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A1 verb 9 min de lecture

skrbeti

Core Meaning
The Slovenian verb 'skrbeti' is a versatile word that conveys a sense of concern, worry, or active care. It can refer to the internal feeling of being troubled by something or someone, or the external action of looking after someone or something. The context will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.
Feeling Concerned or Worried
When used to express internal feelings, 'skrbeti' is similar to the English 'to worry' or 'to be concerned about'. This usage often implies a degree of anxiety or unease about a future event, a person's well-being, or a specific situation. For instance, a parent might 'skrbeti' about their child's health, or someone might 'skrbeti' about an upcoming exam. The feeling is one of mental preoccupation with a potential problem.
Looking After or Taking Care Of
In its other primary sense, 'skrbeti' means 'to look after', 'to take care of', or 'to provide for'. This implies active involvement and responsibility. It's about ensuring the well-being and needs of another person, an animal, or even a plant are met. For example, one 'skrbi' for their elderly parents, 'skrbi' for their pet's needs, or a gardener 'skrbi' for their plants. This usage highlights diligence and attentiveness.
Subtle Nuances
The intensity of 'skrbeti' can vary. It can range from mild concern to deep anxiety, and from casual looking after to dedicated, lifelong care. The preposition 'za' (for) is often used with 'skrbeti' to specify what or whom one is concerned about or looking after. For example, 'skrbeti za otroke' means 'to care for children'. The verb can also be used reflexively with 'se', as in 'skrbeti se', which means 'to worry oneself' or 'to be worried', emphasizing the internal emotional state.
Everyday Usage
You'll hear 'skrbeti' in many everyday situations. Conversations about family health, the well-being of loved ones, or even practical matters like ensuring a pet is fed will often involve this verb. It's a fundamental word for expressing care and concern in Slovenian, reflecting the importance of relationships and responsibility within the culture.

Mama skrbi za svojega bolnega sina.

The mother cares for her sick son.

Ne skrbi, vse bo v redu.

Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Basic Sentence Structure
The most common structure involving 'skrbeti' is Subject + skrbeti + za + Object. This applies when you are talking about looking after someone or something, or worrying about something specific. For example, 'Jaz skrbi za psa' (I look after the dog). When expressing general worry or reassurance, the structure can be simpler, often without an explicit object, like 'Ne skrbi!' (Don't worry!).
Expressing Concern for People
When you are concerned about the well-being of a person, you use 'skrbeti za' followed by the person. This can be a close family member, a friend, or even someone you don't know personally if their situation is concerning. For instance, 'Zdravniki skrbijo za bolnike' (The doctors care for the patients). This implies active medical attention and concern for their health.
Expressing Worry About Situations
'Skrbeti' is also used to express worry about abstract things or situations. This could be an upcoming event, a problem, or a general state of affairs. For example, 'Skrbim za svojo prihodnost' (I worry about my future). Here, 'za' connects the verb to the object of worry. The feeling is one of unease and anticipation of potential difficulties.
Giving Reassurance
A very common use of 'skrbeti' is in direct address to reassure someone. The imperative form 'Ne skrbi!' (Don't worry!) is used frequently. You can also say 'Ne skrbi za to' (Don't worry about that) to dismiss a particular concern. This usage is vital for everyday social interaction and shows empathy.
Looking After Possessions and Tasks
Beyond living beings, 'skrbeti' can also apply to tasks, projects, or even inanimate objects that require attention. For instance, 'Skrbeti moramo za okolje' (We must take care of the environment). This implies responsible management and preservation. Similarly, 'Skrbi za projekt' could mean 'take care of the project' in the sense of managing it effectively.

Starši pogosto skrbijo za svoje otroke.

Parents often care for their children.

Ne skrbi, jaz bom poskrbel za vse.

Don't worry, I will take care of everything.

Zelo skrbi me, kaj bo jutri.

