When you're just starting out with Croatian, words like "zaposlen" are super useful. This word is an adjective, and it means either 'busy' or 'employed'. You'll often hear it when people talk about their work or how much they have to do.
It's important to know that adjectives in Croatian change their endings depending on the gender and number of the noun they describe. For "zaposlen," you'll commonly see forms like "zaposlena" for feminine nouns (like a busy woman) or "zaposleno" for neuter nouns.
Mastering these basic adjectives helps you describe everyday situations and people, which is a key part of reaching an A1 level in Croatian. Keep an eye out for these changes as you learn new words!
When talking about being busy in Croatian, you can use the adjective zaposlen. For example, if you want to say “I am busy,” you would say Ja sam zaposlen (if you are male) or Ja sam zaposlena (if you are female). This word can also mean 'employed,' so if you hear someone say On je zaposlen u banci, it means “He is employed at a bank.” The context usually makes the meaning clear.
§ What does 'zaposlen' mean and when is it used?
The Croatian word 'zaposlen' is an adjective that you'll hear quite a bit in everyday conversation. It's one of those words that has a couple of related but distinct meanings, similar to how we use certain words in English. The core idea behind 'zaposlen' revolves around being occupied or engaged in something. Most commonly, it translates to 'busy' or 'employed'. Understanding these nuances will help you use it correctly and sound more natural when speaking Croatian.
Let's break down its two main uses. Firstly, 'zaposlen' is used to describe someone who is busy. This could be busy with work, with a project, with errands, or anything that takes up their time and attention. Think of it like saying, 'I'm busy right now' or 'He's very busy today'. It's a straightforward way to communicate that someone doesn't have free time because they are occupied.
- DEFINITION
- To describe a state of being occupied or engaged in an activity, especially work or tasks.
For example, if your Croatian friend calls you and asks if you want to grab coffee, and you're in the middle of something, you might say, 'Žao mi je, ali sam zaposlen.' This means, 'I'm sorry, but I'm busy.' It's a polite and common way to decline an invitation when you're occupied. This use of 'zaposlen' is very practical and you'll find yourself using it often once you get the hang of it.
Danas sam jako zaposlen.
- HINT
- Today I am very busy.
The second primary meaning of 'zaposlen' is 'employed'. This is about having a job or being in active employment. So, if someone asks you if you have a job, or if you're working, you would use 'zaposlen' to answer. It's a direct way to state your employment status. This meaning is also incredibly important for daily conversations, especially when getting to know new people or discussing careers.
- DEFINITION
- To describe someone who has a job or is currently working for an employer.
For instance, if you're filling out a form or having a conversation where your work status comes up, you might say, 'Da, ja sam zaposlen.' This means, 'Yes, I am employed.' It's a clear and concise way to communicate that you have a job. In this context, it's not about being occupied at the moment, but rather about having a steady job.
Jesi li zaposlen?
- HINT
- Are you employed? / Are you busy?
It's crucial to remember that 'zaposlen' is an adjective, which means it will change its ending to agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes. For example:
- For a masculine singular noun (like a man): zaposlen (e.g., On je zaposlen. - He is busy/employed.)
- For a feminine singular noun (like a woman): zaposlena (e.g., Ona je zaposlena. - She is busy/employed.)
- For a neuter singular noun (like a child): zaposleno (e.g., Dijete je zaposleno igrom. - The child is busy with play.)
- For masculine plural nouns: zaposleni (e.g., Oni su zaposleni. - They are busy/employed.)
- For feminine plural nouns: zaposlene (e.g., Žene su zaposlene. - The women are busy/employed.)
- For neuter plural nouns: zaposlena (e.g., Djeca su zaposlena. - The children are busy.)
In summary, 'zaposlen' is a highly versatile and practical word that you'll use frequently. Whether you're talking about someone's schedule or their job status, 'zaposlen' covers both scenarios effectively. Practice using it in different contexts, and pay attention to the gender and number agreements, and you'll master this word in no time.
