This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 verb 8 min read

deliti

Examples Notes & Tips deliti in 30 Seconds
Explanation deliti in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'deliti' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe social interaction and basic needs. It primarily means 'to share' or 'to give a part of something'. You will use it in very simple sentences like 'Jaz delim jabolko' (I share an apple) or 'Ali deliš igrače?' (Do you share toys?). It is essential for basic politeness and cooperation in a Slovenian-speaking environment. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex mathematical or abstract meanings; focus on physical objects and the preposition 'z' (with). You will mostly use the present tense: delim, deliš, deli, etc. The focus is on the immediate environment—family, friends, and food. It helps you express the idea of not being selfish and participating in a group activity, which is a key part of basic communication.
As an A2 learner, you start to use 'deliti' in more varied contexts. You will encounter it in simple mathematical expressions, such as 'Deset deliti z dva je pet' (Ten divided by two is five). You will also begin to see it in the context of modern technology, specifically sharing photos or posts on social media ('Deliti fotografijo na Instagramu'). At this level, you should be comfortable using 'deliti' in the past tense ('Delil sem malico') and the future tense ('Delil bom svoje mnenje'). You will also start to notice the difference between 'deliti' and its perfective form 'razdeliti', though you might still use them interchangeably. The vocabulary around 'deliti' expands to include nouns like 'del' (part) and 'delitev' (division).
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you move beyond the physical and start using 'deliti' for abstract concepts and more complex social situations. You can 'deliti mnenje' (share an opinion), 'deliti izkušnje' (share experiences), or 'deliti skrbi' (share worries). This allows for deeper conversations about feelings and thoughts. You will also use it to describe workplace scenarios, such as 'deliti si pisarno' (sharing an office) or 'deliti si delo' (sharing the workload). Grammatically, you should be proficient in using the instrumental case correctly after 'z/s'. You will also encounter the reflexive form 'deliti se' in geographical or organizational descriptions, such as 'Pot se tukaj deli' (The road divides here). This level requires a better understanding of when to use 'deliti' versus 'razdeliti' based on the aspect of the action.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, 'deliti' appears in more formal and specialized contexts. You will hear it in news reports concerning the 'delitev premoženja' (division of assets) in legal cases or 'delitev oblasti' (separation of powers) in political science. You should be able to understand and use idiomatic expressions involving 'deliti', such as 'deliti usodo' (to share a fate). Your understanding of the verb should include its role in forming compound words and its usage in different registers, from casual conversation to formal academic writing. You will also start to use more specific synonyms like 'porazdeliti' (to distribute) or 'razvrstiti' (to classify) to provide more precision in your speech. The focus at B2 is on nuance and the ability to describe complex societal divisions.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'deliti'. you can use it to discuss philosophical or sociological divisions in society ('družbena delitev'). You understand the subtle differences between 'deliti', 'razdeliti', 'porazdeliti', and 'razdvojiti'. You can follow complex mathematical or scientific explanations where 'deliti' is used to describe cellular division or advanced calculus. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other Slavic languages. In writing, you use 'deliti' to structure arguments, perhaps discussing how a certain issue 'deli javnost' (divides the public). Your use of the verb is natural, idiomatic, and contextually appropriate across all domains of life.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, 'deliti' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it in literary contexts to create metaphors about the human condition or the passage of time. You have a mastery of all its forms, including rare archaic uses or highly technical legal terminology. You can debate the nuances of 'delitev dela' (division of labor) from an economic perspective or the 'delitev celic' (mitosis) from a biological one. You are indistinguishable from a native speaker in how you handle the verb's aspectual pairs and its interaction with various cases and prepositions. You can also play with the word in puns or creative writing, fully aware of its multiple layers of meaning and cultural resonance in Slovenia.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples Notes & Tips

deliti in 30 Seconds

  • Deliti means to share or divide, covering everything from food to math.
  • It is an imperfective verb, focusing on the ongoing action of distribution.
  • It requires the Instrumental case when sharing 'with' someone (z/s + noun).
  • It is also the standard verb for 'sharing' content on social media platforms.

The Slovenian verb deliti is a fundamental pillar of the language, primarily conveying the act of giving a portion of something to another person or separating a whole into smaller parts. At its simplest A1 level, it represents the physical act of sharing food or toys. However, as one progresses, the word expands into the realms of mathematics, social media, and abstract philosophy. It is an imperfective verb, meaning it focuses on the process of sharing or a habitual action rather than a one-time completed result.

