How to Introduce Yourself in Croatian: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
14. svibnja 2025.
Što su Sight Words i zašto su važne za djecu koja uče engleski jezik? (+radni list za download)
17. svibnja 2025.
If you’re starting to learn Croatian, one of the best ways to feel more confident is by mastering basic greetings and everyday phrases.
Knowing how to say hello, goodbye, or introduce yourself will help you navigate your first conversations with ease, whether you’re visiting Croatia, living here, or starting a language course.
In this article, we’ll share the most important Croatian greetings and beginner phrases you should learn first, along with practical tips on how to use them.
Why Start with Greetings and Basic Phrases?
When learning a new language, it’s essential to focus on practical, real-life communication from the very beginning.
Greetings are often your first contact with locals, and making a good first impression can open many doors, from friendly chats to professional opportunities.
Starting with sa imple, functional language also builds your confidence and makes the learning process feel more natural.
Essential Croatian Greetings
Here are the key greetings you’ll use every day:
| English | Croatian | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Bok | Informal, very common in everyday use. |
| Good morning | Dobro jutro | Used until around noon. |
| Good afternoon | Dobar dan | Standard greeting during the day. |
| Good evening | Dobra večer | Used after 6 PM approximately. |
| Goodbye | Doviđenja | Formal goodbye. |
| Bye | Bok | Yes, “bok” is used for both hello and bye! |
| See you | Vidimo se | A casual and friendly way to say goodbye. |
Useful Croatian Phrases for Beginners
Here are some more basic phrases to help you in your first conversations:
| English | Croatian |
|---|---|
| How are you? | Kako ste? (formal) / Kako si? (informal) |
| I’m good, thank you. | Dobro sam, hvala. |
| What is your name? | Kako se zovete? (formal) / Kako se zoveš? (informal) |
| My name is… | Zovem se… |
| Nice to meet you. | Drago mi je. |
| Please | Molim |
| Thank you | Hvala |
| You’re welcome | Nema na čemu |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Oprostite (formal) / Oprosti (informal) |
| I don’t understand. | Ne razumijem. |
| Do you speak English? | Govorite li engleski? |
Tips for Using Croatian Phrases Correctly
- Practice aloud every day — speaking helps you memorize faster.
- Learn informal vs. formal greetings depending on the situation.
- Listen to native speakers to get a sense of their pronunciation.
- Don’t worry about mistakes — locals appreciate any effort you make!
Learning these basic Croatian greetings and phrases is a fantastic way to start your language journey.
You’ll feel more comfortable connecting with locals, participating in everyday life, and taking your first steps toward fluency.
Want to learn even more and start speaking Croatian with confidence?
➡️ Join our Beginner Croatian Course (A1.1) — enrollment is open now!
