There’s no better way to enjoy the Croatian summer than to relax on the beach and enjoy some nice refreshing drinks while you’re at it. And what better way to toast to those sunny moments than by knowing the perfect phrase to use?
The main way to say cheers in Croatian is živjeli. But did you know that there’s other ways to express good wishes and toast in Croatian? Let’s go through them all and learn a thing or two about Croatian drinking culture as well.
Table Of Contents
How Do You Say Cheers In Croatian?
When it comes to toasting in Croatian, you might come across the expressions živjeli, uzdravlje, and nazdravlje. Here’s how and when to use each one:
Življeli means “let’s live,” and you can use it in different situations, not just when you’re drinking. For example, you might say Živjeli during a speech to greet your audience or when you’re with friends to show your happiness. It’s like a general toast that’s all about celebrating life and good times.
Uzdravlje means ”to good health” and is used when you’re raising a glass or starting a meal. It’s a bit more formal and traditional compared to Živjeli. It’s the go-to phrase for wishing someone good health in a toast, so it’s great for more formal or traditional occasions. Some people might find it a bit stiff, but it’s widely understood.
Nazdravlje also means “to health” or “cheers” and is used for toasting. You’ll often hear it when someone sneezes, making it a bit more situational. It’s not as common for general toasts as the other two, but it’s still used in some regions.
What To Say Before A Meal
Croatians say živjeli before having a drink, but there’s also an expression in Croatian that’s used before having a meal.
That phrase is dobar tek. It’s like saying bon appétit in French, and is a way to wish everyone at the table an enjoyable meal. It’s a small but meaningful part of Croatian meals that makes dining feel more friendly and connected.
So, when you’re at a dinner about to eat some delicious Croatian food, you can kick things off by raising your glass and saying živjeli to toast and wish everyone well. Then, before you dig into the meal, say dobar tek to wish everyone a great eating experience.
Croatian Drinking Etiquette: Dos And Don’ts
When it comes to Croatian drinking culture, there’s a lot to enjoy. You’ll find that bars and cafés are everywhere, with popular areas for bar hopping in cities like Split and Zagreb. The vibe is casual, and the focus is more on enjoying good company than on any formal drinking rituals.
Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the locals in the cafés and bars. But there are some etiquette rules to keep in mind when you’re having a drink in Croatia.
First off, eye contact is key! When you say živjeli and clink glasses with another person, make sure you look them in the eyes while you do it. If you don’t, you might be considered rude.
Drinking is a big part of daily life there, but you won’t often see people getting overly drunk. Instead, Croatians like to sip their drinks in a relaxed and social way. Therefore, you should sip slowly and take time to savor both the drink and the company.
Never toast with an empty glass, and avoid using water for toasts. When you’re in a smaller group, clink glasses with each person individually, instead of a group toast.
Traditional Croatian Drinks To Try
Wondering what to sip on during your Croatian adventure? Let me guide you through some traditional Croatian drinks that you definitely should try out!
Rakija
Rakija is Croatia’s favorite fruit brandy, and it’s something you’ve got to try! Often homemade and pretty strong, rakija is usually served at the start of a meal or during celebrations.
There are a few popular kinds: medica (honey rakija), višnjevača (cherry rakija), and šljivovica (plum rakija), with šljivovica being the strongest and most traditional. Most Croatian homes will have rakija stashed away, making it the perfect drink of choice for when guests drop by unannounced!
Beer
If you’re into beer, Croatia has some great options for you! Ožujsko is a classic and one of the oldest beers in Croatia. It’s closely tied to the national football team. Its name comes from ožujak, which means March in Croatian, the month when the best beers were traditionally brewed.
Karlovačko is another favorite. Named after the city of Karlovac, it’s a solid choice for a chill evening at a local bar. It comes in a few varieties: light, dark, and lemon, so there’s something for every taste.
For something a bit richer, try Tomislav beer from Zagreb Brewery. This dark ale has a strong kick and goes great with a barbecue.
