Basic Croatian Phrases

Conversation Basics

Planning a trip to Croatia? Learning a few essential Croatian phrases can go a long way! From greetings and ordering food to asking for directions, this guide covers basic Croatian words and expressions to help you communicate in common situations.

Basic phrases

Welcome to your practical guide to mastering Croatian! In this article, you’ll learn essential Croatian phrases and basic Croatian vocabulary that will help you feel more confident whether you’re traveling, dining out, or booking a hotel. Let’s start with the very basics and work our way to everyday conversations.

Kick Off with Basic Greetings & Expressions

If you speak absolutely no Croatian, don’t worry – even a few words can go a long way on holiday. A simple thank you or goodbye can brighten someone’s day and show your respect for the local culture.

For more on how to get your pronunciation right, check out our detailed guide on Croatian pronunciation.

If you’re inspired to go deeper, our language school offers options to learn Croatian online or even book a language holiday in Croatia. Ready to begin?

Kako ste
Kick off your Croatian learning journey!

Essential Vocabulary for Daily Conversations

Everyday Words & Common Expressions

Start by familiarizing yourself with some core words that you’ll use every day. Practice these audio clips to get used to the sounds of Croatian:

da – yes

ne – no

hvala – thank you

molim – please

bok – hi or bye

Izvoli! – you’re welcome (informal)

Izvolite! – you’re welcome (formal)

možda – maybe

oprosti – excuse me (informal)

oprostite – excuse me (formal)

Dobro jutro! – Good morning!

Dobar dan! – Good day!

Dobra večer! – Good evening!

Doviđenja! – Goodbye!

Mastering Everyday Conversations

Once you’re comfortable with individual words, it’s time to practice common question-and-answer pairs. Listen carefully to these examples and repeat along with the audio.

Kako si (ti)? – How are you? (informal)

Kako ste (Vi)? – How are you (formal)

Ja sam dobro. – I’m fine.

Kako se (ti) zoveš? – What’s your name? (informal)

Kako se (Vi) zovete? – What’s your name? (formal)

Ja se zovem … – My name is …

Real-Life Situations: Useful Croatian Sentences

Now let’s move beyond greetings. Whether you’re asking if someone speaks English or looking for directions, these practical sentences will get you through everyday interactions.

Govorite li engleski? – Do you speak English?

Žao mi je, ne govorim hrvatski. – I’m sorry, I don’t speak Croatian.

Možete li mi pokazati gdje je Sinjska ulica? – Can you show me where Sinjska street is?

Oprostite, gdje je WC? – Excuse me, where’s the toilet?

Sviđa mi se ovdje! – I like it here!

Understanding Casual Chit-Chat

Croatians often use playful expressions in everyday conversation. Don’t be thrown off by questions that seem literal – they’re just another way to ask, “What’s up?” Listen and enjoy the humor behind phrases like Gdje si ti? and Jesi ti živ(a)?.

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Hotel Essentials: Speak Like a Local

When you’re traveling, knowing how to handle a hotel stay can boost your confidence. Learn key expressions for booking a room, asking about breakfast, or reporting a lost key. These phrases are perfect for your next trip!

Vocabulary for a Smooth Hotel Stay

rezervacija – reservation

prtljaga – luggage

recepcija – reception

ključ – key

restoran – restaurant

doručak – breakfast

soba – room

apartman – apartment

ručnik – towel

Practical Phrases for Hotel Guests

Imam rezervaciju za danas na ime Ivan Perić.
I have a reservation for today in the name Ivan Perić.

Do koliko sati se moram odjaviti iz hotela?
By what time do I have to check out from the hotel?

Mogu li ostaviti prtljagu na recepciji?
Can I leave my luggage at the reception?

Did You Know? Fascinating Hotel Facts

Learn a bit about Croatian hospitality too! The Kvarner hotel in Opatija is the oldest hotel on the Adriatic, built in 1884. It even hosted the Austro-Hungarian royalty. And if you’re curious about luxury, many top hotels in Dubrovnik and even the Kempinski Adriatic in Istria offer an opulent experience – with the latter charging up to €10,000 per night for its presidential suite!

Dining Out: Navigating Croatian Menus

When you’re out for a meal, menus might be entirely in Croatian – but don’t worry, you can learn the vocabulary you need to order confidently and enjoy your dining experience.

Croatian in a restaurant
Practice your restaurant vocabulary with our essential phrases.

