PLEASE NOTE: This section is no longer being maintained. For a much more detailed review of Hrvatski Jezik (Croatian Language), please see Daniel Nikolic’s fantastic website: Basic Croatian
In Croatian, there are many different ways to greet someone. These common greetings are all aligned with the time of day and the purpose of the meeting.
Formal
| dobro jutro |
Good Morning |
| dobar dan |
Good Day |
| dobra večer |
Good Evening |
| laku noć |
Good Night |
| do viđenja |
Goodbye |
Informal
| Bog |
Hello and Goodbye |
| zdravo |
Hello and Goodbye |
- Bog translates directly into “God”. My thought is that it is similar to most sayings like “God be with you”, or “Godspeed”. Regardless, it is an informal yet polite way of saying hello and goodbye.
- zdravo carries with it some political and regional differences. Without going into further detail, I would suggest that you use the word zdravo only in very friendly company.
Formal
| kako ste vi? |
How are you? |
Informal
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Mural, done. Woot!
Hi! I love your website. I am a fluent Croatian speaker and I’ve never seen a resource for this language that’s so well done and “down to earth” if you know what I mean. Great job! Since you stated that you appreciate discourse here goes: Another very sweet, nice, informal way of saying hi to a Croatian especially in Dalmatia is “di ste!”. I think that’s a great greeting and a subtle way to let someone know you consider them a friend. I hope it doesn’t come off as hokey to a student of this gorgeous and complicated language. Also, I don’t know how far along you are in terms of getting into the soul of the language but a cute way of answering someone what they ask you “Kako si?” is “srednja zalost”. That literally translates into English as “average misery”. Very Croatian and a typical example of Croatian wit. I hope you find these useful.
I am trying to find the national animal or bird for croatia, my wive’s ancestral country. Do you know?
Hi Bret,
I’m not certain that I can be of any help. I don’t know of any animal that is specifically endemic to Croatia alone. Although, I know on the national flag there is a set of lions, a goat and a panther (or some other feline predator).
That panther is actually a marten :)
“kako ste vi?” usually is being used without word “vi”, as “ste” already states plural, or respect.
I was wondering if someone could translate a message I received from a friend:
Biti ćeš moj kraj, Golub.
Thanks in advance.
TimMck
Tim it says that you will be mine
Hi, My grandfather had a city in Croatia named after his family name Dulovac. Does anyone know of anyone who has been there and/or could be related to me? When coming to the U.S. they changed it to Delivuk.
Dear Trinda Anne,
I have pictures and narrative from a cousin about the Delivuk family in Croatia. Contact me for more information at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA
Jack Delivuk
Hi there! Does anyone know where can I find some more info abt Croatian? In fact, I’m in love with Montenegro. That’s the reason I want tol learn more and more.
Zdravo!