«Hvala puno» (Thank you very much)
«Hvala lijepa» (Thank you kindly)
«Hvala na pomoći» (Thank you for your help)
«Hvala na gostoprimstvu» (Thank you for your hospitality)
«Cijenim vašu ljubaznost» (I appreciate your kindness)
Making Small Talk:
Engage in friendly conversation with these common small talk phrases:
«Kako ste danas?» (How are you today?)
«Kako vam se sviđa Hrvatska?» (How do you like Croatia?)
«Jeste li ovdje na odmoru?» (Are you here on vacation?)
«Imate li preporuke za restoran?» (Do you have any restaurant recommendations?)
«Kako se zove ova ulica?» (What is the name of this street?)
Asking for Help:
If you find yourself in need of assistance, these phrases will come in handy:
«Možete li mi pomoći?» (Can you help me?)
«Trebam vašu pomoć» (I need your help)
«Molim vas, gdje mogu pronaći banku?» (Excuse me, where can I find a bank?)
«Je li ovdje neko tko govori engleski?» (Is there someone here who speaks English?)
Farewells:
End your conversations on a pleasant note with these farewell phrases:
«Doviđenja» (Goodbye)
«Laku noć» (Goodnight)
«Hvala na druženju» (Thank you for the company)
«Sretan put» (Have a safe journey)
«Nadam se da ćemo se uskoro vidjeti» (I hope well see each other soon)
By incorporating these common expressions and polite phrases into your conversations, youll be able to build rapport, show respect, and create positive connections with the people you interact with in Croatia.
Chapter 8: Shopping and Bargaining
Shopping is not only a practical activity but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and find unique souvenirs. In this chapter, you will learn essential phrases and strategies for shopping and bargaining in Croatia. From navigating markets to negotiating prices, these phrases will help you make the most of your shopping experience. Lets begin!
General Shopping Phrases:
Start by familiarizing yourself with these general shopping phrases:
«Gdje je najbliža trgovina?» (Where is the nearest store?)
«Imate li?» (Do you have?)
«Koliko košta?» (How much does it cost?)
«Što je to?» (What is this?)
«Mogu li ga/isprobati?» (Can I try it on?)
«Mogu li platiti kreditnom karticom?» (Can I pay by credit card?)
«Imate li veći/manji broj?» (Do you have a larger/smaller size?)
«To je preskupo.» (Thats too expensive.)
«Mogu li dobiti popust?» (Can I get a discount?)
Shopping for Clothing and Accessories:
When shopping for clothing and accessories, use these phrases to communicate your preferences:
«Tražim haljinu/suknju/hlače.» (Im looking for a dress/skirt/pants.)
«Imate li ovaj model u drugoj boji/veličini?» (Do you have this style in a different color/size?)
«Može li se ovo skratiti/produžiti?» (Can this be shortened/lengthened?)
«Imate li ogledalo?» (Do you have a mirror?)
«Kako se ovo održava?» (How do I care for this?)
«Mogu li dobiti torbicu/šal?» (Can I get a bag/scarf?)
Shopping for Souvenirs:
Croatia offers a wide range of unique souvenirs. Use these phrases while shopping for souvenirs:
«Tražim suvenir.» (Im looking for a souvenir.)
«Imate li nešto tipično hrvatsko?» (Do you have something typically Croatian?)
«Mogu li dobiti popust ako kupim više?» (Can I get a discount if I buy more?)
«Imate li magnetsku razglednicu?» (Do you have a magnetic postcard?)
«Tražim suvenir s motivom lavande.» (Im looking for a souvenir with a lavender motif.)
Bargaining Techniques:
Bargaining is a common practice in some markets and small shops in Croatia. Here are some techniques to help you negotiate prices:
Start by showing interest and asking for the price: «Koliko košta?»
Politely express that the price is too high: «Mislim da je cijena previsoka.»
Propose a lower price: «Mogu li dobiti popust? Ponudim vam [lower price].»
Be prepared for counteroffers and consider them: «Hvala na ponudi, ali mogu li dobiti bolju cijenu?»
If the seller wont budge, decide if the price is acceptable or be willing to walk away.
Remember to maintain a friendly and respectful attitude throughout the bargaining process.
Payment and Transactions:
When its time to make a purchase, use these phrases for smooth transactions:
«Koliko dugujem?» (How much do I owe?)
«Plaćam gotovinom/kreditnom karticom.» (Im paying in cash/by credit card.)
«Mogu li dobiti račun?» (Can I have a receipt?)
«Hvala na usluzi.» (Thank you for the service.)
Shopping Tips:
To enhance your shopping experience, consider these additional tips:
Carry cash in smaller denominations for easier transactions.
Keep an open mind and explore local markets for unique finds.