This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 verb 13 min read

imati

Examples imati in 30 Seconds
Explanation imati in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'imati' is primarily used to express basic possession and age. Students learn the present tense conjugation (imam, imaš, ima, imamo, imate, imaju) and how to form simple sentences like 'Imam psa' (I have a dog) or 'Imam brata' (I have a brother). This level also introduces the concept that the object of the verb must be in the accusative case. Learners are taught to ask simple questions using 'imaš li' and to use the third-person singular 'ima' to mean 'there is'. The negation 'nemam' is also introduced early as a vital survival word. The focus is on concrete objects and immediate surroundings, such as family members, pets, and personal items.
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'imati' to include physical states and more abstract concepts like time and money. They begin to use 'imati' for medical conditions, such as 'Imam temperaturu' (I have a fever). The 'genitive of negation' is introduced more formally, where 'nemam' is followed by the genitive case (e.g., 'Nemam vremena'). Learners also start using 'imati' in the past tense ('imao sam') and future tense ('imat ću'). They learn to handle the case changes that occur after numbers (e.g., 'Imam dvije sestre' vs 'Imam pet sestara'). The focus shifts from just 'owning' things to describing one's state and schedule.
Sign up free to read full explanation
By the B1 level, students use 'imati' in a variety of idiomatic expressions and more complex sentence structures. They become comfortable with phrases like 'imati pravo' (to be right/have a right) and 'imati na umu' (to keep in mind). The existential 'ima' is used more naturally in descriptions of places and situations. Learners also start to differentiate between 'imati' and its more formal synonyms like 'posjedovati'. They can discuss their plans and goals using 'imati za cilj' or 'imati namjeru'. The use of 'imati' with abstract nouns like 'iskustvo' (experience) or 'povjerenje' (trust) becomes more frequent, allowing for more nuanced conversations about feelings and professional life.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, 'imati' is used to convey subtle meanings and is integrated into complex grammatical constructions. Learners understand the use of 'imati' in the conditional mood ('imao bih') to express hypothetical situations. They can use the verb to discuss social and political issues, such as 'imati utjecaj' (to have influence) or 'imati odgovornost' (to have responsibility). The distinction between 'imati' and 'raspolagati' (to have at one's disposal) is mastered. Students are also aware of regional variations and informal uses of the verb. They can write longer texts where 'imati' helps to structure arguments and present facts about the existence of certain phenomena in society.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, the learner uses 'imati' with high precision and stylistic variety. They are familiar with literary and formal uses, such as 'imati u vidu' (to take into account) in legal or academic writing. The verb is used to express complex philosophical or abstract existence. C1 learners can use 'imati' to describe historical developments or systemic structures, such as 'sustav ima tendenciju' (the system has a tendency). They are also adept at using the verb in passive-like constructions and can recognize its use in classical Croatian literature. The focus is on achieving a native-like flow, where 'imati' is one of many tools used to create sophisticated and persuasive discourse.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, 'imati' is used with complete mastery of all its nuances, including archaic and highly specialized meanings. The learner can appreciate the etymological roots of the verb and its relationship to other Slavic languages. They can use 'imati' in complex poetic or rhetorical ways, manipulating the language to evoke specific emotions or emphasize particular points. C2 speakers understand the deepest idiomatic layers, including those that might be obscure or dialect-specific. They can critique texts based on the author's use of such fundamental verbs and can switch between formal, informal, and professional registers with ease, using 'imati' as a versatile anchor for any topic.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

imati in 30 Seconds

  • Imati is the Croatian verb for 'to have', used for ownership, age, and physical traits.
  • The negative form is the irregular verb 'nemati', never 'ne imati'.
  • The third-person singular 'ima' is used to mean 'there is' or 'there are'.
  • Objects of 'imati' take the accusative case, while objects of 'nemati' take the genitive.
The Croatian verb imati is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the Croatian language, serving as the primary way to express possession, existence, and various states of being. At its core, it translates to the English verb 'to have,' but its utility extends far beyond mere ownership. In the Croatian linguistic landscape, imati is used to describe what you own, what you feel, how old you are, and even what exists in a specific location. Unlike English, where 'to be' often handles existential statements (e.g., 'There is a book on the table'), Croatian frequently employs the third-person singular form 'ima' to indicate that something is present. This existential use is a cornerstone of daily communication, making it an essential concept for any beginner to master immediately.
Possession
The most common use is to indicate that someone owns or possesses something. For example, 'Imam novi auto' means 'I have a new car.' In this context, the object being possessed must be in the accusative case.

