Signification
The state of owning a pet dog.
Contexte culturel
In Zagreb, having a dog is a social ticket. People often meet in 'dog parks' or at 'nasip' (the Sava river embankment). It is very common to see dogs in cafes. Traditionally, dogs were for hunting or guarding. While this has changed, you might still see more working breeds in the hinterland (Zagora). Dogs are often kept in yards ('dvorište') rather than inside the house. The phrase 'imati psa' here might imply a guard dog for the property. There is a massive trend of 'udomljavanje' (adopting). Saying 'Imam psa iz azila' (I have a dog from a shelter) carries significant social prestige.
The Animate Rule
Always remember that for living things (men and animals), the object ending is '-a'.
Don't say 'Imam pas'
This is the most common beginner mistake. It sounds like 'I have dog' without the proper grammar.
Signification
The state of owning a pet dog.
The Animate Rule
Always remember that for living things (men and animals), the object ending is '-a'.
Don't say 'Imam pas'
This is the most common beginner mistake. It sounds like 'I have dog' without the proper grammar.
Use Diminutives
If you want to sound like a local in Zagreb, say 'Imam peseka'. It's much more friendly.
Dog in the Cafe
If you see a dog in a cafe, it's polite to ask 'Smijem li ga pomaziti?' (May I pet him?) after saying you also have a dog.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'pas'.
Ja imam ____.
After the verb 'imati', the masculine animate noun 'pas' must be in the accusative case, which is 'psa'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
'Oni' (they) requires the verb form 'imaju', and 'pas' must be in the accusative 'psa'.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: Imate li kućnog ljubimca? Vi: Da, ____.
The natural response uses the conjugated verb 'imam' followed by the object 'psa'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a party and want to talk about your life.
'Imam psa' is the standard way to share this personal fact.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Animate vs Inanimate Accusative
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJa imam ____.
After the verb 'imati', the masculine animate noun 'pas' must be in the accusative case, which is 'psa'.
Select the correct sentence:
'Oni' (they) requires the verb form 'imaju', and 'pas' must be in the accusative 'psa'.
Ana: Imate li kućnog ljubimca? Vi: Da, ____.
The natural response uses the conjugated verb 'imam' followed by the object 'psa'.
You are at a party and want to talk about your life.
'Imam psa' is the standard way to share this personal fact.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, in Croatian, 'Imam psa' already means 'I have a dog'. Using 'jedan' is only for emphasis.
You say 'Imam psicu'. The word for female dog is 'psica'.
You say 'Nemam psa'. Note that 'nemam' also takes the genitive/accusative 'psa'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes! 'Imam mačku' (I have a cat), 'Imam papigu' (I have a parrot).
The plural is 'Imam pse' (I have dogs).
The 'a' in 'pas' is 'nepostojano' (fleeting). It disappears when you add endings.
Many restaurants with terraces allow dogs, and some indoor ones too. Always look for the 'Pet Friendly' sticker.
Ask 'Imate li psa?' (formal/plural) or 'Imaš li psa?' (informal).
It is 'štene'. To say 'I have a puppy', you say 'Imam štene'.
Only in small talk. In a contract, you would see 'vlasnik psa'.
No, it means ownership. To say you are holding it, use 'držim psa'.
Many dogs are called 'Rex', 'Bobi', or 'Luna'.
It's better to say 'Živim sa psom' (I live with a dog).
Expressions liées
Šetati psa
builds onTo walk the dog
Hraniti psa
builds onTo feed the dog
Udomiti psa
specialized formTo adopt a dog
Čuvati psa
similarTo look after a dog
Izgubiti psa
contrastTo lose a dog
Voljeti pse
similarTo love dogs