I am very worried about what tomorrow will bring.
Family Conversations
'Skrbeti' is a cornerstone of family discussions in Slovenia. Parents frequently express their concern for their children's safety, health, and future. For example, you might hear a mother say, 'Skrbim, da ne boš prehladil' (I worry you'll catch a cold), or a father might say, 'Moramo skrbeti za finančno prihodnost družine' (We must look after the financial future of the family). This verb is used to convey love and responsibility.
Discussions About Health
When talking about illness or medical issues, 'skrbeti' is essential. Doctors 'skrbijo za paciente' (care for patients), and family members 'skrbijo za bolne' (care for the sick). You might also hear someone say, 'Zelo me skrbi zdravje mojega starega starša' (I am very worried about my grandparent's health), illustrating the deep concern for well-being.
Pet Care
Slovenians are often passionate pet owners, and 'skrbeti' is frequently used in this context. 'Skrbim za svojega psa' (I look after my dog) or 'Potrebujemo nekoga, ki bo skrbel za mačko, medtem ko smo na dopustu' (We need someone to look after the cat while we are on vacation) are common phrases. This shows the active role people take in ensuring their pets are well cared for.
Workplace and Projects
In a professional setting, 'skrbeti' can refer to managing or overseeing a task or project. A manager might say, 'Ti skrbiš za ta projekt' (You are in charge of this project / You look after this project). It implies responsibility for its successful completion and requires attention to detail.
Social Interactions and Reassurance
The phrase 'Ne skrbi!' (Don't worry!) is ubiquitous. You'll hear it in casual conversations, when offering comfort to a friend who is stressed, or when reassuring someone that a situation is under control. It's a fundamental expression of support and empathy. For example, if someone is late, you might say, 'Ne skrbi, počakali te bomo' (Don't worry, we will wait for you).
Environmental Concerns
Discussions about sustainability and environmental protection often use 'skrbeti'. For instance, 'Moramo skrbeti za čisto okolje' (We must care for a clean environment). This reflects a collective sense of responsibility towards nature.

Otroci radi skrbijo za svoje igrače.

Children like to take care of their toys.

Ne skrbi! Vse bo v redu.

Don't worry! Everything will be alright.
Forgetting 'za'
A very common mistake for learners is to omit the preposition 'za' when 'skrbeti' is used to mean 'to care for' or 'to worry about' something or someone. For example, saying 'Jaz skrbi mojega psa' instead of the correct 'Jaz skrbi za mojega psa'. The preposition 'za' is crucial for indicating the object of care or concern. Without it, the sentence can sound incomplete or grammatically incorrect.
Confusing 'skrbeti' with 'imeti rad'
Learners might sometimes confuse 'skrbeti za' (to care for/look after) with 'imeti rad' (to love/like). While both can imply affection, 'skrbeti za' specifically denotes active responsibility and taking care of needs, whereas 'imeti rad' is more about general affection or liking someone. For example, you 'imeti rad' your friends, but you 'skrbeti za' your children or pets.
Incorrect Verb Conjugation
Like any verb, 'skrbeti' needs to be conjugated correctly according to the subject. Mistakes can arise with different persons and numbers. For instance, using 'skrbi' when it should be 'skrbim' (I care) or 'skrbijo' (they care). Mastering the conjugation table is key to speaking fluently and accurately.
Overusing the Reflexive Form
While 'se skrbeti' (to worry oneself) is a valid form, learners might overuse it or use it in situations where the non-reflexive form is more appropriate. The reflexive form emphasizes the internal, personal feeling of worry. If you are talking about actively looking after someone, the non-reflexive form is generally used. For example, 'Jaz skrbi za otroke' is correct for looking after them, while 'Jaz se skrbi' is for feeling worried.
Using 'skrbeti' for General Well-being (instead of 'biti zdrav')
Sometimes, learners might try to use 'skrbeti' to describe a state of being healthy or well, which is incorrect. The verb 'skrbeti' is about the action of caring or the feeling of worry. To say someone is well, you would use 'biti zdrav' (to be healthy) or 'počutiti se dobro' (to feel good). For example, you don't 'skrbeti' to be healthy; you 'so zdravi' (are healthy).

Napačno: Jaz skrbi mojega psa.

Incorrect: I care my dog.

Pravilno: Jaz skrbim za mojega psa.

Correct: I care for my dog.

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