Present of -ovati Verbs

Level 2

The -ov- becomes -uj- in the present.

How It Works

kupovati (buy)putovati (travel)
jakupujemputujem
tikupuješputuješ
on, onakupujeputuje
mikupujemoputujemo
vikupujeteputujete
onikupujuputuju

This is a big, regular group, so it is easy to use: pakovati gives pakujem, radovati se gives radujem se, poslovati gives poslujem.

In the past, the -ov- comes back: kupovao, putovala. The infinitive keeps -ovati, and so do the other tenses that start from it.

Kupiti (to buy something and finish) is the perfective partner and has a different pattern: kupim. Look at the ending of the infinitive first.

Examples (4)

  1. Kupujem hljeb u pekari.

    I buy bread at the bakery.

    Kupovati becomes kupujem.

  2. Mi putujemo u Bihać.

    We are travelling to Bihać.

    Putovati becomes putujemo.

  3. Pakuješ li kofer večeras?

    Are you packing the suitcase tonight?

    Pakovati becomes pakuješ.

  4. Oni kupuju kafu na pijaci.

    They buy coffee at the market.

    Kupovati becomes kupuju.

Common Mistakes

  • Keeping -ov- in the present.

    Ja kupovam hljeb.
    Ja kupujem hljeb.

    In the present, -ov- becomes -uj-.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Present of -ovati VerbsLevel 2

Learn This First

A further present-tense group.

Words in This Pattern

kupovatiputovatipakovatiradovatiprezent