Physical Sharing
This is the most common use among beginners. Whether you are at a dinner table or in a classroom, 'deliti' is the go-to word for distributing items. It implies a sense of community and generosity, often used with the preposition 'z' (with) and the instrumental case.
Mathematical Division
In a classroom setting, 'deliti' is the standard term for the operation of division. If you are calculating how many times one number fits into another, you are 'sharing' that number into segments. For example, 'deset deliti z dve' (ten divided by two).
Digital Context
In the modern era, 'deliti' has become the standard translation for 'to share' on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. When you click the share button on a post, you are performing the action of 'deliti objavo'.

Otroci se morajo naučiti deliti svoje igrače z drugimi.

The cultural nuance of 'deliti' in Slovenia often touches upon the values of solidarity. Because Slovenia is a small, tight-knit community, the concept of sharing resources is deeply embedded in the social fabric. You will hear this word used frequently in news reports regarding the 'delitev premoženja' (division of assets) or 'delitev mnenj' (division of opinions/disagreement). It is not always positive; it can also describe a split or a rift between groups.

Ali lahko deliš svojo malico z mano?

Abstract Concepts
Beyond physical objects, you can share 'usodo' (fate), 'skrbi' (worries), or 'veselje' (joy). This usage is common in literature and heartfelt conversations, highlighting a shared human experience.

Rada delim svoje misli o tej knjigi.

Učitelj deli liste papirja učencem.

Matematika nas uči, kako pravilno deliti števila.

Using 'deliti' correctly requires understanding its grammatical valence—which cases it triggers and which prepositions follow it. The most basic pattern is deliti [koga/kaj - Accusative]. For example, 'deliti jabolko' (to share an apple). If you are sharing it *with* someone, you add z [kom/čim - Instrumental]. If you are dividing something *into* parts, you use na [koga/kaj - Accusative].

The 'With' Construction
When you share an experience or an object with a partner, you use 'z' (or 's' depending on the following letter). Example: 'Delim sobo s sestro' (I share a room with my sister). This implies a continuous state of sharing.
The 'Into' Construction
When dividing a physical object into segments, use 'na'. Example: 'Pico delimo na osem kosov' (We are dividing the pizza into eight pieces). This is the standard way to describe partitioning.

Mi delimo stroške najemnine vsak mesec.

In formal Slovenian, 'deliti' can also be used in a reflexive form 'deliti se', which means 'to be divided' or 'to branch out'. This is often seen in descriptions of geography or organizational structures. For instance, 'Pot se deli na dva dela' (The path divides into two parts). This reflexive use shifts the focus from an active agent to the object itself undergoing the division.

Znanstveniki delijo celice v laboratoriju.

The Dative Recipient
Sometimes 'deliti' is used with the dative case to indicate the people receiving the portions. Example: 'Deliti hrano revnim' (To distribute food to the poor). This focuses on the act of distribution rather than the mutual act of sharing.

Ali bi delil svoje znanje z nami?

Vlada deli subvencije kmetom.

Nikoli ne delim svojih gesel z nikomer.

'Deliti' is a high-frequency verb that you will encounter in diverse environments across Slovenia. In a domestic setting, it is the language of cooperation. Parents frequently tell their children, 'Moraš deliti!' (You must share!), fostering a culture of communal living. At the dinner table, you might hear 'A si bomo delili sladico?' (Shall we share the dessert?). This conversational use is warm and inclusive.

Educational Settings
In schools, from primary to university level, 'deliti' is used for mathematical operations. Teachers will say, 'Danes se bomo učili deliti z ostankom' (Today we will learn to divide with a remainder). It is also used when distributing handouts or assignments.
The Workplace
In professional environments, 'deliti' appears when discussing resources, office space, or responsibilities. 'Delimo si pisarno' (We share an office) or 'Delimo si delo' (We share the work). It is also common in digital marketing contexts regarding the 'sharing' of content.

Na radiu pogosto delijo vstopnice za koncerte.

Public discourse and media also rely heavily on this verb. During election cycles, commentators talk about how political parties 'delijo volilno telo' (divide the electorate). In economic news, you'll hear about 'delitev dobička' (profit sharing) among shareholders. The word carries a weight of fairness and distribution in these contexts. If you listen to Slovenian podcasts or YouTube creators, they will almost always end with 'Všečkajte in delite!' (Like and share!).

