Public Transportation:
Croatia has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and ferries. Here are some phrases to help you navigate public transportation:
«Gdje je autobusna stanica?» (Where is the bus station?) Use this phrase to ask for the location of the bus station.
«Kada dolazi sljedeći tramvaj?» (When does the next tram arrive?) Use this question to inquire about the arrival time of the next tram.
«Koliko košta karta?» (How much does the ticket cost?) Use this phrase to ask about the price of a ticket.
«Treba li rezervacija?» (Is a reservation required?) Use this question if you need to know whether you need to reserve a seat or ticket in advance.
Taxi Services:
Taxis are a convenient mode of transportation for shorter distances or when public transportation is not readily available. Here are some phrases to help you with taxi services:
«Treba mi taksi.» (I need a taxi.) Use this phrase to signal your need for a taxi.
«Molim vas, koliko će koštati vožnja do [destination]?» (Excuse me, how much will the ride to [destination] cost?) Use this question to inquire about the fare to your desired destination.
«Možete li me odvesti do [destination]?» (Can you take me to [destination]?) Use this phrase to communicate your desired destination to the taxi driver.
Renting a Car:
If you prefer to have more flexibility and independence in your travels, renting a car can be a great option. Here are some phrases to assist you with renting a car:
«Molim vas, imate li dostupan automobil?» (Excuse me, do you have a car available?) Use this phrase to inquire about the availability of a car.
«Koliko košta najam na dan?» (How much does the rental cost per day?) Use this question to ask about the daily rental price.
«Treba li mi međunarodna vozačka dozvola?» (Do I need an international drivers license?) Use this phrase to inquire about the requirements for driving in Croatia.
Asking for Directions:
While navigating the transportation system, you might need to ask for directions to find your way. Here are some phrases to help you with asking for directions:
«Kako mogu doći do [destination]?» (How can I get to [destination]?) Use this phrase to ask for directions to a specific location.
«Gdje je najbliža stanica?» (Where is the nearest station?) Use this question to find out the location of the closest station.
«Je li ovo prava linija za [destination]?» (Is this the right line for [destination]?) Use this phrase to confirm if you are on the correct route.
Buying Tickets:
When using public transportation, its important to know how to purchase tickets. Here are some phrases to help you buy tickets:
«Molim jednu kartu do [destination].» (One ticket to [destination], please.) Use this phrase to request a ticket to your desired destination.
«Imate li karte na prodaju ovdje?» (Do you sell tickets here?) Use this question to inquire if tickets are available for purchase at the current location.
Remember to thank the person assisting you by saying «Hvala vam» (Thank you) or «Hvala puno» (Thank you very much). This shows gratitude for their help.
In conclusion, this chapter has provided you with essential phrases for transportation and getting around in Croatia. Whether you choose public transportation, taxis, or renting a car, these phrases will help you navigate the transportation system, ask for directions, and purchase tickets with confidence. Enjoy the convenience and freedom of traveling throughout Croatia!
Chapter 6: Numbers and Counting
Numbers are essential for various situations, from ordering food to shopping and understanding prices. In this chapter, you will learn the basic numbers and counting in Croatian. By mastering these numbers, youll be able to handle everyday transactions and engage in numerical conversations with ease. Lets get started!
Cardinal Numbers (110):
Lets begin with the basic numbers from 1 to 10:
1: jedan (ye-dahn)
2: dva (dvah)
3: tri (tree)
4: četiri (cheh-tee-ree)
5: pet (peht)
6: šest (shehst)
7: sedam (seh-dahm)
8: osam (oh-sahm)
9: devet (deh-veht)
10: deset (deh-seht)
Tens and Beyond:
To express numbers from 11 to 19, simply add the corresponding digit after «deset» (10):
11: jedanaest (ye-dah-na-ehst)
12: dvanaest (dvah-na-ehst)
13: trinaest (tree-na-ehst)
14: četrnaest (chehtr-na-ehst)
15: petnaest (peht-na-ehst)
16: šesnaest (shehs-na-ehst)
17: sedamnaest (seh-dahm-na-ehst)
18: osamnaest (oh-sahm-na-ehst)
19: devetnaest (deh-veht-na-ehst)
For numbers above 20, you can use the following pattern:
20: dvadeset (dvah-deh-seht)
21: dvadeset jedan (dvah-deh-seht ye-dahn)
22: dvadeset dva (dvah-deh-seht dvah)
30: trideset (tree-deh-seht)
40: četrdeset (chehtr-deh-seht)
50: pedeset (peh-deh-seht)
60: šezdeset (shehz-deh-seht)
70: sedamdeset (seh-dahm-deh-seht)
80: osamdeset (oh-sahm-deh-seht)
90: devedeset (deh-veh-deh-seht)
100: sto (stoh)
Counting Objects:
When counting objects, use the following phrases:
«Jedan» (one) Use this for a singular object.
