When you’re learning Croatian, you may come across some confusing expressions. It’s possible they don’t make any sense when you translate them into your own language. It’s not that you didn’t hear it right—they’re probably just funny Croatian phrases that locals use as a way to add some laughs to everyday conversations.
If you’re curious about clever local sayings, these phrases give a fun glimpse into how Croatians see the world. Everything from wise tips to funny takes on everyday problems, let’s check out some of the most entertaining Croatian expressions that will definitely make you smile and think!
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Funny Croatian Phrases
The Croatian language is packed with funny expressions that give us a peek into Croatian culture and humor. These phrases often show off the rich mix of Slavic languages and how they turn everyday moments into something memorable. They might sound strange, but they can make learning Croatian more fun! Let’s learn some of them:
Hurry Slowly – Žuri polako
I think this phrase is funny because how can someone hurry slowly? It’s a contradiction! But it actually carries a bit of wisdom. It tells you that things should be done with caution and perseverance, even if you’re in a rush. Otherwise, it can lead to mistakes. Take it slow and steady to get the best results!
Behind God’s Back – Bogu iza leđa
Bogu iza leđa is, in my opinion, such a funny way to describe a place that’s in the middle of nowhere. The idea is that you’re so far away that even God, who supposedly sees everything, wouldn’t notice because it’s happening behind its back! It paints this ridiculous picture of just how remote and isolated the place is.
Bake It, Then Say It – Ispeći pa reći
This funny phrase is all about pausing and thinking before you speak. Instead of blurting things out, give your ideas a moment to “bake” so you can say something that’s more thoughtful and less likely to cause trouble.
Fallen From A Pear Tree – Pao s kruške
This phrase is a funny way to describe someone as confused, lost, or acting foolishly. It’s like saying they’re so out of it that they might as well have fallen out of a tree and hit their head. Not sure why a pear tree, though.
When someone says, ‘Nisam pao s kruške‘ (I didn’t fall from a pear tree), they’re saying, ‘I’m not stupid’ or ‘I’m not crazy.’ Basically, they’re defending their common sense.
Drunk As A Mother – Pijan kao majka
This one is a bit unusual. Apparently, in the past, mothers who gave birth at home often didn’t have any modern pain relief. Instead, they were given rakija, a Croatian type of brandy, to help with the pain during labor. Sometimes, this would result in the mother being quite drunk by the time the baby was born. To this day, you can say that someone is pijan kao majka, when they get a bit too tipsy.
You’re Missing A Board In Your Head – Fali ti daska u glavi
This phrase is used to say someone isn’t thinking clearly or is being a bit crazy. It’s funny, but kind of an insult, so use it at your own risk!
If He Fell On His Back, He Would Break His Nose – Da padne na leđa, razbio bi nos
This phrase paints a pretty hilarious picture, right? Even if someone falls in the safest way possible, like on their back, they’d still manage to break their nose. It’s a funny phrase that says some people just can’t catch a break, no matter what they do. It captures that feeling of being unlucky in a funny, exaggerated way!
We Were Talking About The Wolf, And The Wolf Is At The Door – Mi o vuku, a vuk na vrata
You know that moment when you’re in the middle of a conversation with your friend, and you’re talking about a certain person? Then, all of a sudden, that person appears out of nowhere. In English, you’d say ‘speak of the devil,’ but in Croatian, you’d say mi o vuku, a vuk na vrata. Also, this is an expression that is used in almost every South Slavic language with slight differences.
Funny Croatian Slang Words
Croatian slang words are the informal part of a language that people use in casual conversations. They’re usually unique to every region and group. Did you know that as you go down along the Croatian coast, you might start hearing new words and phrases that are not used elsewhere?
When it comes to a blog about funny Croatian phrases, slang words are super relevant because they’re usually the source of a lot of humor and interesting cultural insights. They also show off the real side of a language, which makes it more relatable if you’re trying to learn how Croatian people truly talk.
