How To Say Thank You in Croatian: 15 Formal and Informal Ways

After learning how to say “hello” in Croatian, one of the next best phrases to learn in Croatian is “thank you.” You probably already know hvala (thank you), but there are other ways to express gratitude to friends, professionals, and acquaintances. There are polite and expected ways to say thank you depending on the situation in Croatian. If you learn when to use each and how to respond, you’ll make a great impression with your good manners.

With so many opportunities to express your gratitude, we’ve put together this guide to help you speak Croatian with confidence.

15 common ways to say ‘thank you’ in Croatian

Hvala and its variants are some of the most essential Croatian words a beginner should learn. As you glance at this chart, you can see that there are casual and formal ways to say “thank you” in Croatian, ways to thank a group versus an individual, and expressions that make the most sense in writing.

How to use different forms of ‘thank you’ in Croatian

There are many ways to say ‘thank you’ in Croatian. A simple hvala is great for day-to-day interactions, like when someone holds the door open for you, but zahvaljujem vam na... (I thank you for...) might be more appropriate in formal situations like writing an acceptance letter. If you’re speaking to a group, you might want to say hvala svima (thank you to everyone), which works perfectly in speeches or group settings. Choosing the right form of ‘thank you’ ensures your gratitude fits the situation perfectly.

Hvala (thank you)

As the simplest and most common way to say ‘thank you’ in Croatian, hvala works well in most everyday situations. You can use it with friends, strangers, or when shopping or dining. For example, if you’re at a café and a waiter brings you your coffee, a polite hvala is always appropriate.

Keep in mind that while hvala is short and sweet, it may not carry enough weight for very formal or significant situations, like accepting an award or expressing deep gratitude. For those occasions, you’ll want to explore more formal variations.

To pronounce hvala, the "h" is slightly aspirated, followed by a clear "vah-lah."

Hvala vama (thank you – formal, with emphasis on ‘you’)

Hvala vama places emphasis on the person you’re thanking, making it a more formal and respectful way to show appreciation. This phrase is ideal when speaking to someone you don’t know well, someone older, or someone you want to show extra respect to, like a professor or colleague.

You might use hvala vama in situations where someone goes out of their way to help you, such as offering detailed directions or giving you valuable advice. It highlights your appreciation while emphasizing the recipient’s role in helping you.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah vah-ma."

Hvala tebi (thank you – informal, with emphasis on ‘you’)

Similar to hvala vama, hvala tebi emphasizes the person being thanked but in an informal way. Use this phrase with friends, family, or peers—anyone with whom you have a casual or close relationship.

For example, if a friend helps you with a project or gives you a thoughtful gift, a heartfelt hvala tebi shows that you recognize and appreciate their effort. The informal tone makes it perfect for relaxed and friendly situations.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah teh-bee."

Puno hvala (Thanks a lot/Thank you very much)

Puno hvala is a versatile phrase, perfect for expressing a deep level of gratitude in both formal and informal settings. It translates directly to "thanks a lot" or "thank you very much" and can be used to show appreciation for anything from a simple favor to a significant gesture.

For instance, if someone helps you with a big task or gives you an unexpected gift, puno hvala is a heartfelt way to show your appreciation.

Pronounce it as "poo-no hvah-lah."

Hvala lijepa (Thank you very much)

Hvala lijepa is another common way to say "thank you very much." It's a polite and formal phrase, but it can sometimes carry a touch of sarcasm depending on your tone—much like saying "thanks a lot" in a sarcastic way in English. It works well when you're genuinely grateful, but be mindful of the context to avoid any unintended irony.

For example, when you want to express genuine gratitude for a thoughtful gesture, hvala lijepa conveys your thanks with respect. However, if you're a bit annoyed or frustrated, the phrase can sound more ironic.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah lyeh-pah."

Hvala najljepša (Thank you very much – Emphatic)

If you want to show even more heartfelt gratitude, hvala najljepša is the phrase to use. This expression translates to "thank you very much" but with an added emphasis, meaning "the most beautiful thanks." It’s ideal for both formal and informal occasions when you want to truly highlight your appreciation.

For example, if someone does something exceptionally generous or kind, hvala najljepša is a wonderful way to express the depth of your gratitude.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah nahy-lyep-sha."

Tisuću hvala (Thanks a million)

For a more casual or enthusiastic way to express gratitude, tisuću hvala means "thanks a million" or "a thousand thanks." This phrase is typically used informally among friends, family, or people you are close with, and it shows an exaggerated sense of appreciation.

For example, after someone helps you with a big favor or goes out of their way for you, tisuću hvala emphasizes just how grateful you are.

