Greetings

1. Dobar dan

   Good day / Hello

   Usage

   Formal daytime greeting used with strangers and in shops

   Grammar Note

   Standard Croatian daytime greeting. Morning: "Dobro jutro", Evening: "Dobra večer"

2. Bok

   Hi / Bye

   Usage

   Casual greeting and farewell used with friends and acquaintances

   Grammar Note

   The most common casual Croatian greeting. Works as both hello and goodbye

3. Zbogom

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Formal farewell used in serious or final parting situations

   Grammar Note

   Literally "with God". In daily use, "Do viđenja" (until we meet again) is more common

4. Molim

   Please / Here you go / You're welcome

   Usage

   Versatile word: please, here you go, or you're welcome

   Grammar Note

   First person singular of "moliti" (to ask/beg). Context determines meaning: please / here you go / you're welcome

5. Hvala

   Thank you

   Usage

   Standard expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   "Hvala lijepa" (literally "beautiful thanks") is a more polite form

6. Govorite li engleski?

   Do you speak English?

   Usage

   Used when asking a local if they speak English

   Grammar Note

   "Govorite" is the formal/polite second person form. "li" after the verb forms a yes/no question

7. Kako ste?

   How are you? (formal)

   Usage

   Formal way to ask how someone is doing

   Grammar Note

   Casual form: "Kako si?" Answer: "Dobro, hvala" (Fine, thank you)

8. Zovem se...

   My name is...

   Usage

   Used when introducing yourself by name

   Grammar Note

   First person singular of reflexive verb "zvati se" (to be called). "Ja sam..." is an alternative

9. Dobrodošli u Hrvatsku

   Welcome to Croatia

   Usage

   Used at tourist sites and official occasions to welcome visitors

   Grammar Note

   "Hrvatsku" is the accusative case form required after "u" when indicating movement toward a place

10. Oprostite

    Excuse me / I'm sorry

    Usage

    Used to get someone's attention or to apologize lightly

    Grammar Note

    Formal imperative of "oprostiti" (to forgive). For a deeper apology, use "Žao mi je" (I'm sorry)

11. Gdje je toalet?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Basic phrase for asking where the toilet is. "Toalet" is the most common word for it

    Grammar Note

    Question word "gdje" (where) comes first. Croatian nouns decline by case; nominative is used in questions

12. Ne mogu govoriti hrvatski

    I can't speak Croatian

    Usage

    Used to tell someone you can't speak Croatian; often followed by a request to speak English

    Grammar Note

    Negation uses "ne" before the verb. First-person singular of "moći" (can) is "mogu"; negated: "ne mogu"

13. Opet ću doći.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Jako sam se dobro zabavio.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

    Grammar Note

    Female speakers say "zabavila" instead

15. Hvala, vidimo se!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. Laku noć.

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. Izlazim.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Kod kuće sam.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging; literally "I'm at home"

19. Ispričavam se, moram ići.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Nema na čemu.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    An alternative to "Molim" for replying to thanks

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