Croatia is a beautiful country and worth visiting in your lifetime. However, anytime you travel to a foreign country it’s good to learn a few basic words in order to get around. Below we have several of the more common terms you should learn including how to cheers when grabbing a beer.
Cheers in Croatian
Živjeli – It’s very common that any new place you go to in Croatia will be met with a shot of Rakija. This is the countries drink of choice and used in every social gathering. Živjeli is pronounced “ji vo li” with the meaning of of just that (cheers). The locals are always welcoming to foreigners so be prepared to offer several cheers throughout your trip. They are also big coffee drinkers and will have a glass anytime of the day.
Other common Croatian terms you should know:
“Hvala” – Meaning “thank you”
“Molim” – Meaning “please”
“Ja Sam” – Meaning “my name is”
“Drago Mi Je” – Meaning “nice to meet you”
“Kafu Molim” – Meaning “coffee please”
Summary of Croatian Cheers Drinking Toasts
Croatian drinking toasts are a beloved part of any gathering. They are often accompanied by the traditional raising of glasses and the clinking of glasses in unison. The toasts themselves range from serious, heartfelt wishes for good health and prosperity, to humorous expressions that bring laughter and joy.
The most common toast is “Živjeli!” which translates as “Cheers!” or “Long live!” This is usually followed by wishes such as “Na zdravlje!,” meaning “To your health!” Other popular Croatian drinking toasts include:
- Vesele vode – Happy waters
- Ziveli svi – Long live everyone
- Sretne uspomene – Happy memories
- Na dobrobit svima– For the benefit of all
- Da nam je život lijep i radostan – May our life be beautiful and joyful
In addition to these classic phrases, many people will create their own unique variation on a toast. These can range from deeply meaningful statements about friendship and love, to funny jokes about current events or local culture. Some may even involve singing or chanting together as they raise their glasses in celebration.
No matter what words are used though, all Croatian drinking toasts share one thing in common—the spirit of camaraderie shared between friends who come together over food and drink.
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