January 25, 2025by Alexandre Harzo

How to Say Cheers in Croatian: 15 Popular and Authentic Ways

Learn 15 authentic ways to say "cheers" in Croatian, from traditional toasts to modern expressions, and connect with Croatian culture.

How to Say Cheers in Croatian: 15 Popular and Authentic Ways

Raising a toast in Croatian is more than just clinking glasses and saying “Živjeli.” Whether you're celebrating with friends, attending a formal event, or just enjoying a casual drink, knowing how to say “cheers” in Croatian can help you connect and make an impression.

Why Learn to Say Cheers in Croatian?

If you're visiting Croatia, you'll notice that drinking culture plays an important role in social gatherings. Whether it’s a shot of rakija, a glass of wine, or a cold beer, raising a toast is a common way to show appreciation, camaraderie, and goodwill. While “Živjeli” (cheers) is the most widely used expression, there are several other phrases you can use depending on the context, the company, and the occasion.

To help you toast like a local, we’ve put together this guide with 15 popular ways to say “cheers” in Croatian.

15 Ways to Say ‘Cheers’ in Croatian

Here’s a handy list of Croatian phrases you can use to raise your glass, along with their English translations and when to use them.

Croatian PhraseEnglish TranslationUse Case
ŽivjeliCheersUniversal: formal/informal
Na zdravljeTo your healthUniversal: casual toasts
UzdravljeTo your healthTraditional/formal toast
SretnoGood luckInformal, celebratory moments
Sve najboljeAll the bestInformal, for well-wishes
Za prijateljstvoTo friendshipFriendly, sentimental
Za ljubavTo loveRomantic or heartfelt occasions
Za obiteljTo familyFamily gatherings
Na pobjeduTo victoryCompetitive or celebratory toasts
Živio/ŽivjelaCheers (to one person)Informal, gender-specific
Živili sviCheers, everyoneInformal, group toasts
Skol (borrowed from Nordic)CheersInformal, light-hearted
Za srećuTo happinessFormal/informal
Na ljubaznostTo kindnessFormal/sentimental
Hvala na svemu, uzdravlje!Thanks for everything, cheers!Formal/informal, emotional

How to use different forms of ‘Cheers’ in Croatian

There are many ways to say ‘cheers’ in Croatian. While a simple Živjeli works great for most occasions, like when raising a toast at a casual gathering, Na zdravlje (to your health) might feel more fitting for celebratory or formal settings. Also, if you’re toasting with a group, you can say Živili svi (cheers, everyone), which is perfect for inclusive and friendly moments. For heartfelt toasts, expressions like Za prijateljstvo (to friendship) or Za obitelj (to family) add a warm touch! Choosing the right phrase ensures your toast fits the occasion perfectly.

Živjeli (cheers)

Živjeli is the most common and universal way to say “cheers” in Croatian. It literally means “to live” or “may you live” and is used to toast good health, happiness, or any joyful occasion.

You can use Živjeli in both formal and informal settings, whether you’re raising a glass at a family dinner, a wedding, or a casual gathering with friends. For example, if you’re toasting with a group at a restaurant, simply raise your glass and say, “Živjeli!”

To pronounce it correctly, say “zhee-vyeh-lee.”

Na zdravlje (to your health)

Na zdravlje translates directly to “to your health” and is a versatile way to say cheers. It’s often used in more casual situations, such as when toasting with friends or enjoying a drink at home.

While Živjeli is the go-to toast, Na zdravlje carries a warm and personal touch, emphasizing the well-being of those you're toasting. You might hear this phrase used in smaller, more intimate gatherings.

Pronounce it as “nah zdrahv-lyeh.”

Uzdravlje (to your health)

A slight variation of Na zdravlje, Uzdravlje is a more traditional phrase for wishing health and happiness during a toast. It carries a formal tone and is commonly heard in ceremonies or celebratory events.

While not as widely used in casual settings, Uzdravlje can add a touch of tradition and sincerity to your toast. It’s especially fitting for moments when you want to show respect or appreciation to your company.

Pronounce it as “oo-zdrahv-lyeh.”

Sretno (good luck)

Sretno means “good luck” and is used in celebratory or hopeful toasts, such as when wishing someone success before a big event or milestone.

This phrase is ideal for informal toasts among friends or family. For example, if someone is starting a new job, raising your glass and saying Sretno adds an encouraging touch to the moment.

Pronounce it as “sreh-tnoh.”

Sve najbolje (all the best)

Sve najbolje translates to “all the best” and is perfect for expressing warm wishes during a toast. It’s informal and versatile, suitable for many occasions, from birthdays to farewells.

