kako si
The English phrase 'how are you' is translated into Croatian as kako si.
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their well-being. For a more colloquial approach among friends, you might also use Što ima? which functions like 'What's up?' or 'How's it going?'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kako (how) and si (you are, second person singular).
Which one should you use?
While kako si is the informal way to ask the question, kako ste? is used when you are addressing more than one person or when you need to be formal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some dialects, the informal phrase Kaj ima? is used to ask how someone is.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people or showing formal respect to an individual, use kako ste? instead of kako si?
When do people say it?
A standard response to the greeting kako si is Dobro sam, hvala (I am well, thanks).
Did you know?
- In many Croatian social circles, the greeting kako si is treated as a ritual rather than a genuine inquiry. Providing a long, honest list of personal struggles in response can be viewed as a breach of social etiquette.
- The word kako shares a common ancestor with the English word 'how' through the Proto-Indo-European root for 'how' or 'which', making it a distant linguistic relative.
- The distinction between kako si and kako ste is not just about number but about social distance. Using the informal si with a stranger or a superior can be seen as an aggressive or overly intimate gesture.
Examples in context
- Hej, kako si?Hey, how are you?
- Znam da si umoran, ali kako si?I know you are tired, but how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- PetraBok Mateo, kako si?Hi Mateo, how are you?
- MateoDobro sam, a ti?I am well, and you?
- PetraI ja sam odlično.I am great too.
- MateoDrago mi je.I am glad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kako, CC BY-SA 4.0.
