Aspect in Use
Imperfective is the activity, perfective is the result.
How It Works
Most verbs come in two forms: an imperfective one for the process and a perfective one for the finished result.
| Imperfective | Perfective |
|---|---|
| pisati | napisati |
| čitati | pročitati |
| praviti | napraviti |
In the present, the imperfective tells what is happening: Pišem pismo. (I am writing a letter.) The perfective present does not usually describe "now". It appears after da, kad and ako, in a chain of quick steps (Napišem pa pošaljem), or with a future meaning.
In the future and the past you can choose. Pisat ću pismo says I will be writing it, and Napisat ću pismo says I will finish it.
- Pravila sam palačinke. I was making pancakes (maybe I did not finish).
- Napravila sam palačinke. I made pancakes (they are done).
Not every verb has a partner, and some partners differ in meaning. A dictionary lists both.
Examples (5)
- Pišem pismo.
I am writing a letter.
The imperfective shows an action in progress.
- Napisat ću pismo sutra.
I will write the letter tomorrow.
The perfective stresses that it will be finished.
- Amir čita knjigu cijelo popodne.
Amir reads the book all afternoon.
The imperfective fits a long activity.
- Amir je pročitao knjigu.
Amir has read the book.
The perfective shows it is finished.
- Napravila sam palačinke.
I made pancakes.
The perfective names the result.
Common Mistakes
Using the perfective present for something happening now.
Napišem pismo sada.Pišem pismo sada.The perfective present does not usually describe an action in progress.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Aspect choice in context.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice Aspect in Use in Bubblegum
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