Danas imamo puno posla u uredu.

Beyond physical objects, imati is used for abstract concepts such as time, luck, or patience. If you want to say you have time, you say 'Imam vremena.' Note that 'vremena' here is in the genitive case because abstract quantities often shift cases in Croatian. Furthermore, the verb is used to express age. While English speakers say 'I am twenty years old,' Croatians say 'Imam dvadeset godina,' literally 'I have twenty years.' This is a major point of confusion for English learners, but it is a strictly followed rule in the Croatian language.
Age and States
To express age, use the construction: Subject + conjugated 'imati' + number + 'godina'. For example, 'Marija ima pet godina' (Marija is five years old).

On ima temperaturu i mora mirovati.

In medical or physical contexts, imati is used to describe symptoms. Instead of saying 'I am feverish,' you would say 'Imam temperaturu' (I have a temperature). This logic extends to having a headache ('Imam glavobolju') or having a cold ('Imam prehladu'). It is also used for characteristics; for instance, if someone has blue eyes, you say 'On ima plave oči.'
Existence
In its impersonal form 'ima', it functions like the English 'there is'. This is extremely common in restaurants or shops when asking if a product is available: 'Imate li kruha?' (Do you have bread? / Is there bread?).

U ovom gradu ima mnogo starih crkava.

Finally, imati appears in numerous idiomatic expressions. To 'have a right' is 'imati pravo,' which can also mean 'to be right' in an argument. If someone is right, you say 'Imaš pravo.' This overlap between possession and truth is a fascinating quirk of the language. Whether you are talking about your family, your possessions, your age, or the existence of things in the world, imati will be your most frequently used tool.
Using imati correctly requires an understanding of both verb conjugation and the Croatian case system. As a regular '-ati' verb, its conjugation in the present tense is straightforward: imam (I have), imaš (you have), ima (he/she/it has), imamo (we have), imate (you plural/formal have), and imaju (they have). The most critical grammatical rule to remember is that the direct object of the verb imati must be in the accusative case. For feminine nouns ending in '-a', this means the ending changes to '-u' (e.g., 'knjiga' becomes 'knjigu'). For masculine nouns, the ending only changes if the noun is animate (living), but for inanimate objects, it remains the same as the nominative.
The Accusative Rule
Whenever you use 'imati' to express possession of a noun, ensure the noun is in the accusative case. Example: 'Imam jabuku' (I have an apple) where 'jabuka' changes to 'jabuku'.

Moja sestra ima veliku kuću na moru.

Another layer of complexity arises with negation. In Croatian, 'imati' becomes 'nemati' in the negative. More importantly, the object of a negated verb often shifts into the genitive case instead of the accusative. This is known as the 'genitive of negation.' For example, 'Imam vremena' (I have time - genitive used for quantity) becomes 'Nemam vremena' (I don't have time - genitive). If you say 'Imam knjigu' (Accusative), the negative is 'Nemam knjige' (Genitive). Mastering this transition is a sign of an advanced learner.
Existential 'Ima'
When using 'ima' to mean 'there is', the subject often follows in the nominative or genitive depending on the quantity. 'Ima vode' (There is some water - genitive) vs 'Ima jedan problem' (There is one problem - nominative).

U hladnjaku ima mlijeka i sira.

Questions are formed by adding the particle 'li' after the conjugated verb or by using the 'da li' construction. 'Imaš li olovku?' or 'Da li imaš olovku?' both mean 'Do you have a pencil?'. In spoken Croatian, intonation alone can also turn a statement into a question. The verb is also essential for compound tenses. While the future tense uses 'htjeti' + infinitive ('Ja ću imati'), the perfect tense uses the auxiliary verb 'biti' + the active past participle ('Ja sam imao' or 'Ja sam imala').
The Future Tense
To say 'I will have', use 'Imat ću'. Notice how the final 'i' of the infinitive is dropped when the clitic 'ću' follows it directly.

