This is the 302nd most frequent Croatian word.
čeka
"Čeka" in English means "waits" or refers to a "hunting blind" depending on context.
Here, 'čeka' is used as a root for the derived noun, translating to 'waiting area,' a frequent idiomatic term.
Čeka je mjesto gdje se putnici okupljaju.
The waiting area is where passengers gather.
In this sentence, 'čeka' is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'čekati,' meaning 'to wait'.
Čovjek čeka autobus na stanici.
The man is waiting for the bus at the station.
In this example, 'čeka' is metaphorically personified as the verb 'čekati,' implying that the surprise is in a state of waiting.