pokreni

Pokreni is a verb in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian that means to start, to set in motion, or to launch. It is used for concrete actions such as starting a motor or booting a computer, as well as for more abstract processes like starting a project or initiative. As a perfective verb, pokrenuti indicates the completion of the act of starting; its imperfective counterpart pokretati describes the act of starting something repeatedly or as part of ongoing processes. The imperative form pokreni is used to instruct or command someone to start, with pokrenite as the formal or plural counterpart.

Etymology: the word is formed from krenuti, meaning to move or set out, with the prefix po-, creating a sense of initiating motion. This reflects a common Slavic pattern where a prefix adds a sense of beginning or completion to a base verb.

Common usages include: "Pokreni motor" (start the engine); "Pokreni računar" or "pokreni program" (boot the computer or launch a program); "pokrenuti projekat" (to initiate a project). In computing, the verb is frequently used in the sense of booting systems or starting services. Metaphorically, it can describe initiating reforms, campaigns, or movements.

Notes: The forms and usage vary slightly among Croatian, Serbian, and Bosnian, and the aspect distinction between perfective and imperfective is important for expressing completed versus ongoing initiation. See also related verbs such as krenuti (to move/start) and pokretati (to start repeatedly or to set in motion).