V restavraciji sva si delila pico.

Ali lahko deliš svojo lokacijo prek telefona?

V cerkvi so delili blagoslovljen kruh.

Mnenja o tem filmu se močno delijo.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is confusing 'deliti' with 'delati'. Because they look similar, learners often say 'deliti' when they mean 'to work' or 'to do'. Remember: Delati has an 'a' and means work; Deliti has an 'i' and means divide/share. Another common error is using the wrong case after the preposition 'z'. Since 'deliti' implies sharing *with* someone, you must use the instrumental case, not the accusative.

Aspect Confusion
Learners often forget that 'deliti' is imperfective. If you are describing a completed act of handing out flyers or dividing a cake completely, you should use 'razdeliti'. Using 'deliti' in these cases makes it sound like an ongoing, never-ending process.
Preposition Pitfalls
English speakers often try to use 'med' (between/among) where 'z' (with) is more natural in Slovenian. While 'deliti med prijatelje' is possible for distribution, 'deliti s prijatelji' is the standard for mutual sharing.

Napačno: Delim (v pomenu 'delam') v pisarni. Pravilno: Delam v pisarni.

Misusing the reflexive 'se' is also common. Beginners might say 'Jaz se delim jabolko', which would mean 'I am dividing myself into an apple'. The correct form is simply 'Delim jabolko'. Use 'se' only when the subject itself is being divided, like a road or a cell. Finally, watch out for the mathematical 'z'. In English, we say 'divided by', but in Slovenian, we say 'deljeno z' (divided with). Using 'po' or other prepositions here is a classic learner mistake.

Napačno: Deliti z deset. Pravilno: Deliti z desetimi (Instrumental plural).

Napačno: On deli mene svojo zgodbo. Pravilno: On deli z mano svojo zgodbo.

Slovenian has several verbs that overlap with 'deliti', but each carries a specific nuance. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most direct relative is razdeliti, the perfective counterpart, used for completed actions. Others include porazdeliti, ločiti, and razdvojiti.

Deliti vs. Razdeliti
'Deliti' is the act of sharing or the general concept of division. 'Razdeliti' is the act of finishing the distribution. If you have 10 candies and you give them all away, you have razdelil the candies.
Porazdeliti (to distribute/allocate)
This verb is used when you are organizing how things are spread out, like tasks in a team or resources in a budget. It implies a more calculated or organized distribution than the simple 'deliti'.
Ločiti (to separate)
While 'deliti' means to partition, 'ločiti' means to keep things apart. You 'deliti' a cake, but you 'ločiti' the egg whites from the yolks. 'Ločiti' is also used for divorce (ločitev).

Moramo porazdeliti obveznosti med vse člane ekipe.

In some contexts, you might use razdajati (to give away freely/lavishly). This is more emotional than 'deliti' and implies great generosity, often giving until nothing is left. Conversely, razkosati means to cut into pieces (like meat or a plot of land). Choosing the right word depends on whether the focus is on the sharing, the separation, or the finality of the act.

Mama vedno razdaja svojo ljubezen vsem otrokom.

Težko je ločiti delo od zasebnega življenja.

Fun Fact

The root 'del' is present in almost all Slavic languages (e.g., 'delit' in Russian, 'dzielić' in Polish), making it a very stable and recognizable word across the Slavic world.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɛˈliːti/
US /dɛˈliti/
The stress is on the second syllable: de-LÍ-ti.
Rhymes With
moliti soliti voliti politi toliti vseliti izseliti naseliti
Common Errors
  • Stressing the first syllable (DÉ-liti), which is incorrect.
  • Pronouncing the 'i' as an 'e' (de-le-ti).
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'delati' (de-la-ti).
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Otrok deli igrače.

The child shares toys.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

2

Jaz delim jabolko s tabo.

I share an apple with you.

Use of 's tabo' (Instrumental case).

3

Ali deliš svojo malico?

Do you share your snack?

Interrogative sentence.

4

Mi delimo pico.

We share a pizza.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

Deli sladkarije!

Share the sweets!

Imperative mood.

6

On ne deli rad.

He doesn't like to share.

Negative construction with 'ne'.

7

Mama deli kruh.

Mom shares the bread.

Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order.

8

Deliš barvice z mano?

Will you share the crayons with me?

Present tense used for immediate future request.

1

Deset deliti z dve je pet.

Ten divided by two is five.

Mathematical usage with 'z' + Instrumental.

