A useful answer to Kako si? is Dobro, hvala. A ti? (Fine, thanks. And you?). To continue, add one detail about your day or ask a simple follow-up question. You do not need a long story.
This guide gives you replies, short dialogues and ways to finish a conversation politely. The examples use everyday Croatian with English translations. For greetings before the conversation starts, see everyday Croatian greetings.
Choose between Kako si? and Kako ste?
Kako si? addresses one person informally, such as a friend or relative. Kako ste? addresses someone politely or more than one person. Keep your follow-up consistent: A ti? is informal; A vi? is polite or plural.
With someone you have only just met, a greeting may be enough. Let their response and the situation guide whether you continue.
Five replies you can actually use
- Dobro, hvala. A ti? (Fine, thanks. And you?) A useful neutral reply.
- Odlično! (Great!) Use it when you feel good.
- Malo sam umoran / umorna. (I am a little tired.) Choose the masculine or feminine form that fits the speaker.
- Moglo bi i bolje. (Could be better.) You can leave it there or add a short explanation.
- Polako. (Taking it one step at a time.) A colloquial response you may hear; its tone depends on context.
Three ways to keep the conversation going
Ask back: A ti? or A vi? is enough. You can also ask Kako ti je prošao dan? (How was your day?) with someone you know.
Add a small detail: Danas imam puno posla. (I have a lot of work today.) Or Sutra idem na more. (I am going to the seaside tomorrow.) One sentence gives the other person something to respond to.
Choose a shared topic: Baš je hladno danas. (It is really cold today.) Što ima novog? (What is new?) Kako je na poslu? (How are things at work?) Ask about work or family when you know the topic is welcome.
Dialogue 1: meeting a friend
A: Bok! Kako si? (Hi! How are you?)
B: Dobro, hvala. A ti? (Fine, thanks. And you?)
A: Dobro. Danas imam puno posla. (Good. I have a lot of work today.)
B: I ja. Hoćemo na kavu sutra? (Me too. Shall we go for coffee tomorrow?)
Dialogue 2: talking to a neighbour politely
A: Dobar dan! Kako ste? (Hello! How are you?)
B: Dobro, hvala. A vi? (Fine, thanks. And you?)
A: Dobro. Baš je lijep dan. (Good. It is such a lovely day.)
B: Da, baš je. Ugodan dan! (Yes, it is. Have a nice day!)
Dialogue 3: when you miss a reply
A: Što ima novog? (What is new?)
B: Oprosti, možeš li ponoviti malo sporije? (Sorry, could you repeat a little more slowly?)
A: Kako je na poslu? (How are things at work?)
B: Dobro je, hvala. (It is going well, thanks.)
For a polite request, use Možete li ponoviti malo sporije? You can also say Još učim hrvatski. (I am still learning Croatian.)
Finish naturally, without searching for another topic
- Moram ići. Čujemo se! (I have to go. Talk soon!)
- Vidimo se! (See you!)
- Ugodan dan! (Have a nice day!)
- Lijep vikend! (Have a nice weekend!)
A short exchange can be a complete, friendly conversation. You do not need to keep asking questions when the other person is busy or gives brief answers.
A five-minute practice task
Choose one reply, one detail and one goodbye. Read them aloud, cover the text and try again. Then practise both sides of one dialogue. Change the detail so it is true for you. For more situations, continue with 50 essential Croatian phrases.
The paid Phrasebook below is a written reference for everyday situations. Use separate native-speaker recordings or a conversation partner when you want feedback on pronunciation.
YOUR NEXT STEP · PAID PDF EBOOK
Have useful phrases ready for your next conversation
For conversations with neighbours, phone calls and everyday errands, keep written Croatian phrases and English translations in one PDF. Choose a few phrases before you go and practise them aloud.
The Calm Croatian Phrasebook. A 27-page PDF with phrases and English translations for cafés, shops, doctor and pharmacy visits, the post office, neighbours and phone calls, plus emergency phrases.
€19 · Instant PDF download · No subscription · Audio and live lessons are not included.
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