When learning Croatian, one of the fundamental aspects you will encounter is the distinction between new and used items. This difference is expressed using the words novi and korišten. Understanding how to use these words correctly is essential for clear and effective communication. In this article, we will delve into the meanings and usage of these words, provide relevant vocabulary, and give example sentences to help solidify your understanding.

Understanding the Basics: Novi and Korišten

Novi – This word means “new” in Croatian. It is used to describe items that are fresh, unused, or recently created.
Kupio sam novi auto.

Korišten – This word means “used” in Croatian. It describes items that have been previously owned or utilized.
Kupio sam korišteni bicikl.

Related Vocabulary

Stanje – This word translates to “condition” in English. It’s often used to describe the physical state of an item, whether it’s new or used.
Stanje ovog računala je odlično.

Rabljeno – Similar to korišten, this word means “second-hand” or “used.”
On je kupio rabljeni mobitel.

Potpuno – This word means “completely” or “entirely.” It’s often used to emphasize the newness or completeness of an item.
Auto je potpuno nov.

Očuvan – This word means “well-preserved” or “in good condition.” It’s often used to describe used items that are still in good shape.
Ovaj stari stol je vrlo očuvan.

Polovan – This word also means “second-hand” or “used,” similar to rabljeno.
Polovan namještaj može biti dobar izbor.

Practical Usage of Novi and Korišten

When shopping or describing items, it’s crucial to know how to ask if something is new or used. Here are some examples:

Je li ovo novo? – This question means “Is this new?” in English. It’s a straightforward way to inquire about the condition of an item.
Je li ovo novo ili korišteno?

Koliko je staro? – This means “How old is it?” It’s a useful question when you’re considering buying a used item and want to know its age.
Koliko je staro ovo računalo?

Common Phrases with Novi and Korišten

Here are some common phrases that use novi and korišten:

Nova godina – This means “New Year.” It’s a common phrase used to celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year.
Sretna Nova godina!

Novi početak – This means “new beginning.” It’s often used to describe a fresh start or a new chapter in life.
Ovo je novi početak za mene.

Korišten auto – This means “used car.” It’s a common phrase you’ll hear when discussing vehicles that are not new.
Razmišljam o kupnji korištenog auta.

Korištena roba – This means “used goods.” It’s a general term for items that have been previously owned.
U trgovini prodaju korištenu robu.

Adjectives and Agreement

In Croatian, adjectives must agree with the nouns they describe in gender, number, and case. Here’s how novi and korišten change based on the noun:

Nov – masculine singular
Ovo je nov mobitel.

Nova – feminine singular
Ovo je nova knjiga.

Novo – neuter singular
Ovo je novo računalo.

Korišten – masculine singular
Ovo je korišten auto.

Korištena – feminine singular
Ovo je korištena torba.

Korišteno – neuter singular
Ovo je korišteno računalo.

Expressions to Describe Newness or Usage

Potpuno novi – This means “brand new.” It emphasizes that something is completely new.
Kupio sam potpuno novi bicikl.

Jedva korišten – This means “barely used.” It implies that something has been used very little.
Ovaj mobitel je jedva korišten.

Iz druge ruke – This means “second-hand.” It’s a common way to describe used items.
Kupio sam knjige iz druge ruke.

Skoro novi – This means “almost new.” It suggests that an item has been used but is still in excellent condition.
Ovaj auto je skoro novi.

Obnovljen – This means “refurbished.” It describes items that have been restored to good condition.
Kupio sam obnovljeno računalo.

Shopping for New and Used Items

When shopping, knowing how to describe the condition of items is crucial. Here are some useful phrases:

Gdje mogu pronaći nove proizvode? – This means “Where can I find new products?” It’s useful when you’re looking for new items in a store.
Gdje mogu pronaći nove proizvode u ovoj trgovini?

Ima li popusta na korištene stvari? – This means “Are there any discounts on used items?” A handy question when you’re bargain hunting.
Ima li popusta na korištene stvari ovdje?

Describing the Condition of Items

When describing items, it’s important to be specific about their condition. Here are some phrases that can help:

Ovo je potpuno novo. – This means “This is brand new.” It’s a straightforward way to emphasize the newness of an item.
Ovo je potpuno novo i nikad korišteno.

Ovo je dobro očuvano. – This means “This is well-preserved.” It’s useful for describing used items that are still in good condition.
Ovo je dobro očuvano unatoč starosti.

Ovo je staro ali funkcionalno. – This means “This is old but functional.” It’s a balanced way to describe older items that still work well.
Ovo je staro ali funkcionalno, može se još koristiti.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of novi and korišten in Croatian is a significant step in becoming proficient in the language. These words are essential for everyday conversations, especially when shopping or describing items. By familiarizing yourself with related vocabulary and common phrases, you can communicate more effectively and confidently in Croatian.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Try to use these words in your daily conversations and gradually incorporate the related vocabulary and phrases. Whether you are talking about a novi car or a korišten book, knowing how to accurately describe the condition of items will enhance your language skills and help you interact more naturally with native speakers.

Happy learning!