gotovo — meaning in English: almost

Usage

Native speakers use 'gotovo' in various contexts, often when discussing tasks that are nearing completion, such as cooking or home projects. For instance, a cook might say, 'Jelo je gotovo,' meaning 'The meal is almost ready,' while friends discussing a movie might say, 'Film je gotovo do kraja,' translating to 'The film is almost over.'

Synonyms & nuances

'Gotovo' is often synonymous with 'približno', which also means 'almost'. However, while 'približno' can sometimes refer to estimates or approximations in a numerical or quantitative sense, 'gotovo' is more commonly used in a qualitative context, emphasizing the readiness or nearing completion of something.

Culture

'Gotovo' originates from the Old Slavic root that reflects completeness or readiness. It plays a vital role in everyday Croatian conversation, denoting not just physical states, but also emotional or situational approximations. In a culture where hospitality is paramount, saying something is 'almost' ready hints at warm anticipation for what’s to come.

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