Significado
To delay something intentionally
Contexto cultural
In Croatian bureaucracy, 'kupiti vrijeme' is a common tactic. If you lack a document, you might ask for a 'rok' (deadline extension) to buy time. The 'pomalo' lifestyle often looks like buying time to outsiders, but it's actually a different philosophy of time entirely. Croatians value directness but also appreciate 'snalažljivost' (resourcefulness). Buying time is seen as a clever way to handle pressure. In Croatian football, 'kupovanje vremena' (stalling) near the end of the match is a common, if controversial, tactic.
Use it in negotiations
If you need to think, say: 'Moram malo razmisliti da kupim vrijeme.' It sounds professional.
Don't overdo it
If you 'kupuješ vrijeme' too much, people will think you are lazy or unprepared.
Significado
To delay something intentionally
Use it in negotiations
If you need to think, say: 'Moram malo razmisliti da kupim vrijeme.' It sounds professional.
Don't overdo it
If you 'kupuješ vrijeme' too much, people will think you are lazy or unprepared.
Aspect matters
Use 'kupovati' (imperfective) if you are describing the *act* of stalling as it happens.
The 'Kava' trick
In Croatia, asking for a coffee break is the most common way to buy time.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Marko ne zna odgovor, pa pokušava ______ vrijeme.
The idiom is 'kupiti vrijeme'.
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Oni stalno kupuju ______.
'Vrijeme' is neuter and stays the same in the accusative case.
Which situation best describes 'kupovanje vremena'?
A) Running a marathon. B) Asking a lot of questions to delay a test. C) Buying a new watch.
Asking questions to delay a test is a classic example of buying time.
Complete the dialogue.
Šef: 'Želim izvještaj odmah!' Ti: 'Samo trenutak, moram...'
Saying you need to check one more thing is a way to buy time.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMarko ne zna odgovor, pa pokušava ______ vrijeme.
The idiom is 'kupiti vrijeme'.
Oni stalno kupuju ______.
'Vrijeme' is neuter and stays the same in the accusative case.
A) Running a marathon. B) Asking a lot of questions to delay a test. C) Buying a new watch.
Asking questions to delay a test is a classic example of buying time.
Šef: 'Želim izvještaj odmah!' Ti: 'Samo trenutak, moram...'
Saying you need to check one more thing is a way to buy time.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, the idiom only works with the word 'vrijeme'.
Not at all! It's often a smart strategy in business and law.
The opposite would be 'požuriti' (to hurry) or 'izgubiti vrijeme' (to waste time).
You say 'Kupujem vrijeme'.
Yes, if you are avoiding a serious question from a partner.
Similar, but 'buying time' is usually more strategic and purposeful.
Yes, Serbian and Bosnian use the exact same phrase.
Yes: 'Kupio sam mu malo vremena' (I bought him some time).
Younger people might say 'zavlačiti' (to drag someone along).
Frases relacionadas
Dobiti na vremenu
similarTo gain time
Odugovlačiti
synonymTo stall/procrastinate
Uštedjeti vrijeme
contrastTo save time
Gubiti vrijeme
contrastTo waste time
Trka s vremenom
builds onRace against time
