Language/Croatian/Vocabulary/Greetings-and-Introductions
Learning how to greet others and introduce yourself in Croatian is essential when traveling or living in Croatia. In this lesson, you will learn some basic Croatian phrases and expressions to use in everyday situations.
Useful Phrases
Below are some commonly used phrases for greetings and introductions:
Croatian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
Dobar dan | DOH-bahr dahn | Good day |
Dobro jutro | DOH-broh YOO-troh | Good morning |
Laku noć | LAH-koo nohch | Good night |
Bok | bohk | Hi / Bye |
Hvala | HVAH-lah | Thank you |
Molim | MOH-leem | Please / You're welcome |
Kako se zoveš? | KAH-koh seh zoh-VEHSH | What's your name? |
Zovem se... | ZOH-vehm seh | My name is... |
Drago mi je | DRAH-goh mee yeh | Nice to meet you |
When introducing yourself, it's customary to shake hands and state your name. You can use the phrase "Drago mi je" after stating your name to express pleasure in meeting the person.
Basic Expressions
Here are some basic expressions that you can use on a daily basis:
- Dobro jutro! - Good morning!
- Dobar dan! - Good afternoon!
- Laku noć! - Good night!
- Bok! - Hi / Bye!
- Bok, kako si? - Hi, how are you?
- Hvala! - Thank you!
- Hvala lijepa! - Thank you very much!
- Molim! - Please! / You're welcome!
- Izvoli(te)! - Here you go! / You're welcome!
- Oprosti(te), nisam razumio(a). - Sorry, I didn't understand.
- Kako se zoveš? - What's your name?
- Zovem se... - My name is...
- Koliko imaš godina? - How old are you?
- Imam... godina. - I am... years old.
- Gdje si? - Where are you?
- Ja sam iz... - I am from...
Cultural Tips
In Croatian culture, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, but hugs and kisses on the cheek are also common among friends and family. When addressing someone, it's impolite to use their first name unless they give you permission. Instead, use their title (e.g. gospodin for Mr., gospođa for Mrs., and gospođica for Miss) followed by their last name. It's also appropriate to offer a small gift, such as flowers or chocolate, when visiting someone's home.
When meeting someone for the first time, it's important to introduce yourself and shake hands. Using "molim" and "hvala" are seen as polite and respectful, even if you don't speak Croatian fluently. When saying goodbye, it's customary to say "doviđenja" (goodbye) or "ćao" (bye).
Practice Exercise
Practice your Croatian greetings and introductions by greeting your friends or family members in Croatian. Use the phrases and expressions you learned in this lesson to introduce yourself and ask how they're doing.
Sources
Videos
006 / Croatian GREETINGS - Croatian101Lesson - YouTube
LEARN CROATIAN: the MOST Important GREETINGS in Croatian ...
Learn How To Say 'Merry Christmas' and Other Greetings In Croatian
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