Café & Drinks

1. Jedno pivo, molim

   One beer, please

   Usage

   Used to order a beer at a bar or restaurant

   Grammar Note

   "pivo" is neuter, so the numeral "jedno" (neuter) is used. Local beers include Ožujsko and Karlovačko

2. Čašu crnog vina, molim

   A glass of red wine, please

   Usage

   Used to order a glass of red wine at a restaurant or wine bar

   Grammar Note

   "crno vino" literally means "black wine" = red wine in Croatian. The Plavac Mali grape from Dalmatia is renowned

3. Imate li domaće rakije?

   Do you have homemade rakija?

   Usage

   Used to ask about homemade rakija (fruit brandy) at a local konoba or family guesthouse

   Grammar Note

   Rakija is a traditional Balkan fruit brandy. Varieties include šljivovica (plum) and travarica (herb-infused)

4. Kavu s mlijekom, molim

   Coffee with milk, please

   Usage

   Used to order coffee with milk at a café

   Grammar Note

   "s + instrumental" expresses "with". Espresso is popular; "bijela kava" (white coffee) is espresso with warm milk

5. Boca mineralne vode, bez gasa

   A bottle of still mineral water

   Usage

   Used to order a non-sparkling (still) mineral water at a restaurant or café

   Grammar Note

   Sparkling is "s gasom", still is "bez gasa". Croatian tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is commonly served

6. Možete li preporučiti lokalno vino?

   Can you recommend a local wine?

   Usage

   Used to ask a waiter or sommelier for a local wine recommendation

   Grammar Note

   Croatia is a wine region. Notable whites include Pošip from Dalmatia and Malvazija from Istria

7. Još jednu rundu, hvala

   Another round, thank you

   Usage

   Used informally to order another round of drinks for the whole table

   Grammar Note

   "runda" is feminine, so "jednu" (feminine accusative) agrees with it. The Croatian toast is "Živjeli!" (cheers!)

8. Živjeli!

   Cheers!

   Usage

   Used as a toast when clinking glasses with drinks

   Grammar Note

   "Živjeli" is the plural l-participle of "živjeti" (to live), used as a wish in the toast formula. Making eye contact when toasting is considered important in Croatia

9. Ima li sok od jabuke?

   Is there apple juice?

   Usage

   Used to ask about non-alcoholic juice options, especially for children or non-drinkers

   Grammar Note

   "sok od + genitive" forms juice names: "od naranče" (orange), "od grožđa" (grape), etc.

10. Toplu čokoladu, molim

    Hot chocolate, please

    Usage

    Used to order hot chocolate at a café

    Grammar Note

    "čokolada" is feminine, so the adjective "topla" becomes "toplu" in the accusative. Popular during Croatian winters

11. Mineralna voda

    Mineral water

    Usage

    Order bottled water with this. In Croatia "mineralna voda" often implies the fizzy kind, so add "negazirana" for still or "gazirana" for sparkling

    Grammar Note

    Feminine noun. Tap water is drinkable in Croatia; ask for "voda iz slavine" or "obična voda"

12. Bez leda

    No ice

    Usage

    Ask for a drink without ice

    Grammar Note

    "Bez" takes the genitive; ice is "led"

13. Vruća voda

    Hot water

    Usage

    Ask for hot water — for formula, instant noodles, or taking medicine

    Grammar Note

    "Voda" is feminine, so the adjective takes the feminine form "vruća"; warm (not hot) water is "topla voda"

Browse all TravelPhrases languages