Overview
- Why practise learning a new language?
- Why learn Croatian?
- How to say basic greetings in Croatian
- How to say please and thank you in Croatian
- Simple phrases in Croatian
- Common objects in Croatian
Why practise learning a new language?
Language learning can:
- Keep your mind active and reduce the chances of developing dementia as you grow older.
- Enhance your self-esteem and boost your sense of personal worth.
- Transform into an enjoyable and captivating pastime.
- Connect you more deeply with the community as you travel, fostering engagement with locals and speakers of the language worldwide.
- Teach you to identify and communicate common objects, places or activities in Croatian
Why learn Croatian?
Croatia is a fantastic destination for tourists. In addition to its picturesque coastal vistas, visitors can explore over 1200 islands throughout their stay. With eight national parks and numerous nature areas, you may find some areas recognisable as some scenes from the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones" were filmed on location in the country.
For a richer experience during your visit, having a basic understanding of the language can be invaluable. The ability to communicate with locals can lead you to discover local insights and hidden destinations that may have remained beyond your reach.
How to say basic greetings in Croatian
If you only have time to learn a few basic Croatian phrases to get you by, then learning greetings sets you in good stead. Croatian is a tough language to learn – everyone will tell you it’s a complicated language to master given that accents are involved but give it a go, and the locals will appreciate you for making the effort.
Meal times are a great scenario to practise your new phrases. Try out a few words over Croatian cuisine and entertain your company.
- Hello – Bok
pronunciation: (bohk) - Goodbye – Do viđenja
pronunciation: (doh-vee-d’gehn-nyah) - Good morning/evening – Dobro jutro/Dobra večer
pronunciation: (doh-broh you-tro / doh-brah veh-cher)
How to say please and thank you in Croatian
- Please – Molim
pronunciation: (moh-leem) - Thank you – Hvala
pronunciation: (flah-lah)
Simple phrases in Croatian
- Yes – Da
pronunciation: (dah) - No – Ne
pronunciation: (neh) - Do you speak English? – Govorite li engleski?
pronunciation: (goh-voh-ree-teh kee lee ehn-glehs) - I can’t speak Croatian well – Ne govorim dobro hrvatski
pronunciation: (neh goh-voh-reem doh-broh huhr-vahts-kee) - I don’t understand – Ne razumijem
pronunciation: (neh rah-zoo-meeyehm) - Please write it down – Molimo zapisati
pronunciation: (moh-leem-oh za-pi-sa-ti) - How much does it cost? – Koliko košta ovo?
pronunciation: (koh-lee-koh kosht-tah oh-voh) - Where is…? – Gdje je. . .?
pronunciation: (gdyeh se)
Common objects in Croatian
- Telephone – Telefonom
pronunciation: (teh-leh-foh-nohm) - Toilet – Zahodi
pronunciation: (za-haw-dee) - Tea – Caja
pronunciation: (chaia) - Coffee – Kave
pronunciation: (kah-veh) - Bottled water – Mineralne vode
pronunciation: (mee-neh-rahl-neh voh-deh) - Cheers! – Živjeli!
pronunciation: (zhee-ve-lee)
Small Group Travel
If you want to go a bit further with the language, download Mondly, an app you can use to pass time on your flight. Read up on facts about Croatia and get ready to talk all things soccer/football with the locals which is the country’s favourite sport, here’s a headstart - the largest pro clubs are Dinamo and Hajduk.
We take guests to Croatia on our small group tours, if you have any questions about our tours, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists on 1800 286 645.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a well-known Croatian saying?
Bez muke nema nauke which translates to - 'Without hardship there is no knowledge' or as we know it ‘No pain, no gain’.
What is the Croatian greeting etiquette?
When meeting someone for the first time, people usually shake hands. This is less common among teenagers. Greetings with kisses, one on each cheek, are usually reserved for family or very close friends. It is also accepted for men to kiss each other on each cheek.
Is there clothing etiquette to follow in Croatia?
In Croatia, you can dress as you would at home according to the weather. There are no cultural restrictions on what clothes you should or should not wear. Modesty is only required in religious buildings where you should cover your knees and shoulders. When travelling, a shawl is a great addition for situations such as these.
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