Useful Croatian Phrases for Tourists – Speak Like a Local in 2025
August - 2025
You’ll always put a smile on a Croatian’s face if you say even a single word in their language. With this short guide, you’ll be able to order food and drinks, ask for the bill, even flirt a little, and learn typical Croatian and Dalmatian phrases that will charm everyone around you.
Why learn Croatian phrases when visiting Dalmatia?
When planning a trip to Croatia, many travelers google things like “basic Croatian phrases” or “how to say thank you in Croatian.” That’s because even though most locals speak English, knowing a few Croatian travel phrases makes the experience more authentic.
In Dalmatia, for example, Split, you’ll hear words that go beyond the basics – like fjaka (a Dalmatian state of relaxation) or the famous football chant “Hajduk živi vječno” (“Hajduk lives forever”). This guide combines useful Croatian words for tourists with local expressions that will make you sound like an insider.
When Croatians hear you speak their language - it will most certainly bring you some extra points and for sure - earn you a smile.
Basic Greetings
Want to know how to say hello in Croatian? It’s simple:
Dobar dan (DOH-bar dahn) – Good day / Hello
Bok (bohk) – Hi (very common, informal)
Dobro jutro (DOH-broh YOO-troh) – Good morning
Dobra večer (DOH-brah VEH-cher) – Good evening
Laku noć (LAH-koo notch) – Good night
Tip: If you’re wondering how to say goodbye in Croatian, just use “Bok” – it means both hi and bye.
Talk like Local
Polite Expressions
Hvala (HVAH-lah) – Thank you
So, if you’re googling how to say thank you in Croatian – this is it.
Molim (MOH-leem) – Please / You’re welcome
Oprostite (oh-PROHS-tee-teh) – Excuse me / I’m sorry or you can just say
“pardon” (parh-dohn)
Nema problema (NEH-mah proh-BLEH-mah) – No problem
Kako ste? (KAH-koh steh) – How are you? (formal)Kako si? (KAH-koh see) – How are you? (informal)
Everyday Essentials – In the Pekara (Bakery)
Croatian bakeries are everywhere, and you’ll probably visit them daily for fresh bread, pastries, or a quick snack. Here are some must-know phrases:
Pekara (PEH-kah-rah) – Bakery
Kruh (krooh) – Bread
So if you’re wondering how to say bread in Croatian – it’s “kruh.” You can say - yeh-done krooh, moh-leem-vahs - thad would mean - one bread, please.
Mlijeko (MLYAY-koh) – Milk
So if you google how to say milk in Croatian – it’s “mlijeko.”
Jao! (YAH-oh) – Oh no! (an exclamation locals use)
Ajme (eye-meh) - also - Oh, dear! (Good or bad, you say - ajme) Croatians love their bakeries. In the morning, you’ll see long lines for fresh bread and pastries.
Quick Survival Phrases
In addition to greetings and politeness, here are some you’ll use daily:
Račun, molim. (RAH-choon, MOH-leem) – The bill, please.
Koliko košta? (KOH-lee-koh KOH-shta) – How much does it cost?
Jedan burek, molim. (YEH-dahn BOO-rehk, MOH-leem) – One burek, please (a must-try pastry).
Getting Around
Gdje je plaža? (GDYEH yeh PLAH-zhah) – Where is the beach?
Želim kavu. (ZHEH-leem KAH-voo) – I’d like a coffee
So if you/re wondering how to order coffee in Croatian – The word is “kava”.
Food & DrinksIf you google how to say beer in Croatian – it’s “pivo.”
Pivo (PEE-voh) – Beer
Vino (VEE-noh) – Wine
Rakija (RAH-kee-yah) – Local brandy - must try
Dobar tek! (DOH-bar tek) – Enjoy your meal!
Blue Lagoon
Emergency Phrases
Upomoć! (OOH-poh-mohch) – Help!
Treba mi doktor. (TREH-bah mee DOHK-tohr) – I need a doctor
Yes, this covers how to say doctor in Croatian – it’s “doktor.”
Fun Local Phrases You Won’t Find in a Textbook
Fjaka (FYAH-kah) – Dalmatian art of doing nothing in peace.
Pomalo (POH-mah-loh) – Take it easy, slowly, no rush. It is one of the main things people say around here!
Živjeli! (ZHEE-vyeh-lee) – Cheers!
Hajduk živi vječno! (HI-duhk ZHEE-vee VYECH-noh) – Hajduk lives forever! A football chant that will make you popular in Split.
Flirt in Croatian
Croatians are warm, direct, and love to compliment. If you want to try a little flirting (or just make someone smile), here are a few phrases:
Lipa si. (LEE-pah see) – You’re beautiful.
This is the answer if you google how to say you are beautiful in Croatian.
Daj mi svoj broj, molim te. (Dye mee svohy broy, MOH-leem teh) – Give me your number, please.
Imaš lijepe oči. (EE-mash LYEH-peh OH-chee) – You have beautiful eyes.
Sviđaš mi se. (SVEEd-ash mee seh) – I like you.
Idemo na piće? (EE-deh-moh nah PEE-cheh) – Can we grab a drink? Mogu li ti platiti piće? (MOH-goo lee tee PLAH-tee-tee PEE-cheh) – Can I buy you a drink?
Pro tip: In Split, flirting often starts casually over a coffee or a drink by the sea. Keep it light and friendly!
So, now you know how to say hello, thank you, beer, and coffee in Croatian – and also how to capture the Dalmatian vibe with words like fjaka and pomalo.
These useful Croatian phrases for tourists will help you order food, find the beach, and even raise a toast like a local with Živjeli!.