здраво
zdravo[ˈzdravɔ]
The English phrase "hi" is translated into Macedonian as здраво (zdravo).
здраво is a friendly, informal greeting used to say hi.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
здраво is the most common way to say hi in Macedonian and can be used both formally and informally. For example, Здравејте is the plural or polite version of 'здраво', used when addressing a group or someone you wish to show respect to, whereas Чао is an informal phrase used among young people that is similar to the English hi or bye. If you want to ask how someone is doing informally, you might use Што се прави? (what's up? Or what are you doing?) or Како си? (how are you?).
How do you pronounce it?
zdravo
Did you know?
- The word здраво literally translates to 'healthy' in Macedonian. By saying 'hi', you are essentially wishing the other person 'health'.
- If you use Чао instead of здраво, you are actually using an Italian loanword that has become a staple of Macedonian youth slang.
- In Macedonian culture, the greeting is often accompanied by a specific handshake or a slight nod of the head, depending on the level of intimacy between the speakers.
Examples in context
- Здраво, како си ми?Hi, how're you doing?This sentence shows how to use здраво in a greeting.Tatoeba #4382583 by Lepotdeterre, translation #2647167 by CK
- Здраво, дали си ти Том?Hi, are you Tom?This sentence shows how to use здраво when identifying someone.Tatoeba #4048419 by Lepotdeterre, translation #4036990 by Hybrid
- Здраво луѓе, јас сум Мајк.Hi guys, I'm Mike.This sentence shows how to use здраво when introducing yourself to a group.Tatoeba #4301632 by Lepotdeterre, translation #1020895 by CP
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Filip meet at a cafe.
- Елена ElenaЗдраво, Филип!Zdravo, Filip!Hi, Filip!
- Филип FilipЗдраво, Елена! Како си?Zdravo, Elena! Kako si?Hi, Elena! How are you?
- Елена ElenaДобро сум, фала.Dobro sum, fala.I am good, thanks.
- Филип FilipМило ми е што те видов.Milo mi e shto te vidov.Nice to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries здраво, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
