nema With the Genitive
Nema + genitive: nema kafe, nema vremena.
How It Works
The word nema is the negative of ima (there is). It is a fixed form. After it, the missing thing stands in the genitive, singular or plural.
| Nominative | With nema |
|---|---|
| kafa | Nema kafe. |
| vrijeme | Nema vremena. |
| mlijeko | Nema mlijeka. |
| Amir | Nema Amira. |
The verb never agrees with the missing thing. It stays in the form nema.
For the past, use nije bilo and the genitive: Nije bilo kafe. For the future, use neće biti.
Nema problema (no problem) is a fixed phrase you will hear every day. It is also how you politely answer a thank-you or a small favour.
Examples (5)
- Nema šećera.
There is no sugar.
Šećer becomes šećera.
- Nema mlijeka u frižideru.
There is no milk in the fridge.
Mlijeko becomes mlijeka.
- Danas nema škole.
There is no school today.
Škola becomes škole.
- Nema Amira kod kuće.
Amir is not at home.
Nema can say that a person is absent.
- Nema problema!
No problem!
This is a fixed phrase with the genitive.
Common Mistakes
Leaving the missing thing in the nominative.
Nema kafa.Nema kafe.After nema the genitive is the usual form.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Nema takes the genitive.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice nema With the Genitive in Bubblegum
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