Catalan, a Romance language spoken in Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and some parts of France and Italy, is rich in vocabulary and nuanced meanings. For English speakers, navigating the subtleties of Catalan verbs can be challenging, especially when dealing with verbs that seem similar but have distinct uses. Two such verbs are **”surt”** and **”sortir”**. Both revolve around the concept of going out, but their usage varies depending on context. In this article, we will delve into the differences between “surt” and “sortir” and provide you with examples to help you master their use.
Surt: The Simple Present Tense of Sortir
First, let’s clarify what “surt” means. “Surt” is the **third person singular** form of the verb “sortir” in the **present tense**. It translates to “he/she/it goes out” or “you go out” in the formal singular “vostè” form. Essentially, “surt” is a specific conjugation of “sortir,” and it is used to describe an action happening in the present.
Examples of Surt in Sentences
1. **Ella surt de casa a les vuit del matí.**
– She goes out of the house at eight in the morning.
2. **El tren surt de l’estació cada hora.**
– The train leaves the station every hour.
3. **Quan vostè surt de la reunió, si us plau, tanqui la porta.**
– When you (formal) leave the meeting, please close the door.
In these examples, “surt” is used to describe an action happening at the current moment or a habitual action.
Sortir: The Base Verb
“Sortir” is the **infinitive form** of the verb, which means “to go out” or “to leave.” It is used similarly to the English verb “to go out,” and it can be conjugated in various tenses and moods. As the base form, “sortir” is essential for constructing different verb forms and understanding its various uses in sentences.
Examples of Sortir in Sentences
1. **Vull sortir aquesta nit.**
– I want to go out tonight.
2. **Podem sortir després de dinar.**
– We can go out after lunch.
3. **Sortir de la ciutat és una bona idea.**
– Leaving the city is a good idea.
In these examples, “sortir” is used in its infinitive form, expressing the general idea of going out or leaving.
Conjugation of Sortir
To fully grasp the difference between “surt” and “sortir,” it’s important to understand how “sortir” is conjugated in the present tense. Here is the present tense conjugation of “sortir”:
– Jo **surt**
– Tu **surts**
– Ell/Ella/Vostè **surt**
– Nosaltres **sortim**
– Vosaltres **sortiu**
– Ells/Elles/Vostès **surten**
As you can see, “surt” is simply one form of the verb “sortir.” Knowing these conjugations will help you use the verb correctly in different contexts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using “Surt” Instead of “Sortir”
One common mistake for English speakers learning Catalan is using “surt” when they should use “sortir.” Remember, “surt” is only used for third person singular in the present tense. For example:
Incorrect: **Vull surt aquesta nit.**
Correct: **Vull sortir aquesta nit.**
Using the Wrong Conjugation of “Sortir”
Another common mistake is using the wrong conjugation of “sortir.” This usually happens when learners are not familiar with the various forms. For instance:
Incorrect: **Nosaltres surt a les vuit.**
Correct: **Nosaltres sortim a les vuit.**
Expressions and Phrasal Uses
In addition to its basic meaning, “sortir” is used in various expressions and phrasal verbs. Here are a few examples:
Sortir-se’n
This expression means “to manage” or “to succeed.” It combines “sortir” with the reflexive pronoun “se’n.”
Example:
**No sé si me’n sortiré amb aquest projecte.**
– I don’t know if I will manage with this project.
Sortir bé/malament
These expressions mean “to turn out well/badly.”
Example:
**La festa va sortir molt bé.**
– The party turned out very well.
Sortir amb algú
This phrase means “to date someone.”
Example:
**Està sortint amb una noia de la seva classe.**
– He is dating a girl from his class.
Regional Variations and Usage
Catalan, like any language, has regional variations. While the standard form of Catalan uses “sortir,” you might encounter slight differences in pronunciation or usage in different regions. For instance, in some areas, people might use colloquial terms or synonyms that are not as common in standard Catalan. Being aware of these regional differences can enhance your understanding and help you communicate more effectively with native speakers.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the difference between “surt” and “sortir” is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you practice these verbs:
Fill in the Blanks
1. Ell _______ (surt/sortir) de la feina a les cinc.
2. Vull _______ (surt/sortir) amb els meus amics aquest cap de setmana.
3. Nosaltres _______ (surt/sortir) cada divendres a la nit.
Answers:
1. surt
2. sortir
3. sortim
Translate the Sentences
1. She goes out with her friends every weekend.
2. We can go out after dinner.
3. He wants to go out tonight.
Answers:
1. Ella surt amb els seus amics cada cap de setmana.
2. Podem sortir després de sopar.
3. Ell vol sortir aquesta nit.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “surt” and “sortir” is crucial for mastering Catalan. While “surt” is the third person singular present tense form of “sortir,” the latter is the infinitive form of the verb, meaning “to go out” or “to leave.” By practicing their conjugations and usage in various contexts, you can gain confidence and fluency in using these verbs correctly. Remember that practice, patience, and exposure to the language in different settings will help you improve over time. Happy learning!
