Croatian Greetings

Conversation Basics

Want to make a great first impression in Croatia? Learning how to say hello in Croatian is a simple yet powerful way to connect with locals. Whether greeting a friend with “Bok!” or using “Dobar dan!” in a formal setting, the right phrase sets the tone. In this guide, you’ll discover the most common formal and informal Croatian greetings along with cultural insights and fun expressions. Get ready to greet with confidence!

Greetings

Saying Hello in Croatian

When visiting a new country, one of the simplest ways to connect with the locals is by greeting them in their language. In Croatia, as in many places worldwide, greetings are more than just a formality—they are an important part of building rapport and showing respect for the culture and people. By taking the time to learn even a few basic phrases, you open doors to friendlier interactions and can make your experience more enjoyable. Whether you’re meeting new people, entering shops, or simply passing by someone on the street, these phrases will help you feel more connected to the language and the culture.

While Croatian may be (a little) different from your native language, don’t worry—learning the most common greetings is a great place to start, and with a bit of practice, you’ll feel more confident in your conversations.

How to greet someone

In Croatian, the way you greet someone depends on the level of formality. You’ll use a formal greeting when addressing an older person, someone you don’t know well, or someone you want to show respect to. For everyone else—friends, family, young people or people you’re familiar with—you can use an informal greeting.

Informal greetings

Use these when speaking to:

Common informal greetings include:

Bok! → Hello!

Vidimo se! → I’ll see you around.

Čujemo se! → We’ll talk soon.

Uživaj! → Enjoy yourself!

Želim ti lijep dan! → I wish you a nice day!

Formal greetings

Use these when speaking to:

Common formal greetings include:

Dobro jutro! → Good morning!

Dobar dan! → Good day!

Dobra večer! → Good evening!

Laku noć! → Good night!

Doviđenja. → Goodbye.

Želim Vam ugodan dan! → I wish you a pleasant day! (formal)

Želim Vam lijep dan! → I wish you a nice day! (formal)

Times of the day:

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Croatian small talk – don’t get confused!

You might hear someone ask “Gdje si ti?” (“Where are you?”), even when they can clearly see the person. Or they might say “Jesi živ(a)?” (“Are you alive?”), even though the person is obviously perfectly fine. Don’t worry—this isn’t a matter of life or death! These expressions are just another way of asking “Što ima?” (What’s up?). It’s all part of the fun, casual nature of Croatian small talk!

Pa gdje si ti? → Where’ve you been?
Evo me! → Here I am!

Što ima? → What’s up?
Ništa. Sve po starom! → Nothing. Everything’s as usual!

Once you learn the key Croatian greetings, you’re ready to start making meaningful connections and engaging in basic conversations. With these expressions under your belt, you’ll feel more confident greeting others and getting to know them in Croatian!


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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