Croatian Language - 17 Useful phrases and expressions

Learning any new language can be challenging, but knowing a few key phrases can help you connect with locals and navigate everyday situations with ease. Whether you're traveling to Croatia or just looking to expand your vocabulary, here are 17 useful Croatian phrases and expressions that will help you in a variety of situations.

17 Useful Croatian Phrases and Expressions

Dobar dan (Good day)

Dobar dan is a polite and formal greeting in Croatian, commonly used throughout the day, similar to saying "Good day" in English. It’s appropriate for both casual and formal settings, making it a versatile phrase for meeting new people, in professional environments, or when addressing a group. For example, you would greet someone at a café, store, or office with dobar dan.

Pronunciation: doh-bar dahn.

Bok (Hi)

Bok is an informal and friendly greeting, akin to saying "Hi" or "Hey" in English. It’s commonly used among friends, family, and peers, and is perfect for casual interactions. If you’re meeting someone you know well or encountering people your own age, bok is the ideal phrase.

Pronunciation: bohk.

Kako si? (How are you?)

Kako si? is a friendly and informal way to ask someone how they’re doing. It’s often used with friends, family, or acquaintances. If you want to ask a more formal question in professional settings or to someone older, you can use kako ste? instead. This is one of the first phrases you’ll likely learn when practicing Croatian, as it’s a great conversation starter.

Pronunciation: kah-koh see?

Hvala (Thank you)

Hvala is the most common and simple way to say “thank you” in Croatian. Whether someone is holding the door open for you, serving you food at a restaurant, or giving you a compliment, hvala is your go-to word for expressing gratitude. It’s appropriate for both casual and more formal situations, making it a must-know phrase.

Pronunciation: hvah-lah.

For more details on how to say "thank you" in Croatian, check out our dedicated article on how to say thank you in Croatian.

Molim (Please/You're welcome)

Molim is a versatile word in Croatian. It can be used both as a polite way to say "please" when requesting something and as a response to hvala (thank you), meaning "you're welcome." For instance, when asking for something at a café or store, you would say molim to make your request more polite. When someone thanks you, molim is the appropriate response to show that you’re happy to help.

Pronunciation: moh-leem.

Da (Yes)

The Croatian word for "yes," da, is essential in everyday conversations. It’s used to affirm something or agree with a statement. Whether you’re answering a question or confirming plans, da is a simple yet important word to know. For example, if someone asks if you want a coffee, you would reply with da if you’d like one.

Pronunciation: dah.

Ne (No)

Ne is the Croatian equivalent of "no." It’s used to reject or deny something, and is just as important as da (yes). You’ll use ne when you want to refuse an offer, decline an invitation, or simply express disagreement. It’s short, easy to remember, and will come in handy throughout your travels or in conversations.

Pronunciation: neh.

Gdje je WC? (Where is the bathroom?)

This is a crucial phrase to know while traveling! Gdje je WC? translates to "Where is the bathroom?" and it will undoubtedly help you when you need to find a restroom in public places like restaurants, shopping centers, or airports. It's always a good idea to learn where the nearest facilities are, and this phrase will ensure that you’re prepared when nature calls.

Pronunciation: gdyeh yeh veh-tseh?

Koliko košta? (How much does it cost?)

When you're shopping or paying for services, koliko košta? is a crucial phrase to ask about prices. It’s a simple and direct way to inquire about the cost of an item or service, whether you're at a market, a store, or even ordering in a café. It's a phrase that will be especially useful when you're trying to budget or bargain in Croatian-speaking regions.

Pronunciation: koh-lee-koh koh-shtah?

Volim te (I love you)

Volim te is the classic way to say "I love you" in Croatian. It’s the phrase you use with a partner, close friends, or family members to express deep affection. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or sharing a moment with someone you care about, this is the go-to expression for conveying love. It’s simple, yet it holds a lot of emotional weight.

Pronunciation: voh-leem teh.

For more details on how to say "I love you" in Croatian, check out our article on how to say I love you in Croatian.

Zdravo (Hello/Hi)

Zdravo is another casual way to greet someone, similar to bok. It's friendly and informal, often used with peers, acquaintances, or people you know well. It’s an alternative to bok but carries the same easy-going tone, perfect for when you see a friend or want to initiate a conversation in a relaxed setting.

Pronunciation: z-drah-voh.

Puno hvala (Thank you very much)

When you want to show extra gratitude, puno hvala is the ideal phrase. It’s an emphasis on "thank you," similar to saying "thank you very much" in English. Use this expression when someone has done something particularly kind or helpful, or when you want to express deeper appreciation. It’s a way to convey that your gratitude goes beyond just a simple hvala.

Pronunciation: poo-noh hvah-lah.

Oprostite (Excuse me)

Oprostite is a polite way to get someone’s attention, ask for forgiveness, or apologize. It’s equivalent to saying "excuse me" in English. Whether you need to pass by someone in a crowded space, ask a question, or express regret, oprostite is the phrase to use. It’s also helpful when you accidentally bump into someone or interrupt a conversation. Perfect croatian phrase for when you need to get someone's attention!

Pronunciation: oh-pros-tee-teh.

Nema na čemu (You’re welcome)

A common and humble response to hvala (thank you), nema na čemu literally translates to "it’s nothing" but is used to say "you’re welcome" in Croatian. It’s often said when someone thanks you for something, showing that you’re happy to help without expecting anything in return. It’s polite, modest, and a lovely way to acknowledge someone’s gratitude.

Pronunciation: neh-mah nah cheh-moo.

Vidimo se (See you)

If you're parting ways with someone, vidimo se is a casual way to say "see you later" or "goodbye." It’s often used among friends and acquaintances when leaving a gathering, meeting, or event. It’s a friendly and informal way to end a conversation, and a perfect phrase for saying goodbye until you meet again.

Pronunciation: vee-dee-moh seh.

Žao mi je (I’m sorry)

If you need to apologize or express regret, žao mi je is the Croatian equivalent of "I’m sorry." It can be used in various situations, from expressing sympathy to apologizing for a mistake or inconvenience. It’s a heartfelt phrase that shows empathy or remorse, making it an essential expression for polite and considerate conversation.

Pronunciation: zha-oh mee yeh.

Kako se zoveš? (What is your name?)

When meeting someone new, kako se zoveš? is a great way to ask their name. It’s a straightforward and polite question, and it's often one of the first things you’ll ask when introducing yourself. For formal situations or when speaking to someone you don’t know well, you can use kako se zovete? (What is your name?) to show respect.

Pronunciation: kah-koh seh zoh-vesh?

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned some of the most useful Croatian phrases, you're ready to start using them in everyday conversations! Whether you’re traveling to Croatia, meeting new people, or just exploring the language, these Croatian basics will make a big difference.

If you’re eager to continue learning, be sure to check out other helpful articles on StudyCroatian.com/blog for even more tips, phrases, and lessons to improve your Croatian. From common greetings to more advanced expressions, our blog has everything you need to keep progressing.

Additionally, if you’re serious about learning Croatian, why not start with our free lessons? By registering on StudyCroatian.com, you can access a variety of lessons designed to help you master the language at your own pace, completely free. It’s the perfect way to build on what you've learned and take your Croatian skills to the next level.

Don’t wait—start your Croatian language journey today and sign up for free lessons now. Let’s make learning Croatian fun and easy together!