Signification
The physical act of opening a door.
Contexte culturel
The 'Propuh' Myth: Opening two doors or windows at once creates a draft that many Croatians believe causes illness. You will often be told to close the door immediately. Hospitality: An 'open door' policy is common among neighbors. It's not unusual for people to drop by without calling, though this is changing in urban areas. The Threshold: It is considered bad luck to shake hands or give things to someone over the threshold of a door. You should step inside or the other person should step out. Security: In cities like Zagreb, 'protuprovalna vrata' (security doors) are standard in apartments, and the phrase 'otvoriti vrata' now often involves an intercom (parafon).
Plural Power
Always remember 'vrata' is plural. If you say 'vrato', people will understand but it sounds very 'broken'.
The Propuh Rule
In Croatia, never leave a door and a window open at the same time if a local is in the room. They will think they are getting sick!
Signification
The physical act of opening a door.
Plural Power
Always remember 'vrata' is plural. If you say 'vrato', people will understand but it sounds very 'broken'.
The Propuh Rule
In Croatia, never leave a door and a window open at the same time if a local is in the room. They will think they are getting sick!
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'otvoriti' for a single act (Open the door now!) and 'otvarati' for a habit (I open the door every morning).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'otvoriti' in the present tense.
Ja ______ vrata gostima.
The subject is 'Ja' (I), so the verb ending must be '-im'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct plural agreement:
'Vrata' is a neuter plural noun, so the verb is 'su' and the adjective ends in '-a'.
Match the Croatian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four most common actions associated with doors.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: Vani je jako hladno! B: Oprosti, odmah ću ______.
If it's cold outside, you should close the door.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Things you can 'Otvoriti'
Physical
- • Vrata (Door)
- • Prozor (Window)
- • Knjiga (Book)
- • Boca (Bottle)
Abstract
- • Srce (Heart)
- • Duša (Soul)
- • Mogućnosti (Possibilities)
- • Firma (Company)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJa ______ vrata gostima.
The subject is 'Ja' (I), so the verb ending must be '-im'.
Choose the correct plural agreement:
'Vrata' is a neuter plural noun, so the verb is 'su' and the adjective ends in '-a'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four most common actions associated with doors.
A: Vani je jako hladno! B: Oprosti, odmah ću ______.
If it's cold outside, you should close the door.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, even if there is only one door. It's like the word 'scissors' or 'pants' in English.
Yes! 'Otvoriti bocu vina' is perfectly correct.
'Otvoriti' is the act of moving the door. 'Otključati' is the act of using the key to release the lock.
You say 'Vrata su otvorena'.
Yes, it is considered a sign of traditional politeness (gentlemanly behavior).
Yes, 'otvoriti račun u banci' is the standard phrase.
It means 'to open one's soul'—to talk deeply about your feelings.
It's a common saying that means 'Close the door, we aren't in a church' (where doors are often left open).
Not really, but people might refer to the 'ulaz' (entrance) instead.
Automatska vrata.
Expressions liées
zatvoriti vrata
contrastTo close the door
otključati vrata
similarTo unlock the door
pokucati na vrata
builds onTo knock on the door
širom otvoriti vrata
specialized formTo open the doors wide
pred vratima
similarAt the door / Imminent
