Ways to say it
| Croatian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bok | /bok/ | Latin |
| ćao | /t͡ɕâːo/ | Latin |
| zdravo | /zdrâʋo/ | Latin |
| merhaba | Latin | |
| halo | Latin |
While bok and ćao are casual, zdravo provides a more neutral option suitable for various social contexts. Note that bok is used for both 'hi' and 'bye' in informal settings.
Which one should you use?
Bok and ćao are informal. Zdravo is more neutral and can be used in a broader range of social contexts. Halo is used specifically when answering the telephone, rather than as a general greeting in person. For formal daytime greetings, use dobar dan (good day) or dobro jutro (good morning), the latter of which is used until about noon.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For casual interactions with friends, use bok or ćao. zdravo is a neutral choice. In formal settings, use dobar dan to mean 'good day'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Dalmatia, the phrase E, stari is used to say hi informally among friends.
How do you pronounce it?
/bok/
Did you know?
- The word bok literally means 'side' or 'cheek' in Croatian. It is believed the greeting comes from the old custom of kissing someone on the cheek.
- The informal greeting merhaba is an Ottoman Turkish loanword, reflecting the historical influence of the Ottoman Empire on the region.
Examples in context
- Zdravo. Moje ime je Sergej.Hi. My name is Sergey.This sentence demonstrates using zdravo to introduce yourself.Tatoeba #6078321 by kkupus, translation #6077633 by carlosalberto
- Bok!Hi!This is a common way to say bok as a greeting.Tatoeba #6564066 by vlado, translation #2742244 by MTC
- Bok.Hi.This is a common way to use bok as a greeting.Tatoeba #466199 by FeuDRenais, translation #538123 by CM
- Dobar dan, gospodine Marković! Dobar dan, kako ste?Good day, Mr. Marković! Good day, how are you?
- Bok, Marija! Kako si? Bok! Dobro sam, hvala!Hi, Marija! How are you? Hi! I am well, thanks!
Example conversation
Mateo and Ana meet in a park.
- MateoBok, Ana!Hi, Ana!
- AnaBok, Mateo. Kako si?Hi, Mateo. How are you?
- MateoDobro sam, hvala.I am good, thanks.
- AnaDrago mi je da si dobro.I am glad you are well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries bok, ćao, zdravo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries halo, merhaba, zdravo, ćao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