Restaurant Vocabulary: From Menu to Bill

jelovnik – menu

doručak – breakfast

ručak – lunch

večera – dinner

predjelo – starter

glavno jelo – main course

voda – water

vino – wine

pivo – beer

prilog – side dish

desert – dessert

račun – cheque/bill

meso – meat

riba – fish

kruh – bread

Gladan sam. – I’m hungry.

Žedan sam. – I’m thirsty.

vegetarijanac – vegetarian

More Useful Expressions for Any Situation

Mogu li dobiti jelovnik? – Can I get the menu?

Imate li jelovnik na njemačkom (jeziku)? – Do you have a menu in German?

Ne jedem meso. Ja sam vegetarijanac/vegetarijanka. – I don’t eat meat. I’m a vegetarian.

Je li sve bilo u redu? – Was everything alright?

Sve je bilo odlično! – Everything was great!

Hvala, ne mogu desert. Već sam pun/a! – Thank you, I can’t have dessert. I’m already full!

Želim platiti. Mogu li dobiti račun? – I want to pay. Can I have the bill?

Zadržite ostatak! – Keep the change!

Za predjelo želim juhu od povrća, za glavno jelo teleće medaljone i pire krompir, a kao prilog miješanu salatu. – I’d like vegetable soup as a starter, veal medallions and mashed potatoes for the main course, with a mixed salad on the side.

Tipping & Etiquette in Croatian Dining

When it comes to paying your bill at a restaurant, a simple U redu je! (That’s okay) tells the waiter to keep any change as a tip. It’s a friendly and easy way to show appreciation.

Extra Tips for Hotel Stays

Breakfast in a Croatian hotel
A few extra words to help you feel at home in any Croatian hotel.

Booking and Accommodation: Your Handy Expressions

Online booking is easier than ever, but it never hurts to have a few extra phrases up your sleeve. The following expressions will help you confidently inquire about your room and any additional services.

Exercise: Translate These Accommodation Phrases

I need a room – Trebam sobu!

Single/double room – jednokrevetna/dvokrevetna soba

Apartment – apartman

Can you show me where my room is? – Možete li mi pokazati gdje je moja soba?

Excuse me, can I get the key? – Oprostite, mogu li dobiti ključ?

Where’s the reception? – Gdje je recepcija?

When’s breakfast/lunch/dinner? – Kada je vrijeme doručka / ručka / večere?

Could I order room service? – Mogu li naručiti poslugu u sobu?

When do I have to check out? – Kada se moram odjaviti?

Do you have an extra towel/bedsheet? – Imate li još jedan ručnik / plahtu?

Could I have the bill, please? – Mogu li dobiti račun, molim Vas?

Style & Clothing: Vocabulary You’ll Love

Listen & Learn: Practice Your Pronunciation

To wrap things up, spend some time listening to how native speakers pronounce everyday words. This section is all about practice – the more you listen, the more natural your Croatian will sound!

čarape – socks

cipele – shoes

marama – shawl

šal – scarf

čizme – boots

japanke – flip-flops

naočale – glasses

kapa – cap

šešir – hat

majica – T-shirt

cipele s potpeticom – high-heeled shoes

etiketa s cijenom – price tag

maska za ronjenje – diving mask

gležnjače – ankle boots

sunčane naočale – sunglasses

naočale za vid – prescription glasses

tenisice – tennis shoes

majica dugih rukava – long-sleeved T-shirt

majica bez rukava – sleeveless T-shirt

majica s kapuljačom – hooded top

Exercise: Can You Guess What These Mean?

Jesi li skinuo etiketu s cijenom?Did you remove the price tag?

Gdje je moj šal?Where is my scarf?

Izgubio sam sunčane naočale! [male] – I lost my sunglasses!

Koliko košta majica kratkih rukava?How much does the short-sleeved T-shirt cost?

Ne mogu pronaći drugu cipelu!I can't find the other shoe!

Želim kupiti majicu dugih rukava.I want to buy a long-sleeved t-shirt.


Language guide

Explore grammar and learning tips in our Croatian language guide.

  • Croatian Diminutive Nouns

    Love & Relationships

    Add warmth to your speech with Croatian diminutives – learn how to form affectionate and cute versions of nouns.

  • Croatian Imperative

    Grammar Essentials

    Want to give a command or make a polite request? This guide teaches how to use and soften the imperative in Croatian.

  • Croatian Noun Gender: Masculine, Feminine & Neuter Explained

    Grammar Essentials

    Every noun in Croatian has a gender – learn to recognize masculine, feminine, and neuter forms with helpful patterns.

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