«Dva» (two) Use this for two objects.
«Tri» (three) Use this for three objects.
«Mnogo» (many) Use this to indicate a large number of objects.
Prices and Currency:
When dealing with prices and currency, its crucial to know the numbers and currency names. Here are some phrases to help you in monetary transactions:
«Koliko košta?» (How much does it cost?) Use this question to inquire about the price of an item or service.
«Kuna» (Croatian currency) This is the official currency of Croatia.
«Euro» (Euro) Though not the official currency, some places may accept euros.
«Kn» This is the symbol for the kuna.
Fractions:
Understanding fractions can be useful in various contexts. Here are some common fractions in Croatian:
½: pola (poh-lah)
¼: četvrtina (cheht-vrtee-nah)
: trećina (tretchee-nah)
: dvije trećine (dvee-yeh tretchee-neh)
Ordinal Numbers:
Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of things. Here are the ordinal numbers for the first ten:
1st: prvi (prvee)
2nd: drugi (droo-gee)
3rd: treći (tretchee)
4th: četvrti (cheht-vrtee)
5th: peti (pehtee)
6th: šesti (shehstee)
7th: sedmi (sehd-mee)
8th: osmi (oh-smee)
9th: deveti (deh-vetee)
10th: deseti (deh-setee)
Now that you have a good grasp of numbers and counting in Croatian, youll be able to handle various numerical situations. From ordering quantities to understanding prices and discussing numerical information, these phrases will enhance your communication skills.
Chapter 7: Common Expressions and Polite Phrases
Mastering common expressions and polite phrases is essential for effective communication and creating positive interactions. In this chapter, you will learn a collection of useful expressions and polite phrases in Croatian that will greatly assist you in your day-to-day interactions. By incorporating these phrases into your conversations, youll be able to navigate social situations with confidence and courtesy. Lets begin!
Greetings and Introductions:
Start your conversations on the right foot with these common greetings and introductions:
«Dobro jutro» (Good morning)
«Dobar dan» (Good day)
«Dobra večer» (Good evening)
«Hvala» (Thank you)
«Molim» (Please)
«Oprostite» (Excuse me)
«Kako se zovete?» (What is your name?)
«Drago mi je» (Nice to meet you)
Polite Requests and Apologies:
Politeness is highly valued in Croatian culture. Use these phrases to make polite requests and apologies:
«Molim vas, možete li mi pomoći?» (Excuse me, can you help me?)
«Molim vas, možete li to ponoviti?» (Excuse me, can you repeat that?)
«Oprostite, mogu li vas zamoliti za uslugu?» (Excuse me, may I ask you for a favor?)
«Ispričavam se» (I apologize)
«Hvala vam na razumijevanju» (Thank you for your understanding)
Gratitude and Appreciation:
Expressing gratitude is important in Croatian culture. Use these phrases to show appreciation:
«Hvala puno» (Thank you very much)
«Hvala lijepa» (Thank you kindly)
«Hvala na pomoći» (Thank you for your help)
«Hvala na gostoprimstvu» (Thank you for your hospitality)
«Cijenim vašu ljubaznost» (I appreciate your kindness)
Making Small Talk:
Engage in friendly conversation with these common small talk phrases:
«Kako ste danas?» (How are you today?)
«Kako vam se sviđa Hrvatska?» (How do you like Croatia?)
«Jeste li ovdje na odmoru?» (Are you here on vacation?)