Pronounce it as "tee-soo-choo hvah-lah."

Neizmjerno hvala (Thanks infinitely)

Neizmjerno hvala is a phrase that takes gratitude to the next level, meaning "thanks infinitely" or "endless thanks." This expression emphasizes deep, immeasurable gratitude and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s perfect when you want to convey a profound sense of appreciation.

For example, if someone has made an enormous effort or performed an extraordinary kindness, neizmjerno hvala communicates just how grateful you are in a heartfelt and powerful way.

Pronounce it as "ney-izm-yerno hvah-lah."

Zahvaljujem vam na ... (I thank you for ...)

Zahvaljujem vam na ... is a formal and polite way to say "I thank you for ..." and is often used in written communication. It’s a respectful and professional phrase, suitable for expressing gratitude in formal settings such as business emails or official letters.

For example, when expressing appreciation for someone’s help or a service they provided, you might say, zahvaljujem vam na vašoj pomoći (I thank you for your help).

Pronounce it as "zah-vahl-yoo-yem vahm nah."

Zahvaljujem ti na ... (I thank you for ...)

Zahvaljujem ti na ... is the informal version of the above phrase and is used when addressing someone you’re close to or familiar with, such as friends or family. It conveys gratitude in a more personal and warm tone.

For instance, you might use this when thanking a friend for their help: zahvaljujem ti na podršci (I thank you for your support).

Pronounce it as "zah-vahl-yoo-yem tee nah."

Sa zahvalnošću (With gratitude)

Sa zahvalnošću translates to "with gratitude" and is often used in formal or written contexts, such as in business correspondence or expressions of thanks in more professional settings. It’s a polite way to close a message or express appreciation.

For example, you might end a formal letter with sa zahvalnošću to convey that you are thankful for the recipient’s time, attention, or support.

Pronounce it as "sah zah-vahl-noh-shoo."

Stvarno je ljubazno od vas (It’s really kind of you)

Stvarno je ljubazno od vas is a formal expression used to show appreciation for someone's kindness. It translates to "It’s really kind of you" and is typically used in situations where you want to acknowledge someone's thoughtful or generous actions.

For example, if someone goes out of their way to help you, this phrase is a polite and respectful way to thank them for their kindness.

Pronounce it as "stvar-noh eh lyoo-bah-znoh od vahs."

Hvala, gospodine (Thank you, Sir)

Hvala, gospodine is a formal way of saying "thank you" when addressing a man, similar to "Thank you, Sir" in English. It’s used in respectful, formal contexts and can be used in both spoken and written communication when addressing someone in a position of authority or when showing politeness.

For example, if you receive a service from a male professional or elder, hvala, gospodine would be an appropriate expression of gratitude.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah, goh-spoh-dee-neh."

Hvala, gospođo (Thank you, Madam)

Hvala, gospođo is the feminine counterpart to hvala, gospodine and translates to "Thank you, Madam" or "Thank you, Ma’am." It’s a formal expression used when addressing a woman respectfully, often in professional or polite contexts.

For instance, when you are thanking a female professional or someone older than you, hvala, gospođo is a fitting phrase to show appreciation.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah, goh-spoh-djo."

Hvala unaprijed (Thanks in advance)

Hvala unaprijed is used to express gratitude before someone has actually done something for you, meaning "thanks in advance." It’s a polite phrase often used when requesting help or favors, both in formal and informal settings.

For example, if you're asking someone for assistance and you want to show appreciation in advance, you can say hvala unaprijed.

Pronounce it as "hvah-lah oo-nah-pree-ed."

Show Your Good Manners in Croatian Using the Correct 'Thank You'

If you're traveling, doing business, or making friends in Croatia, knowing how to express your gratitude properly is essential. Whether you're asking for help, accepting a favor, or just showing appreciation, saying “thank you” in the right way can help you connect with people and demonstrate your respect for Croatian culture.

While learning hvala is a great start to expressing gratitude in Croatian, there are several other variations that reflect different levels of formality and can make your appreciation sound even more genuine. These expressions are commonly used in everyday life, and mastering them will help you navigate social situations more smoothly.

From casual tisuću hvala to more formal expressions like zahvaljujem vam na... or sa zahvalnošću, learning the nuances of gratitude in Croatian not only helps you show respect but also builds stronger relationships. Whether you're in a formal setting or casually chatting with friends, using the right phrase at the right time can make a big difference.

If you're interested in practicing these expressions and mastering the art of communication in Croatian, tools like StudyCroatian.com offer engaging lessons that can give you the confidence you need to speak Croatian fluently and authentically.