§ Understanding 'zaposlen'
The Croatian adjective 'zaposlen' (CEFR A1) is pretty useful because it can mean two slightly different things, depending on the context: 'busy' or 'employed'. Knowing which one it is helps you understand Croatian speakers better.
§ 'Zaposlen' meaning 'busy'
When 'zaposlen' means 'busy', it describes someone who has a lot to do, or is occupied with something. It's often used in everyday conversations to explain why someone can't do something or why they are unavailable.
Danas sam jako zaposlen.
- Translation hint
- I am very busy today.
Jesi li zaposlen sutra?
- Translation hint
- Are you busy tomorrow?
§ 'Zaposlen' meaning 'employed'
The second meaning of 'zaposlen' is 'employed', as in having a job. This is also a very common usage, especially when talking about work status or professions.
On je zaposlen u banci.
- Translation hint
- He is employed at a bank.
Jesu li tvoji roditelji zaposleni?
- Translation hint
- Are your parents employed?
§ Grammar notes: Gender and number
Like most Croatian adjectives, 'zaposlen' changes its ending to match the noun it describes in gender and number. Here are the basic forms you'll encounter:
- Masculine singular: zaposlen (e.g., On je zaposlen. - He is busy/employed.)
- Feminine singular: zaposlena (e.g., Ona je zaposlena. - She is busy/employed.)
- Neuter singular: zaposleno (e.g., Dijete je zaposleno. - The child is busy/occupied.)
- Plural (all genders): zaposleni (e.g., Oni su zaposleni. - They are busy/employed.)
§ Common prepositions with 'zaposlen'
When 'zaposlen' means 'employed', you'll often see it used with the preposition 'u' (in) to indicate where someone is employed.
Moj brat je zaposlen u školi.
- Translation hint
- My brother is employed in a school.
Ona je zaposlena u turizmu.
- Translation hint
- She is employed in tourism.
How Formal Is It?
"Trenutno sam vrlo zaposlen. (I am currently very busy.)"
"Danas sam zauzet, ne mogu ići s tobom. (I'm busy today, I can't go with you.)"
"Stvarno sam u gužvi ovih dana. (I'm really swamped these days.)"
"Mama nema vremena za igranje. (Mommy doesn't have time to play.)"
"Dečki su u akciji s novim projektom. (The guys are 'in action' with the new project.)"
Wusstest du?
The root 'poslati' means 'to send', so 'zaposlen' literally means 'sent upon' or 'commissioned', implying someone is occupied with a task.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Short and straightforward word.
No complex spelling rules.
Easy to pronounce for English speakers.
Clear pronunciation.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Beispiele nach Niveau
Ja sam zaposlen.
I am busy.
Masculine singular form of 'zaposlen'.
Ona je zaposlena.
She is busy.
Feminine singular form of 'zaposlen'.
Mi smo zaposleni.
We are busy.
Masculine plural form of 'zaposlen'.
On je zaposlen u uredu.
He is employed in the office.
Used to describe being employed somewhere.
Jeste li zaposleni?
Are you busy? (formal/plural)
Question form. 'Jeste li' is 'are you'.
Danas sam jako zaposlen.
Today I am very busy.
'Jako' means 'very'.
Moja majka je zaposlena kao učiteljica.
My mother is employed as a teacher.
Used with 'kao' (as) to indicate a profession.
Nisam zaposlen.
I am not busy.
'Nisam' is 'I am not'.
U potrazi za srećom, često se nađemo zaposleni traganjem za nečim što nam je već pred nosom.
In the search for happiness, we often find ourselves busy searching for something that is already under our nose.
Moderni čovjek je neprestano zaposlen, žonglirajući između karijere, obitelji i osobnih ambicija, rijetko pronalazeći trenutak za istinski predah.
Modern man is constantly busy, juggling between career, family, and personal ambitions, rarely finding a moment for true rest.
Njegova strastvena predanost poslu značila je da je uvijek bio zaposlen novim projektima, unatoč tome što je već bio na rubu izgaranja.