«Imate li preporuke za restoran?» (Do you have any restaurant recommendations?)
«Kako se zove ova ulica?» (What is the name of this street?)
Asking for Help:
If you find yourself in need of assistance, these phrases will come in handy:
«Možete li mi pomoći?» (Can you help me?)
«Trebam vašu pomoć» (I need your help)
«Molim vas, gdje mogu pronaći banku?» (Excuse me, where can I find a bank?)
«Je li ovdje neko tko govori engleski?» (Is there someone here who speaks English?)
Farewells:
End your conversations on a pleasant note with these farewell phrases:
«Doviđenja» (Goodbye)
«Laku noć» (Goodnight)
«Hvala na druženju» (Thank you for the company)
«Sretan put» (Have a safe journey)
«Nadam se da ćemo se uskoro vidjeti» (I hope well see each other soon)
By incorporating these common expressions and polite phrases into your conversations, youll be able to build rapport, show respect, and create positive connections with the people you interact with in Croatia.
Chapter 8: Shopping and Bargaining
Shopping is not only a practical activity but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and find unique souvenirs. In this chapter, you will learn essential phrases and strategies for shopping and bargaining in Croatia. From navigating markets to negotiating prices, these phrases will help you make the most of your shopping experience. Lets begin!
General Shopping Phrases:
Start by familiarizing yourself with these general shopping phrases:
«Gdje je najbliža trgovina?» (Where is the nearest store?)
«Imate li?» (Do you have?)
«Koliko košta?» (How much does it cost?)
«Što je to?» (What is this?)
«Mogu li ga/isprobati?» (Can I try it on?)
«Mogu li platiti kreditnom karticom?» (Can I pay by credit card?)
«Imate li veći/manji broj?» (Do you have a larger/smaller size?)
«To je preskupo.» (Thats too expensive.)
«Mogu li dobiti popust?» (Can I get a discount?)
Shopping for Clothing and Accessories:
When shopping for clothing and accessories, use these phrases to communicate your preferences:
«Tražim haljinu/suknju/hlače.» (Im looking for a dress/skirt/pants.)
«Imate li ovaj model u drugoj boji/veličini?» (Do you have this style in a different color/size?)
«Može li se ovo skratiti/produžiti?» (Can this be shortened/lengthened?)
«Imate li ogledalo?» (Do you have a mirror?)
«Kako se ovo održava?» (How do I care for this?)
«Mogu li dobiti torbicu/šal?» (Can I get a bag/scarf?)
Shopping for Souvenirs:
Croatia offers a wide range of unique souvenirs. Use these phrases while shopping for souvenirs:
«Tražim suvenir.» (Im looking for a souvenir.)
«Imate li nešto tipično hrvatsko?» (Do you have something typically Croatian?)
«Mogu li dobiti popust ako kupim više?» (Can I get a discount if I buy more?)
«Imate li magnetsku razglednicu?» (Do you have a magnetic postcard?)
«Tražim suvenir s motivom lavande.» (Im looking for a souvenir with a lavender motif.)
Bargaining Techniques:
Bargaining is a common practice in some markets and small shops in Croatia. Here are some techniques to help you negotiate prices:
Start by showing interest and asking for the price: «Koliko košta?»
Politely express that the price is too high: «Mislim da je cijena previsoka.»
Propose a lower price: «Mogu li dobiti popust? Ponudim vam [lower price].»
Be prepared for counteroffers and consider them: «Hvala na ponudi, ali mogu li dobiti bolju cijenu?»
If the seller wont budge, decide if the price is acceptable or be willing to walk away.
Remember to maintain a friendly and respectful attitude throughout the bargaining process.
Payment and Transactions:
When its time to make a purchase, use these phrases for smooth transactions:
«Koliko dugujem?» (How much do I owe?)
«Plaćam gotovinom/kreditnom karticom.» (Im paying in cash/by credit card.)
«Mogu li dobiti račun?» (Can I have a receipt?)
«Hvala na usluzi.» (Thank you for the service.)
Shopping Tips:
To enhance your shopping experience, consider these additional tips:
Carry cash in smaller denominations for easier transactions.
Keep an open mind and explore local markets for unique finds.