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?
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
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.
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
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.
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