Wine
Croatia has got some gems when it comes to wine. Plavac Mali is the top pick—a rich red that’s perfect for celebrations and family gatherings. For whites, try Traminac from Ilok or Malvazija from Istria. Fun fact: Traminac even made it to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation!
Don’t miss the historic wine cellars in Ilok and the scenic wine roads in Baranya.
Mixers
Young locals love their mixers. Bambus, a blend of red wine and Coke, is a hit among students. Another popular choice is gemišt, a mix of white wine and a splash of sparkling water. In coastal areas, this is known as bevanda.
Where To Say Cheers In Croatia
Want some tips for a fun night out in Croatia? The country has a long, stunning coast with lively spots, where you’ll find the perfect place to sip some drinks and dance the night away.
In Split, check out Charlie’s Bar in Diocletian’s Palace for a fun vibe, or head to Vanilla for great music and a cool atmosphere. If you’re into something a bit more underground, Academia Club Ghetto is your place.
Over in Hvar, Carpe Diem Bar is a place that serves up fantastic cocktails with stunning sea views, and Carpe Diem Beach is perfect for beachside parties. Dubrovnik’s Culture Club Revelin, set in an old fortress, offers epic DJ sets and live shows.
On Korčula, The Jungle Club is a party hotspot surrounded by lush greenery. In Rovinj, Steel is great for everything from house to rock music, and Zadar’s Aquarius Club has a lively waterfront scene.
If you find yourself on Pag Island, Paradiso is the go-to for a chill vibe and beautiful beach views. Over in Poreč, Punta Christo is where it’s at for dancing under the stars on their awesome outdoor floors with live DJs. In Trogir, Kantun Pauli is great for catching some live music while enjoying sunset drinks. And if you’re in Stari Grad, Babylon Beach Club offers the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and lively evening fun.
How Do You Say “To Toast” In Croatian?
In Croatian, “to toast” is nazdraviti. This means to make a toast or to raise a glass in celebration.
“Let’s toast” is nazdravimo. It’s like an invitation for everyone to join in a toast.
Useful Vocabulary For Going Out In Croatia
Besides learning how to say cheers in Croatian, why not equip yourself with some other useful words? This will really make your going-out experience in Croatia a blast! Here’s some common vocabulary that you might use on a night out:
| English | Croatian | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Drink | piće | |
| Beer | pivo | |
| Wine | vino | |
| Cocktail | koktel | |
| Shot | šot | |
| Liquor | alkohol | |
| Bar | bar | |
| Nightclub | noćni klub | |
| Party | zabava | |
| Dance | ples | |
| Music | glazba | |
| Bartender | barmen | |
| Table | stol | |
| Glass | čaša | |
| Bottle | boca | |
| Bill | račun |
Before you head off to Croatia, why not practice a little bit of the Croatian language every day? The Ling app is the perfect resource for that! You can just download it on your phone and do short lessons on different topics every day and come to Croatia prepared to have authentic conversations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Tip In Croatia?
Tipping in Croatia isn’t a must, but it’s definitely appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is pretty standard. For cafés and bars, just rounding up the bill or adding a small amount like 3-5% works. Taxis? Just round up the fare. It’s a nice way to say thanks for good service, but you’re not required to do it.
How Do You Ask For The Bill In Croatian?
When you want to ask for the bill, say: račun, molim (bill, please).
What Is The Best Currency To Take To Croatia?
For your trip to Croatia, just bring euros! They switched to the euro on January 1, 2023, so it’s the only currency in Croatia you’ll need.
How Do You Say Thank You In Croatian?
To say thank you in Croatian, you can use the word hvala. You can also say puno ti hvala, meaning thank you so much!
Cheers To Croatian Summer Fun!
With summer coming to an end, you’ve still got just enough time to sip your drinks and savor your time in Croatia before the season fades away. Enjoy the toasts, drinks, and good vibes, make the most of summer with a živjeli, and cheers to great times and sunny days!