2

Deli to fotografijo na Facebooku.

Share this photo on Facebook.

Imperative mood in a digital context.

3

Včeraj smo delili letake.

Yesterday we were sharing/distributing flyers.

Past tense plural.

4

Ali lahko deliš svojo lokacijo?

Can you share your location?

Modal verb 'lahko' + infinitive.

5

Delili bomo stroške prevoza.

We will share the transport costs.

Future tense.

6

Učitelj deli naloge.

The teacher is distributing assignments.

Imperfective aspect indicating an ongoing process.

7

Rada delim recepte s prijateljicami.

I like sharing recipes with my female friends.

Feminine plural 'prijateljicami'.

8

Oni si delijo sobo v domu.

They share a room in the dormitory.

Reflexive 'si' indicating mutual sharing.

1

Delim tvoje mnenje o tej temi.

I share your opinion on this topic.

Abstract usage of 'deliti'.

2

Pot se deli na dva dela.

The path divides into two parts.

Reflexive 'se' for spontaneous division.

3

V službi si delimo odgovornost.

At work, we share the responsibility.

Reflexive 'si' for mutual abstract sharing.

4

Ali bi delil svojo zgodbo z nami?

Would you share your story with us?

Conditional mood 'bi delil'.

5

Znanstveniki delijo celice v laboratoriju.

Scientists are dividing cells in the laboratory.

Scientific context.

6

Delili smo si veselje ob zmagi.

We shared the joy of the victory.

Past tense with abstract noun 'veselje'.

7

Ta meja deli dve državi.

This border divides two countries.

Usage as 'to separate'.

8

Nikoli ne delim svojih gesel.

I never share my passwords.

Negative adverb 'nikoli'.

1

Vlada deli subvencije kmetom.

The government is distributing subsidies to farmers.

Dative case for recipients 'kmetom'.

2

Mnenja javnosti se o tem vprašanju delijo.

Public opinion is divided on this issue.

Reflexive 'se' for collective disagreement.

3

Deliti usodo s kom pomeni biti povezan.

To share a fate with someone means to be connected.

Infinitive as a subject; abstract idiom.

4

Sodnica je delila pravico v dvorani.

The judge was dispensing justice in the courtroom.

Metaphorical use in legal context.

5

Premoženje so si delili pošteno.

They divided the assets fairly among themselves.

Adverb 'pošteno' modifying the action.

6

Ta knjiga deli bralce na dva tabora.

This book divides readers into two camps.

Metaphorical division into 'tabore' (camps).

7

Delimo si iste vrednote.

We share the same values.

Abstract plural 'vrednote'.

8

Njegov govor je delil prisotne.

His speech divided those present.

Past tense; focus on the effect of division.

1

Družbena delitev dela je ključna za ekonomijo.

The social division of labor is key to the economy.

Noun 'delitev' derived from 'deliti'.

2

Avtor v svojem delu deli svet na dobro in zlo.

The author in his work divides the world into good and evil.

Literary analysis context.

3

Ni se mogel odločiti, kako bi porazdelil vire.

He couldn't decide how to distribute/allocate the resources.

Use of synonym 'porazdelil' for precision.

4

Vprašanje identitete močno deli sodobno družbo.

The question of identity strongly divides modern society.

Sociological context.

5

Deliti si breme odgovornosti je lažje v dvoje.

Sharing the burden of responsibility is easier in a pair.

Metaphorical 'breme' (burden).

6

Zgodovina nas uči, da so meje pogosto delile narode.

History teaches us that borders have often divided nations.

Historical perspective.

7

Programska oprema omogoča deljenje zaslona.

The software enables screen sharing.

Verbal noun 'deljenje'.

8

Njegova dejanja so delila mnenja kritikov.

His actions divided the opinions of critics.

Abstract plural 'mnenja'.

1

Ontološka vrzel deli subjekt od objekta.

An ontological gap divides the subject from the object.

Highly academic/philosophical register.

2

V pesmi se pesnik deli med domovino in tujino.

In the poem, the poet is torn (divides himself) between homeland and abroad.

Reflexive 'se' used for internal conflict.

3

Pravna delitev premoženja zahteva natančno dokumentacijo.

The legal division of assets requires precise documentation.

Technical legal register.

4

Mitohondriji se v celici delijo neodvisno.

Mitochondria divide independently within the cell.

Scientific/Biological register.