You might use Sve najbolje when you’re toasting to someone’s future endeavors or celebrating their achievements. It’s a heartfelt yet casual phrase that conveys genuine goodwill.

Pronounce it as “sveh nahy-boh-lyeh-styeh.”

Za prijateljstvo (to friendship)

Za prijateljstvo means “to friendship” and is a wonderful phrase for toasting among close friends. It emphasizes the bond and connection shared within the group.

This toast is perfect for sentimental occasions, like reunions or celebrations of lifelong friendships. Raising your glass with Za prijateljstvo shows appreciation for the people around you.

Pronounce it as “zah pree-ah-tel-ystvoh.”

Za ljubav (to love)

Za ljubav translates to “to love” and is a heartfelt phrase used in romantic or deeply emotional toasts.

This toast is ideal for intimate moments, such as anniversaries, engagements, or weddings. It adds a touch of romance and warmth to the occasion, making it perfect for celebrating love in all its forms.

Pronounce it as “zah lyoo-bahv.”

Za obitelj (to family)

Za obitelj means “to family” and is a beautiful toast for family gatherings. It expresses gratitude and love for your closest relatives and acknowledges the importance of family bonds.

This phrase is ideal for festive occasions like holidays, reunions, or special dinners where the focus is on family togetherness.

Pronounce it as “zah oh-bee-tehl.”

Na pobjedu (to victory)

Na pobjedu translates to “to victory” and is a celebratory toast used in competitive or triumphant settings. It’s perfect for marking a team win, achieving a personal goal, or celebrating success.

For example, after a sports victory or achieving a milestone, raise your glass and say Na pobjedu to commemorate the achievement.

Pronounce it as “nah poh-byeh-doo.”

Živio/Živjela (cheers to one person)

Živio (for males) and Živjela (for females) are gender-specific ways to toast an individual. They literally mean “may he/she live” and are a more personal variation of Živjeli.

This phrase is often used for birthdays or occasions celebrating one person’s achievements. For example, you might raise a glass and say Živio Ivan! to wish Ivan health and happiness.

Pronounce it as “zhee-vee-oh” (male) or “zhee-vyeh-lah” (female).

Živili svi (cheers, everyone)

Živili svi means “cheers, everyone” and is used to address a group. It’s an inclusive and warm phrase, perfect for informal gatherings where you want to toast collectively.

This phrase highlights the spirit of togetherness and is ideal for celebrations involving friends or larger groups.

Pronounce it as “zhee-vee-lee svee.”

Skol (cheers – borrowed from Nordic)

Skol is borrowed from Nordic cultures and occasionally used in Croatia for a fun, light-hearted toast. It’s less traditional but popular in informal, modern settings, especially among younger people.

Using Skol adds a playful vibe to the toast, making it a great choice for casual gatherings.

Pronounce it as “skohl.”

Za sreću (to happiness)

Za sreću translates to “to happiness” and is a versatile toast that can be used in both formal and informal situations.

Whether you’re celebrating a joyful occasion or simply sharing a drink, Za sreću is a kind and thoughtful way to wish everyone happiness.

Pronounce it as “zah sreh-choo.”

Na ljubaznost (to kindness)

Na ljubaznost means “to kindness” and is a touching toast for formal or sentimental moments.

This phrase is ideal for acknowledging someone’s generosity or expressing hope for goodwill among the group. It’s a thoughtful way to toast with sincerity and warmth.

Pronounce it as “nah lyoo-bahz-nost.”

Hvala na svemu, uzdravlje! (Thanks for everything, cheers!)

Hvala na svemu, uzdravlje is a heartfelt toast meaning “thanks for everything, cheers!” It’s perfect for emotional or reflective moments, such as bidding farewell or celebrating someone’s kindness.

This phrase is a blend of gratitude and well-wishing, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, both formal and informal.

Pronounce it as “hvah-lah nah sveh-moo, oo-zdrahv-lyeh.”

Raise Your Glass the Croatian Way

Whether you’re visiting Croatia, enjoying a festive evening, or attending a special celebration, knowing how to say “cheers” in Croatian is a thoughtful way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in their traditions.

While Živjeli is the classic go-to toast, there are plenty of other phrases that reflect the richness of Croatian culture. From casual expressions like Sretno (good luck) to warm, personal toasts like Za prijateljstvo (to friendship) or Za obitelj (to family), each phrase carries its own unique sentiment.

If you are looking to elevate your toasting skills and explore more of the Croatian language, tools like StudyCroatian.com can help you speak fluently, giving you the confidence to make every interaction memorable and meaningful.

We hope this guide helped you learn how to say cheers in Croatian. If you are looking to learn more about the Croatian language, check out our other blog articles.