His passionate dedication to work meant he was always busy with new projects, despite already being on the verge of burnout.
Često se pitam jesmo li istinski produktivni ili samo vječno zaposleni ispunjavanjem tuđih očekivanja.
I often wonder if we are truly productive or just eternally busy fulfilling others' expectations.
Iako je bila zaposlena majka troje djece, pronašla je vremena za volonterski rad u lokalnoj zajednici, pokazujući nevjerojatnu snagu i organizacijske sposobnosti.
Although she was a busy mother of three, she found time for volunteer work in the local community, demonstrating incredible strength and organizational skills.
Vlada je zaposlena rješavanjem gorućih socijalnih pitanja, ali napredak je spor i izazovan.
The government is busy addressing pressing social issues, but progress is slow and challenging.
Umjetnik je bio toliko zaposlen svojom kreacijom da je zaboravio na svijet oko sebe, uronjen u dubine svog imaginarnog svemira.
The artist was so busy with his creation that he forgot about the world around him, immersed in the depths of his imaginary universe.
U digitalnom dobu, čini se da smo svi kronično zaposleni odgovaranjem na e-mailove i poruke, gubeći dodir s prisutnošću i autentičnom interakcijom.
In the digital age, it seems we are all chronically busy responding to emails and messages, losing touch with presence and authentic interaction.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Wortherkunft
Proto-Slavic
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: *po-sъlati (to send, to commission)
Indo-EuropeanKultureller Kontext
When Croatians say they are 'zaposlen', it usually implies they are busy with work or have a job. It's a common and practical term. While it can mean 'busy' in a general sense, its primary use often relates to professional occupation.
Teste dich selbst 18 Fragen
Choose the best translation for 'Ana je vrlo zaposlena.'
'Zaposlena' in this context means busy.
Which sentence means 'My father is employed'?
'Zaposlen' can also mean employed, especially when referring to work.
If you are 'zaposlen', what are you likely doing?
To be 'zaposlen' often implies being occupied with work or tasks.
The word 'zaposlen' can mean both 'busy' and 'employed'.
Yes, 'zaposlen' is a versatile word that can describe someone who is actively occupied or has a job.
If someone says 'Danas sam zaposlen', it means they are free today.
'Danas sam zaposlen' means 'Today I am busy', indicating they are not free.
The feminine form of 'zaposlen' is 'zaposlena'.
Like many Croatian adjectives, 'zaposlen' changes its ending to agree with the gender of the noun. 'Zaposlena' is the feminine form.
This sentence means 'He was so busy yesterday that he didn't have time to eat lunch.' It uses 'zaposlen' in the context of being occupied.
This sentence means 'Due to the new project, all employees worked overtime.' Here, 'zaposleni' is used as a noun meaning 'employees'.
This sentence translates to 'Despite the fact that he is very busy, he always finds time for his family.' It shows 'zaposlen' describing someone who is occupied.
Choose the best translation for 'zaposlen' in the context of someone having many tasks to do:
In this context, 'zaposlen' refers to being occupied with many tasks, which translates to 'busy.'
Which sentence uses 'zaposlen' correctly to describe someone with a job?
The phrase 'u velikoj tvrtki' indicates a workplace, making 'employed' the correct meaning for 'zaposlen' here.
Which of the following is an antonym for 'zaposlen' when it means 'busy'?
'Slobodan' means 'free' or 'available,' which is the opposite of being busy.
If someone says 'Danas sam jako zaposlen,' it means they have a lot of free time.
'Jako zaposlen' means 'very busy,' implying a lack of free time.
The word 'zaposlen' can be used to describe someone who works for a company.
Yes, 'zaposlen' can mean 'employed,' referring to someone with a job.
You would use 'zaposlen' to describe a person who is relaxing on vacation.
No, 'zaposlen' implies being busy or employed, not relaxing. 'Nezaposlen' (unemployed) or 'slobodan' (free) would be more appropriate for someone relaxing.
/ 18 correct
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