Sutra ćemo imati sastanak u deset sati.

In more formal writing, imati can be used in the passive sense or in constructions like 'imati za cilj' (to have as a goal). It is a versatile verb that adapts to the level of formality required. Whether in a casual conversation or a legal document, the core mechanics of conjugation and case government remain the same, providing a stable foundation for your Croatian sentence building.
You will hear imati in almost every interaction in Croatia, from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. In a typical Croatian 'kafić' (café), the waiter might ask, 'Što ćete imati?' (What will you have?), or you might ask a friend, 'Imaš li sitnog?' (Do you have any change?). It is the language of transactions and social bonds. In the marketplace, vendors will shout about what they 'have' today: 'Imamo svježe jagode!' (We have fresh strawberries!). The word is ubiquitous because it covers the basic human need to identify what is present and what belongs to whom.
Daily Socializing
When meeting friends, you'll hear 'Ima li što novo?' (Is there anything new?) or 'Imaš li vremena za kavu?' (Do you have time for a coffee?). It's the standard way to check availability and status.

Konobar, imate li možda čašu vode?

In professional settings, imati is used to discuss resources, deadlines, and responsibilities. A boss might say, 'Imate rok do petka' (You have a deadline until Friday). On the news, anchors use 'ima' to report on the existence of events: 'Ima mnogo ozlijeđenih' (There are many injured). This existential 'ima' is also common in weather reports or traffic updates: 'Na cestama ima poledice' (There is ice on the roads). It serves as a neutral reporter of reality.
In the Shop
When looking for something specific, you ask: 'Imate li ovaj model u plavoj boji?' (Do you have this model in blue?). The answer is often 'Imamo' (We have) or 'Nemamo' (We don't have).

Ovdje ima previše ljudi, idemo negdje drugdje.

Public transport is another place where this verb shines. You might hear an announcement: 'Vlak ima kašnjenje od deset minuta' (The train has a delay of ten minutes). Or a passenger might ask: 'Ima li slobodnih mjesta?' (Are there any free seats?). In these contexts, imati functions as a bridge between the person and the environment, helping to navigate the logistics of daily life.
Existential Queries
You'll often hear 'Ima li koga?' (Is anyone there?) when someone enters a seemingly empty house or shop. It is the standard way to check for human presence.

Uvijek ima nade za bolju budućnost.

From the abstract hope for the future to the concrete need for a glass of water, imati is the linguistic thread that ties Croatian life together. It is heard in the laughter of children playing, the serious discussions of politicians, and the quiet transactions of the local bakery. Mastery of this word doesn't just give you a verb; it gives you the ability to describe the world as it exists around you in a natural, native-like way.
Even though imati appears simple, English speakers frequently stumble over several key areas. The most common error is using the nominative case for the object of the verb. In English, we say 'I have a book,' and 'book' doesn't change. In Croatian, 'knjiga' must become 'knjigu'. Many learners say 'Imam knjiga' or 'Imam pas,' which sounds very broken to a native speaker. Always remember that imati triggers the accusative case for possession.
Case Confusion
Mistake: 'Imam auto crvena' (Nominative). Correct: 'Imam crveni auto' (Accusative). The adjective must also match the case of the noun.

Nemojte reći 'Ja sam dvadeset godina'. Recite 'Imam dvadeset godina'.

Another major pitfall is the literal translation of the English 'to be' when expressing age or physical states. As mentioned, saying 'Ja sam 25' is incorrect; you must use 'Imam 25 godina.' Similarly, for hunger or thirst, while 'Ja sam gladan' (I am hungry) is correct, you will often hear 'Imam glad' in certain regional dialects or specific expressions, though 'biti gladan' is more standard. However, for 'to be right,' you must use 'imati pravo,' not 'biti u pravu' (though both exist, 'imati pravo' is more common for 'you are right').
The Negation Trap
When you use 'nemati', the object almost always goes into the genitive. Mistake: 'Nemam novac' (Accusative). Correct: 'Nemam novca' (Genitive). This is one of the hardest rules for learners to internalize.

