Want to learn how to respond to someone saying hvala (thanks)? The simplest way is nema na čemu, but the Croatian language offers many ways to express this phrase, depending on the situation you’re in.
Read on to discover all the ways you can say you’re welcome in Croatian and learn some useful vocabulary!
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Different Ways To Say You Are Welcome In Croatian
In Croatian, you’ll find plenty of ways to say ‘you’re welcome,’ but the phrase you’ll use depends on the situation you’re in. Are you talking to a dear friend or just an acquaintance? Maybe a stranger? It’s all about that balance of being polite but not over the top. So here are a few ways to say you’re welcome in Croatian:
1. You’re Welcome – Nema Na Čemu
This one is your go-to phrase! Nema na čemu literally means ‘there’s nothing to it,’ and it’s just the right amount of politeness without being too formal. It’s like saying, ‘Hey, no big deal, happy to help!’
2. You’re Welcome – Molim
Molim is a word with two meanings. It means ‘please’ when you ask for something, but it also works as ‘you’re welcome’ when you reply to someone who thanked you. It’s simple, polite, and works in almost any situation.
3. You’re Very Welcome – Molim Lijepo
If you want to seem more polite, you should say molim lijepo. That’s because lijepo means ‘nicely’ or ‘beautifully,’ so you’re giving the reply a bit more warmth.
4. It’s Nothing – Ništa
If you’re looking for a more casual, laid-back phrase, ništa is perfect. It’s like saying ‘it’s nothing’ in English. This is what you’d say if you don’t want someone to feel like they owe you for helping them out.
5. No Problem – Nema Problema
Nema problema is very casual, similar to ‘no problem’ in English. It’s great for everyday situations where you’re just being nice and don’t want to make a fuss about it.
6. Happy To Do It Again – I Drugi Put
If someone really appreciates your help, and you’d be happy to do it again, say i drugi put. This literally translates to ‘and a second time.’ It’s kind of like saying ‘any time’ in English.
7. Nothing To Worry About – Ma Ništa Za To
This option is also casual. Ma ništa za to is like saying, ‘nothing to worry about!’ It’s what you’d say when helping someone didn’t seem like a big deal at all.
8. Oh, Come On, Please – Ma Daj Molim Te
If you’ve over-thank a Croat, they might say ma daj, molim te! It’s their way of letting you know that you don’t need to make such a big deal about it, especially if you’re trying to offer money or some other kind of repayment.
9. You Never Say Thank You For a Cure – Za Lijek Se Nikad Ne Kaže Hvala
This is an old Croatian saying that is still used today! If someone helps you out with something that really solves a big problem, they might say, “za lijek se ne nikad ne kaže hvala.” The explanation behind this sentence is rooted in an old Croatian superstition that saying thanks for a cure could prevent it from working.
How Do You Say Appreciation In Croatian?
The word for appreciation in Croatian is zahvalnost.
When you want to say ‘I appreciate it,’ use the phrase cijenim to.
Useful Croatian Vocabulary
Saying thank you and you’re welcome in any language shows that you’re a polite person with manners. And I believe being polite is a great virtue to have! It’s the thing that helps you make great impressions on people. Here’s some other useful Croatian vocabulary to show off your friendliness:
Want to learn new Croatian words every day? Besides our awesome free weekly blogs that give you tips on languages you’re learning, you should check out and download the Ling app as well! The app was designed to help you learn hard and rare languages like Croatian, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does ‘Hvala Ti’ Mean?
Hvala ti is how you say thank you in Croatian when you’re talking to someone you know well. It’s a friendly and informal way to show your appreciation. Hvala means ‘thanks,’ and ti is the casual way to say ‘you.’
2. What Does ‘Hvala Bogu’ Mean?
Hvala bogu means ‘thank god’ in Croatian. You’ll hear it in lots of situations, whether you’re just relieved about something small or feeling really thankful for something big. It’s a way to show your gratitude and give a nod to a higher power.
3. What Is ‘Welcome’ In Croatian?
In Croatian, the most common way to say welcome is dobrodošao for males and dobrodošla for females. The word comes from dobro, meaning ‘good,’ and došao, meaning ‘arrived,’ so it’s like saying ‘good arrival.’
If you’re talking to a group, you’d use dobrodošli. For example, you might say dobrodošli u Hrvatsku (welcome to Croatia) when welcoming a group of people to Croatia.
Final Thoughts
That’s a wrap on ways to say you’re welcome in Croatian! You can keep it laid back or throw in a little extra politeness – either way, these phrases will help you ace your conversations. Remember, being polite always leaves a great impression, especially among Croatian people who value manners and friendliness. So, next time someone says hvala to you, you’ll have just the right Croatian response at the ready.