zatvorite

Zatvorite is an imperative form found in several South Slavic languages, notably Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian. It functions as the second-person plural imperative of the verb zatvoriti, meaning to close. In standard usage, zatvorite is also used as a formal second-person singular command in many contexts, while the informal singular form is zatvori. The form appears on signs, instructions, and in everyday speech when addressing a group or a formally addressed individual to close something.

Etymology and form: The verb zatvoriti derives from the adjective zatvoren, meaning “closed,” with the prefix za- that yields a perfective infinitive. The imperative zatvorite shares its stem with zatvoriti and reflects typical South Slavic verb formation patterns for imperative mood in the second person, plural, and formal singular styles.

Usage and examples: Common phrases include “Zatvorite prozor, molim vas” (Please close the window) and “Zatvorite vrata kad završite” (Close the doors when you’re finished). Informal singular usage differs, with the everyday form “zatvori” used in casual speech, while “zatvorite” remains the preferred form for polite or plural address. Dialectal variation may affect stress and pronunciation, but the basic function remains to issue a closing command.

See also: zatvoriti; zatvoren; Croatian language; Serbian language.