On nema nikakve šanse protiv njih.

Learners also struggle with the existential 'ima'. In English, we change 'there is' to 'there are' for plural objects. In Croatian, the singular 'ima' is used for both! You say 'Ima jedan pas' (There is one dog) and 'Ima pet pasa' (There are five dogs). Using 'imaju' in an existential sense (e.g., 'Imaju pet pasa u parku' to mean 'There are five dogs in the park') is a common error; it would mean 'They have five dogs in the park.'
Quantity and Cases
After numbers 2, 3, and 4, the noun takes the genitive singular. After 5 and above, it takes the genitive plural. 'Imam dvije sestre' vs 'Imam pet sestara'.
Finally, the word order can be tricky when using clitics (short pronouns). In Croatian, the clitic must be in the second position. So, 'I have it' is 'Imam ga,' but 'I don't have it' is 'Nemam ga.' If you add a subject, it becomes 'Ja ga imam.' Beginners often place the pronoun incorrectly based on English logic. By paying attention to these specific case and word order rules, you can avoid the most frequent errors associated with this essential verb.
While imati is the most common way to express 'having,' the Croatian language offers several more specific alternatives depending on the context. If you want to sound more formal or precise, especially regarding legal or permanent ownership, the verb posjedovati is used. This is equivalent to the English 'to possess.' You would use this in a legal document to say someone possesses a property, rather than just 'having' it in a casual sense.
Imati vs. Posjedovati
'Imati' is general and casual. 'Posjedovati' is formal and implies legal ownership. Example: 'On posjeduje nekretninu' (He possesses real estate).

Tvrtka posjeduje licencu za rad.

Another alternative is raspolagati, which means 'to have at one's disposal' or 'to manage.' This is often used with financial resources or time. If you say 'Raspolažem velikim budžetom,' you are saying you have a large budget to work with. It implies a sense of control and management that 'imati' lacks. This verb always takes the instrumental case (raspolagati + s + instrumental or just instrumental depending on the dialect/context, though usually 'raspolagati čime'). In the context of 'containing' something, you might use sadržavati. For example, 'Ova knjiga sadrži mnogo informacija' (This book contains a lot of information). While you could say 'Knjiga ima mnogo informacija,' 'sadrži' is more descriptive and professional. Similarly, obuhvaćati means 'to encompass' or 'to include,' which is useful when describing the scope of a project or a law.
Alternative Verbs
'Dobiti' (to get/receive) is often used when the 'having' is a result of an action. 'Uživati' (to enjoy) can sometimes replace 'imati' when talking about having a good time or privileges.

Izvještaj obuhvaća sve ključne točke.

There is also the construction 'kod mene je' (it is with me), which is often used instead of 'imati' to indicate temporary possession. If someone asks where their keys are, you might say 'Ključevi su kod mene' (The keys are with me) instead of 'Ja imam tvoje ključeve' (I have your keys). This sounds more natural when the object belongs to someone else.
Existential Alternatives
Instead of 'ima', you can use 'postoji' (there exists). 'Postoji rješenje' (There exists a solution) sounds more formal and certain than 'Ima rješenje'.
Understanding these nuances allows you to move beyond basic communication and start expressing subtle differences in meaning. Whether you are managing a budget, possessing a house, or simply holding a coffee, choosing the right verb will make your Croatian sound much more sophisticated and accurate.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Imam psa.

I have a dog.

Psa is in the accusative case.

2

Imaš li olovku?

Do you have a pencil?

Question formed with 'li'.

3

On ima brata.

He has a brother.

Brata is animate accusative.

4

Imamo veliku kuću.

We have a big house.

Accusative feminine adjective and noun.

5

U sobi ima jedan stol.

There is one table in the room.

Existential 'ima'.

6

Imate li vode?

Do you (plural) have water?

Formal or plural use.

7

Ona ima plave oči.

She has blue eyes.

Describing physical traits.

8

Nemam novca.

I don't have money.

Genitive of negation.

