povedati — meaning in English: to tell

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to tell

prijeten

povedati

razmišljanje

sladek

nov

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Slovenian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 'povedati' in a variety of contexts, often when sharing stories, giving instructions, or relaying information. For instance, you might hear it during casual conversations among friends, or in formal settings, such as a teacher telling a story to students.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'povedati' means 'to tell', a close synonym is 'sporočiti', which translates to 'to inform'. Use 'povedati' when you want to share a narrative or anecdote, while 'sporočiti' is more suitable for delivering facts or information.

Culture

'Povedati' derives from the Proto-Slavic root 'povedati', which signifies 'to lead' or 'to conduct'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on storytelling, as oral traditions are a vital part of Slovenian heritage, often used to convey moral lessons or historical events.

FAQ

Q.How do you conjugate 'povedati' in the present tense?

'Povedati' is an imperfective verb, so it doesn't have a present tense form. You would use its related forms, such as 'povem' (I tell) or 'poveš' (you tell) in conversation.

Q.Can 'povedati' be used in formal situations?

Yes, 'povedati' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for conversations, presentations, and written communication.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'povedati'?

'Povedati' is often confused with 'reči' (to say). Remember that 'povedati' is more about narrating or explaining, while 'reči' is typically used for direct speech.

Learn slovenian with Maspeak →

Slovenian Vocabulary