apart. By understanding their conjugations, aspects, and contexts, you can avoid common mistakes and speak Serbian more fluently. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find these verbs becoming a natural part of your vocabulary.