Croatian, a South Slavic language, is spoken primarily in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and neighboring regions. It shares many similarities with Serbian and Bosnian, offering a rich linguistic heritage. This lesson provides essential conversational phrases and questions in Croatian, perfect for navigating daily interactions, travel, and more.

Greetings

• Hello – “Bok” / “Pozdrav”
• Good morning – “Dobro jutro”
• Good afternoon – “Dobar dan”
• Good evening – “Dobra večer”
• Goodbye – “Doviđenja”
• How are you? (informal/formal) – “Kako si?” / “Kako ste?”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Zovem se [ime].”
• This is [name]. – “Ovo je [ime].”
• I am from [country]. – “Ja sam iz [zemlje].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Živim u [gradu/mjestu].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Gdje je [mjesto]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Kako doći do [mjesta]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Je li ovo put do [mjesta]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Možete li mi pokazati na karti?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Žao mi je, ne razumijem.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Možete li to ponoviti, molim vas?”
• I mean… – “Mislio/Mislila sam…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Što znači [riječ]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Vidimo se kasnije”
• Take care – “Pazi na sebe”
• Have a good day – “Ugodan dan”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Želio/Željela bih rezervirati sobu.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Mogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim vas?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Ja sam vegetarijanac/vegetarijanka.”
• The bill, please. – “Račun, molim vas.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Koliko ovo košta?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Imate li ovo u drugoj veličini?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Samo gledam, hvala.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Mogu li platiti karticom?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Prekrasna si.” / “Prekrasan si.”
• I miss you. – “Nedostaješ mi.”
• I love you. – “Volim te.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Želiš li izaći sa mnom?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Upomoć!”
• Call the police! – “Pozovite policiju!”
• I need a doctor. – “Trebam liječnika.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Gdje je najbliža bolnica?”

These phrases form the foundation for basic communication in Croatian. Practice them regularly, and don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the language through media, conversation, and travel. Remember, the key to learning any language is consistency and a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.