1

Imam dvadeset godina.

I am twenty years old.

Use 'imati' for age.

2

Imaš li vremena za kavu?

Do you have time for coffee?

Abstract noun 'vrijeme' in genitive.

3

Danas imamo puno posla.

We have a lot of work today.

Puno + genitive.

4

On ima temperaturu.

He has a fever.

Medical state.

5

U gradu ima mnogo ljudi.

There are many people in the city.

Existential 'ima' with plural.

6

Nemaš pravo na to.

You don't have the right to that.

Negative form with abstract noun.

7

Imali smo dobar vikend.

We had a good weekend.

Past tense 'imali smo'.

8

Imat ću novi posao.

I will have a new job.

Future tense 'imat ću'.

1

Imaš pravo, to je istina.

You are right, that is the truth.

Idiom 'imati pravo'.

2

Imam osjećaj da će padati kiša.

I have a feeling it will rain.

Abstract possession.

3

On ima namjeru putovati svijetom.

He intends to travel the world.

Imati namjeru + infinitive.

4

Imamo povjerenja u tebe.

We have trust in you.

Genitive case for 'povjerenje'.

5

Ima li kakvih pitanja?

Are there any questions?

Existential 'ima' in a formal setting.

6

Nema smisla čekati duže.

It makes no sense to wait longer.

Idiom 'nema smisla'.

7

Imati na umu važne detalje.

To keep important details in mind.

Infinitive phrase.

8

Ova knjiga ima tri poglavlja.

This book has three chapters.

Describing structure.

1

Projekt ima za cilj razvoj sela.

The project aims at rural development.

Formal construction 'imati za cilj'.

2

On ima velik utjecaj na mlade.

He has a great influence on young people.

Abstract influence.

3

Imaš li ikakvu ideju kako ovo riješiti?

Do you have any idea how to solve this?

Abstract noun with 'ikakvu'.

4

Uvijek ima mjesta za napredak.

There is always room for improvement.

Existential 'ima' with abstract 'mjesta'.

5

Film ima duboku poruku.

The film has a deep message.

Describing art.

6

Nema drugog načina.

There is no other way.

Genitive of negation.

7

Imali su sreće što su preživjeli.

They were lucky to have survived.

Imati sreće (to have luck/be lucky).

8

Odluka ima dalekosežne posljedice.

The decision has far-reaching consequences.

Formal context.

1

Moramo imati u vidu sve okolnosti.

We must take all circumstances into account.

Idiom 'imati u vidu'.

2

Njegov rad ima znanstvenu vrijednost.

His work has scientific value.

Academic context.

3

Ima li osnove za tužbu?

Is there a basis for a lawsuit?

Legal existential question.

4

On ima sposobnost brzog učenja.

He has the ability to learn quickly.

Describing cognitive traits.

5

Ova teorija ima svoje nedostatke.

This theory has its flaws.

Critical analysis.

6

Nemamo izbora nego nastaviti.

We have no choice but to continue.

Genitive of negation with 'izbora'.

7

Ima li istine u tim glasinama?

Is there any truth in those rumors?

Existential 'ima' with abstract concept.

8

On ima titulu doktora znanosti.

He holds a Ph.D. title.

Formal status.

1

Njegova poezija ima metafizičku dimenziju.

His poetry has a metaphysical dimension.

Philosophical register.

2

Ima li smisla propitivati postojanje?

Does it make sense to question existence?

Rhetorical existential question.

3

Zakon ima retroaktivno djelovanje.

The law has retroactive effect.

Highly technical legal term.

4

Ona ima neosporan autoritet u struci.

She has an indisputable authority in the profession.

Professional register.

5

Nema te sile koja ga može zaustaviti.

There is no force that can stop him.

Literary emphasis.

6

Imati uvid u povijesne procese.

To have insight into historical processes.

Academic infinitive.

7

Društvo ima moralnu obvezu pomoći.

Society has a moral obligation to help.

Ethical discourse.

8

Ima nečeg tajanstvenog u njegovu pogledu.

There is something mysterious in his gaze.

Nuanced existential 'ima'.

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

imati Serbian
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!