Made a mistake and want to make things right? The best way to do that is to apologize to the person you hurt, especially in their native language!
The word for sorry in Croatian is oprosti, but there are other words and phrases you can use that are specific to some situations. Keep reading if you’re curious what they are.
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How To Say Sorry In Croatian
Croatian is a language that uses formal and informal ways of speaking, so certain things may not be appropriate sometimes. You wouldn’t talk to a friend like you would to a stranger or an older person, for example. That’s why, when you’re learning to say something, it’s important to understand the context and the relationship you have with the person.
Sorry – Oprosti
In Croatian, the most common way to say sorry is oprosti. You’d use it if you accidentally bump into someone or want to apologize for a mistake. It’s a casual way to show you regret what happened. If you’re talking to someone you don’t know well or need to be more polite, you would say oprostitе. Both phrases help you acknowledge your mistake and show respect to the person you’re apologizing to.
I’m Sorry – Žao Mi Je
Žao mi je also means that you’re sorry, but the context is more deep and meaningful. You can use it to show more personal regret or sympathy, especially in serious situations. It’s best used when you really feel sorry about something you’ve done.
Excuse me – Oprostite
As already mentioned, oprostite is the formal way to apologize. But you can also say this when you’re trying to get through a crowd in a hurry and don’t want to seem too rude, or when you’re trying to get someone’s attention whose name you don’t know. Kind of like saying ‘excuse me’ in English.
I Apologize – Ispričavam Se
Ispričavam se is more formal, like saying ‘I apologize.’ You would use it in contexts where you need to take responsibility for a mistake, such as public apologies, professional settings, or serious personal situations. It shows that you are genuinely sorry and acknowledges the impact of your actions, making it appropriate for instances where a heartfelt apology is needed.
Please Forgive Me – Molim Te, Oprosti Mi
If you’re looking to mend a relationship that is suffering because of your actions, you can ask the person for forgiveness by saying molim te, oprosti mi. Use it when you’re really trying to express how sorry you are and hope for understanding from the other person.
Other Phrases To Use
Let’s look at some phrases you can use when trying to apologize.
How Do You Say Apology In Croatian?
In Croatian, isprika and izvinjenje both mean ‘apology,’ but isprika is more commonly used.
You might say Hvala na isprici, which means ‘Thank you for the apology.’
Useful Croatian Vocabulary
When learning a new language, it’s important to understand not just vocabulary, but also the emotions and concepts behind the words. Here are some key Croatian terms related to mistakes, emotions, and social interactions:
| English | Croatian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Mistake | greška | |
| To regret | žaliti | |
| To be ashamed | sramiti se | |
| Guilt | krivnja | |
| Forgiveness | oproštaj | |
| Inconvenience | neugnost | |
| Carelessness | nepažnja | |
| To forget | zaboraviti |
Want a tip on how to learn the Croatian language? Download the Ling app, start with easy daily lessons, and grow your vocabulary every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hello In Croatian?
When you want to say hello in Croatian, there are formal and informal ways of saying it. When saying hello to your friends, you can use words like zdravo, bok, ej, and ćao.
On the other hand, if you’re saying hello to strangers, you can say dobro jutro (good morning), dobar dan (good afternoon) and dobra večer (good evening).
What Does Dobar Dan Mean?
Dobar dan literally translates to ‘good day’ and is a common greeting to use during the day.
How Do You Say Thank You In Croatian?
The word for thank you in Croatian is hvala. Other ways of saying thank you include puno ti hvala, which means ‘thank you very much,’ and hvala vam, which means ‘thank you’ in a respectful manner. If you want to express deep gratitude, you can also say hvala lijepa, which translates to ‘thank you kindly.’
Are The People Friendly In Croatia?
Absolutely! Travelers rave about the warm hospitality they experience in Croatia. Locals are known for being approachable and welcoming, making it feel like a home away from home, even for those from far-off places like the US.
From the friendly staff at restaurants and hotels to helpful folks at tourist spots, you’ll find that assistance is always just a smile away.
What’s The Secret To A Sincere Apology?
Look at you growing your knowledge of basic Croatian words and phrases! But apologizing is often more than just the words you choose. It shows that you understand the culture and importance of relationships. Saying oprosti or žao mi je can help fix misunderstandings and show that you genuinely feel regret.
Also, don’t forget that context matters. In formal situations, you’ll need to use more respectful language. In everyday interactions, having these few extra phrases at your disposal will always come in handy.
By using these phrases and knowing what they mean, you’ll feel more comfortable speaking Croatian. So, don’t hold back! Use them the next time you need to apologize. People will appreciate your efforts, and it can help you connect better with others during your travels in Croatia.