5

Vprašanje o izvoru zla deli teologe že stoletja.

The question of the origin of evil has divided theologians for centuries.

Historical/Theological context.

6

Delitev na 'mi' in 'oni' je nevarna politična igra.

The division into 'us' and 'them' is a dangerous political game.

Political commentary.

7

Umetnik deli svoje platno na geometrijske like.

The artist divides his canvas into geometric shapes.

Artistic description.

8

Njegova zapuščina se deli med številne dediče.

His legacy is being divided among numerous heirs.

Passive-like reflexive use.

Common Collocations

deliti mnenje
deliti sobo
deliti z deset
deliti usodo
deliti izkušnje
deliti objavo
deliti dobiček
deliti hrano
deliti pravico
deliti na pol

Common Phrases

Všečkaj in deli!

— A common call to action on social media to like and share content.

Če ti je video všeč, všečkaj in deli!

Deliti si dobro in slabo

— To stay together through thick and thin, sharing all life experiences.

V zakonu si delita dobro in slabo.

Deliti na prafaktorje

— To analyze something in extreme detail (literally: to prime factorize).

Problem smo delili na prafaktorje.

Deliti mnenja

— To cause a disagreement among a group of people.

Ta odločitev močno deli mnenja.

Deliti si posteljo

— To be in a romantic relationship or simply share a bed.

Že leta si delita posteljo.

Deliti si delo

— To collaborate on a task by splitting the duties.

Z ekipo si delimo delo.

Deliti nasvete

— To give advice to others, sometimes unwanted.

Rad deli nasvete, čeprav ga nihče ne prosi.

Deliti usodo naroda

— To experience the same hardships or successes as one's country.

Pesnik je delil usodo svojega naroda.

Deliti na dvoje

— To split something into two distinct parts.

Ograja deli vrt na dvoje.

Deliti si mizo

— To sit together at a table, usually in a crowded restaurant.

Ali si lahko delimo mizo?

Idioms & Expressions

"Deliti usodo"

— To experience the same life events or consequences as someone else.

Vsi v vasi so delili isto usodo.

neutral
"Deliti si isto sonce"

— To live in the same world or region, implying shared existence.

Vsi si delimo isto sonce.

poetic
"Deliti na prafaktorje"

— To break down a problem into its smallest possible components for analysis.

Analitik je načrt delil na prafaktorje.

colloquial
"Deliti pravico"

— To act as a judge or to decide what is fair in a situation.

Nihče nima pravice deliti pravice sam.

formal
"Deliti si kos kruha"

— To be so close with someone that you share even basic necessities.

S sosedom si deliva vsak kos kruha.

warm/informal
"Deliti mnenja na pol"

— To create a situation where people are perfectly split into two opposing sides.

Nova zakonodaja je delila mnenja na pol.

neutral
"Deliti si isto streho"

— To live together in the same house.

Čeprav sta sprta, si še vedno delita isto streho.

neutral
"Deliti si zadnji cent"

— To be extremely loyal and generous with one's limited resources.

Prijatelja sta si delila zadnji cent.

informal
"Deliti si lovorike"

— To share the credit or fame for a successful achievement.

Celotna ekipa si deli lovorike za zmago.

neutral
"Deliti lekcije"

— To lecture someone or act superior by giving unsolicited advice.

Nehaj mi deliti lekcij!

informal/annoyed

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

Sign up free to see all examples

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'deliti' as 'DE-LI-vering' parts of a whole to others. The 'i' stands for 'individual' parts.

Visual Association

Imagine a large pizza being cut into slices with a pizza cutter. Each cut is the act of 'deliti'.

Word Web

share divide math social media pizza opinion roommate part

Challenge

Try to use 'deliti' in three different ways today: once for food, once for an opinion, and once for a social media post.

Word Origin

Derived from the Proto-Slavic word *děliti, which means to divide or share.

Original meaning: To separate a whole into parts for distribution.

Indo-European > Balto-Slavic > Slavic > South Slavic > Slovenian.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'deliti' in political contexts, as it can imply causing a rift or 'dividing' people.

English speakers often use 'share' for social media, which translates perfectly to 'deliti'. However, 'divide' in English can sound more aggressive than 'deliti' in Slovenian.

Prešeren's poems often mention sharing fate or love. Mathematical textbooks use 'deljenje' as a core chapter. Social media influencers in Slovenia use the phrase 'Všečkaj in deli'.
Sign up free for tips & notes

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

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