Language/Serbian/Grammar/Verbs:-Imperative

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Serbian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs: Imperative

In this lesson, we will delve into the imperative mood in Serbian verbs. The imperative mood is used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. It is an essential part of everyday communication and plays a significant role in expressing direct and indirect commands in Serbian. Understanding the imperative mood will allow you to communicate more effectively and confidently in various situations.

Formation of the Imperative Mood

The imperative mood in Serbian is formed by using the base form of the verb. Unlike in some other languages, Serbian does not have different forms for different subjects in the imperative mood. The imperative mood is always the same, regardless of the subject.

To form the imperative mood, we simply use the base form of the verb without any additional endings. However, there are some irregular verbs that have specific imperative forms, which we will discuss later in this lesson.

Let's look at some examples:

Regular Verbs

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Учи	'uči'	Study!
Седи	'sedi'	Sit!
Пиши	'piši'	Write!

• Учи! (uči!) - Study!
• Седи! (sedi!) - Sit!
• Пиши! (piši!) - Write!

As you can see from the examples above, the imperative forms of regular verbs are formed by using the base form of the verb.

Usage of the Imperative Mood

The imperative mood is used in various situations to express commands, requests, or advice. Let's explore some common ways the imperative mood is used in Serbian.

Giving Commands

When giving commands or instructions, we use the imperative mood in Serbian. This can be in the form of direct commands or indirect commands.

Direct commands are used when we want to tell someone to do something. For example:

• Читај књигу! (Čitaj knjigu!) - Read a book!
• Приђи ближе! (Priđi bliže!) - Come closer!

Indirect commands are used when we want to make a suggestion or give advice. For example:

• Одмори се мало. (Odmori se malo.) - Take a break.
• Пази на путу! (Pazi na putu!) - Be careful on the road.

Making Requests

We also use the imperative mood to make requests in Serbian. This is a polite way of asking someone to do something. For example:

• Молим те, остави поруку. (Molim te, ostavi poruku.) - Please leave a message.
• Упали светло, молим те. (Upali svetlo, molim te.) - Please turn on the light.

When making requests, it is common to include the phrase "molim te" (please) to add politeness.

Prohibitions

In addition to giving commands and making requests, the imperative mood is also used to express prohibitions or negative commands. This is done by adding the word "не" (no) before the verb. For example:

• Не пуши у овој зони. (Ne puši u ovoj zoni.) - No smoking in this area.
• Не једи пред спавање. (Ne jedi pred spavanje.) - Don't eat before sleeping.

Irregular Verbs in the Imperative Mood

While most verbs in Serbian have regular imperative forms, there are some verbs that have irregular imperative forms. These verbs often have specific imperative forms that do not follow the regular pattern.

Let's look at some examples of irregular imperative forms:

Biti (to be)

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Буди	'budi'	Be!
Будите	'budite'	Be! (plural)

• Буди! (budi!) - Be!
• Будите! (budite!) - Be! (plural)

Имати (to have)

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Имай	'imaj'	Have!
Имате	'imate'	Have! (plural)

• Имай! (imaj!) - Have!
• Имате! (imate!) - Have! (plural)

Хтећи (to want)

Serbian	Pronunciation	English
Хоћи	'hoći'	Want!
Хоћете	'hoćete'	Want! (plural)

• Хоћи! (hoći!) - Want!
• Хоћете! (hoćete!) - Want! (plural)

These are just a few examples of irregular imperative forms. It's important to remember that irregular verbs have specific forms that need to be memorized.

Cultural Insights

The use of the imperative mood in Serbian reflects the directness and straightforwardness of Serbian culture. Serbian people often communicate in a direct and open manner, expressing their thoughts and opinions without hesitation. The imperative mood is a reflection of this cultural characteristic, as it allows for clear and concise communication.

In Serbian culture, it is common to use the imperative mood when giving instructions or commands, especially in professional or hierarchical settings. For example, a boss might use the imperative mood when giving instructions to their employees. This reflects the hierarchical structure of Serbian society and the importance placed on respecting authority.

Additionally, the imperative mood is often used in everyday situations, such as giving directions or ordering food in a restaurant. Serbian people are known for their hospitality and willingness to help others, and the use of the imperative mood in such situations reflects this helpful and accommodating nature.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of the imperative mood in Serbian verbs.

Exercise 1: Translate the following sentences into Serbian using the imperative mood. 1. Eat your vegetables! 2. Don't be late! 3. Please open the window. 4. Clean your room! 5. Stop talking and listen!

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using the imperative mood in Serbian. 1. You should go to bed early. (singular) 2. They should study more. 3. We should take a break. 4. She should call her parents. 5. I should clean the kitchen.

Exercise Solutions

Exercise 1: 1. Једи своје поврће! (Jedi svoje povrće!) 2. Не касни! (Ne kasni!) 3. Молим те, отвори прозор. (Molim te, otvori prozor.) 4. Среди своју собу! (Sredi svoju sobu!) 5. Престани да говориш и слушај! (Prestani da govoriš i slušaj!)

Exercise 2: 1. Иди рано на спавање. (Idi rano na spavanje.) 2. Они треба да више уче. (Oni treba da više uče.) 3. Ми бисмо требали да одморимо. (Mi bismo trebali da odmorimo.) 4. Она би требала да позва своје родитеље. (Ona bi trebala da pozva svoje roditelje.) 5. Ја бих требао/ла да почистим кухињу. (Ja bih trebao/la da počistim kuhinju.)

Congratulations on completing the exercises! You are now more familiar with the imperative mood in Serbian verbs.

Table of Contents - Serbian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Serbian Grammar

• Nouns: Gender and Number
• Cases: Nominative and Accusative
• Pronouns: Personal Pronouns
• Verbs: Present Tense
• Verbs: Past Tense

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Introduction to Serbian Vocabulary

• Greetings and Introductions
• Numbers and Counting
• Food and Drink
• Family and Relationships
• Transportation and Directions

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Introduction to Serbian Culture

• Traditional Serbian Music
• Religious Festivals
• Folk Dances
• Serbian Films
• Cuisine

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Pronouns: Possessive Pronouns

• Verbs: Future Tense
• Adjectives: Comparative and Superlative
• Verbs: Imperative

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Shopping

• Clothes and Accessories
• At the Market
• Banking and Money

  ---

Sports and Recreation

• Football in Serbia
• Winter Sports
• Music Festivals

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Adjectives: Declension

• Verbs: Perfective and Imperfective
• Verbs: Reflexive Verbs

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Jobs and Professions

• Places around Town
• Education and Learning

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Literature and Poetry

• Medieval Serbian Literature
• Contemporary Serbian Poetry

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Verbs: Conditional

• Verbs: Participles
• Verbs: Infinitives

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Entertainment and Media

• Movies and Theater
• Music and Performances

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Art and Artists

• Famous Serbian Painters
• Contemporary Serbian Art Scene

Sources

• Word order in Serbian imperative sentences
• Serbian imperative mood - Fast Language Mastery

Other Lessons

• Imperative Tense
• Definite Articles in Serbian
• Give your Opinion
• Nouns: Gender and Number
• Verbs: Infinitives
• Verbs: Perfective and Imperfective
• Future Tense
• How to Use Be
• Plural

◀️ Adjectives: Comparative and Superlative — Previous Lesson

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