Essential Croatian Phrases and Words for Everyday Life

If you're planning to visit, live, or work in Croatia, learning some basic Croatian phrases can make a huge difference. While many Croatians speak English, especially in bigger cities and tourist areas, knowing key words and expressions will help you navigate daily life, make connections, and even improve your chances in the job market.



In this guide, we'll cover essential Croatian words and phrases for everyday situations—greetings, transportation, shopping, and dining—as well as some useful vocabulary for job seekers. Whether you're ordering coffee, asking for directions, or preparing for a job interview, these phrases will help you feel more confident and comfortable in Croatia.

Let’s get started!

Basic Greetings & Everyday Phrases

One of the first things you’ll need when learning Croatian is how to greet people and handle simple conversations. Croatians are generally friendly, and using even a few basic words in their language can leave a great impression. Below are some essential greetings and everyday phrases to help you get started.

Telling Time (“Vrijeme”)

In Croatian, telling time is quite similar to English but has some unique structures. You can use either the 12-hour format (common in everyday speech) or the 24-hour format (used for official schedules like transportation and work hours).



Asking for the Time

• Koliko je sati? – What time is it?
• Imate li sat? – Do you have the time?

Common Time Phrases

• U koliko sati? – At what time?
• Vidimo se u tri. – See you at three.
• Radim od devet do pet. – I work from nine to five.
• U koliko sati dolazi autobus? – What time does the bus arrive?
• Kasnim pet minuta. – I’m five minutes late.
• Točno u podne. – Exactly at noon.
• Ponoć – Midnight

Croatians often rely on context when talking about time, so you'll frequently hear informal phrases like "Možemo se naći oko pet" (We can meet around five) or "Dolazim za deset minuta" (I’ll be there in ten minutes). Whether you're scheduling a meeting or just trying to catch a bus, knowing these expressions will make daily conversations a whole lot easier.

Phrases for Transportation & Directions

Whether you're taking a taxi, using public transport, or simply asking for directions, knowing a few key Croatian phrases can make navigating much easier during your stay in Croatia.

While major cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik obviously have good transport options, smaller towns may require more communication with locals.

Here are some useful phrases to help you get around.

Transportation Phrases

• Gdje je najbliža autobusna stanica? – Where is the nearest bus stop?
• Kada dolazi sljedeći autobus? – When does the next bus arrive?
• Gdje mogu kupiti kartu? – Where can I buy a ticket?
• Molim vas, jedna karta za Zagreb. – One ticket to Zagreb, please.
• Vozi li ovaj autobus do centra? – Does this bus go to the city center?
• Koliko košta taksi do aerodroma? – How much is a taxi to the airport?
• Molim vas, stanite ovdje. – Please stop here.

Asking for Directions

• Kako mogu doći do…? – How can I get to…?
• Gdje je [hotel/restoran/bolnica]? – Where is [hotel/restaurant/hospital]?
• Je li daleko? – Is it far?
• Idite ravno. – Go straight.
• Skrenite lijevo/desno. – Turn left/right.
• Tražim ovu adresu. – I’m looking for this address.

Even if you don’t understand the full response, locals will often gesture to help you find your way.

Shopping & Eating Out – Useful Words for Restaurants & Stores

Ordering food, buying groceries, or shopping for clothes is much easier when you know a few basic Croatian phrases. Many shopkeepers and waiters in tourist areas speak English, but using Croatian shows respect and can make interactions more pleasant.

Shopping Phrases

• Koliko košta? – How much does it cost?
• Imate li ovo u drugoj veličini? – Do you have this in another size?
• Primate li kartice? – Do you accept credit cards?
• Gdje je blagajna? – Where is the checkout?
• Tražim [jaknu/cipele/majicu]. – I'm looking for [a jacket/shoes/a T-shirt].

Eating Out Phrases

• Mogu li dobiti jelovnik? – Can I get the menu?
• Preporučujete li nešto? – Do you recommend anything?
• Želim naručiti… – I would like to order…
• Račun, molim. – The bill, please.
• Hrana je odlična! – The food is excellent!

Even if you only use a few words, locals will appreciate the effort. A simple "Hvala!" (Thank you!) and a smile can go a long way!

Work-Related Vocabulary

• If you're looking for a job in Croatia, knowing basic job-related phrases can be very useful, especially when speaking to employers or colleagues.
• Gdje mogu pronaći posao? – Where can I find a job?
• Kolika je plaća? – What is the salary?
• Imam iskustva u [industrija]. – I have experience in [industry].
• Tražim posao u [grad]. – I'm looking for a job in [city].
• Radno vrijeme je od kada do kada? – What are the working hours?
• Mogu li poslati životopis? – Can I send my CV?

If you're searching for work in Croatia, check out websites like Posao or Job Croatia for the latest job opportunities.

Conclusion

From greetings to job-related vocabulary, these key phrases will support you in adapting to life in Croatia and making meaningful connections.

Remember, even if you're just starting to learn the language, every word counts, and locals will appreciate your efforts.

Do not hesitate to try out these phrases in real-life situations. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel in everyday conversations, and maybe soon enough, you'll be confidently navigating life in Croatia.

Author: Alexandre Harzo, founder of Study Croatian, an interactive language platform to learn Croatian online.