zabavi se
To say "have fun" in Croatian, use zabavi se.
The phrase is used to wish someone a good time. While zabavi se focuses on the act of having amusement, you may also use uživaj to focus more on the sensation of enjoying a specific moment or experience.
Meaning: wish someone a good time (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb zabavi (amuse/entertain) and the reflexive pronoun se (yourself).
Which one should you use?
Zabavi se is used for a single person, whereas zabavite se is used when addressing multiple people or when using a formal address.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form zabavi se is singular and informal. To address more than one person or to use the polite form, use zabavite se.
Did you know?
- The root of the verb in zabavi se is closely linked to the concept of 'distraction' or 'diversion' from one's daily duties or worries.
- In many social contexts, if someone is leaving for a night out, a more common and culturally warm way to say 'have fun' is to wish them 'good time' using uživaj u provodu.
- The pronoun se traces its lineage back to the Proto-Indo-European root *swé, which is a distant relative of the English word 'self'.
Examples in context
- Zabavi se.Have fun.This example shows how to use zabavi se.Tatoeba #4543175 by gargabeshamel, translation #21267 by CK
- Zabavi se na koncertu.Have fun at the concert.
Example conversation
Ana is leaving for a weekend trip.
- AnaKrećem na put, vidimo se u ponedjeljak.I'm leaving for the trip, see you on Monday.
- MarkoSretan put, Marko ti želi ugodan odmor!Safe travels, Marko wishes you a pleasant vacation!
- AnaHvala puno!Thank you very much!
- MarkoZabavi se puno!Have lots of fun!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
