potrebujú

Potrebujú is the third-person plural present tense form of the Slovak verb potrebovať, which means to need or to require. It is used to indicate that several subjects have a need for something or a necessity to perform an action. As with other present-tense forms, it conveys ongoing or general needs rather than a completed action.

Etymology and related forms: Potrebovať is derived from the noun potreba (need, necessity) with the suffix -ovať, a common pattern for forming verbs in Slovak. The verb is cognate with Czech potřebovat and with other Slavic equivalents such as Polish potrzebować. The related noun potreba is often used to discuss what is needed.

Grammar and usage: The form potrebujú specifically marks a plural subject in the present tense. Typical constructions include needing a thing, e.g., "Potrebujú nový počítač" (They need a new computer), and needing to perform an action, e.g., "Potrebujú ísť" (They need to go) or "Potrebujú učiť sa" (They need to study). The negative form is nepotrebujú (They do not need). Potrebovať is imperfective, used for general or repeated needs rather than completed events. It frequently appears with direct objects or with infinitives to indicate the action that is needed.

Usage notes: Potrebovať emphasizes a lack or requirement rather than obligation. For stronger obligation, Slovak often uses musieť (must). Phrases with mať potrebu express a personal sense of need, which is a different nuance from needing something external.

Example: Potrebujú viac času. They need more time. Nepotrebujú nič ďalšie. They don’t need anything else.