Here’s a list of my favorite funny slang words in Croatian:
- Šašav – this means silly or crazy.
- Pare – the Croatian word for money and a casual way to refer to cash.
- Čudak – weirdo or odd person. You’d say this to someone who’s acting a bit unusual, but it can come across as mean.
- Buraz – brother or close friend.
- Šuškanje – the soft, rustling sound you hear when leaves or paper move around.
- Tip or lik – both mean guy or dude, are words you can use when you’re talking about a certain man or person.
- Šlampav – describes someone who is often clumsy or messy or knocks things over easily.
- Mačka – direct translation is cat, but in slang, it is a way to call a woman pretty or attractive.
- Frka – a slang word that you can use to describe a chaotic or stressful situation.
- Gnjaviti – means that someone is annoying or won’t leave you alone.
- Šuškavac – a type of jacket, like a windbreaker, that makes a rustling sound when you move.
- Žvaka – a slang word for chewing gum.
- Murja – a slang word for police.
- Fora – it means something is cool or awesome.
- Bulja – a casual and funny way to say the word head.
- Kužiti – means to understand in a more casual way, like when you get what someone is saying.
Here’s how to use them in simple sentences:
English | Croatian |
---|---|
You’re really crazy | Ti si stvarno šašav |
I don’t have money for coffee | Nemam pare za kavu |
He’s a real weirdo | On je pravi čudak |
See you later, bro | Vidim te kasnije, buraz |
I hear rustling in the grass | Čujem šuškanje u travi |
We know that guy | Poznajemo tog tipa |
He’s always clumsy | On je uvijek šlampav |
She’s really hot | Ona je stvarno mačka |
There was chaos at work | Bila je frka na poslu |
Stop annoying me | Prestani me gnjaviti |
I bought a new windbreaker | Kupio sam novi šuškavac |
Give me a chewing gum | Daj mi žvaku |
The police have arrived | Murja je stigla |
That’s really cool | To je stvarno fora |
Hit yourself on the head | Udari se u bulju |
I get what you’re saying | Kužim što hoćeš reći |
How Do You Say ‘Funny Phrase’ In Croatian?
In Croatian, ‘funny phrase’ is said as smiješan izraz.
Helpful Croatian Vocabulary
When you’re learning Croatian, you’ll find some funny phrases that might sound weird when translated into the same language you’re used to. But that’s what makes them fun! Here are some basic Croatian words to help you get into these funny expressions.
If you’re into lighthearted methods of learning a language, check out the Ling app. It feels like having a language teacher in your pocket! It’s perfect for learning Croatian phrases and words at your own pace, making sure you never miss out on the local humor and fun topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is A Famous Croatian Saying?
A famous Croatian saying is bez muke nema nauke. It translates to ‘There is no science without suffering,’ which is the English equivalent of ‘no pain, no gain.’
You might hear it in everyday life in Croatia when someone is talking about the hard work needed to achieve your goals. It’s a way of saying that you need to put in effort to get results.
2. Does Croatia Have A Motto?
Croatia doesn’t have an official motto, but you might hear the phrase Bog i Hrvati (God and the Croats) used as its motto. This saying comes from a speech by Ante Starčević in 1861, in which he said that Croatia’s future should be decided by God and the Croatian people, not by Austria.
3. How Do You Say ‘What’s Up’ In Croatian Slang?
In Croatian, you can say šta ima? to ask what’s up. Another possible phrase is đe si?, which translates to ‘where are you’ but is used in the same way as šta ima?
Laughing In Croatian
So you see, while every day Croatian phrases are often funny, they also carry a lot of wisdom, kind of like Croatian idioms. Croatians like to blend humor with life lessons to show us that even in laughter, there’s often a bit of truth to be found.
After all, humor is a universal language that connects us all and is a way to connect with different cultures. Let Croatian jokes and funny phrases make your learning more fun. Enjoy the laughs and the cool new ideas you’ll discover along the way.