Ways to say it
| Croatian | Note |
|---|---|
| zovem se | Latin |
| ja sam | Latin |
| moje ime je | Latin |
| ime mi je | Latin |
These phrases are used to identify yourself to others. When introducing yourself to a group or a new acquaintance, zovem se is the standard and most natural choice.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase zovem se literally means "I call myself".
Which one should you use?
Zovem se is the most natural and common way to introduce yourself in Croatian. In contrast, moje ime je sounds more formal or slightly unnatural in casual conversation. You can also use ja sam as a direct way to say "I am [Name]", which is very common in spoken Croatian. Finally, ime mi je is another way to state your name.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Moje ime je is more formal and is often used in official settings or when someone is reading a name from a document.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb in zovem se is reflexive, which means the se part is a required part of the verb structure to indicate that the action is being performed on oneself.
Did you know?
- While zovem se means 'I call myself', the root verb zvati is also used to describe the sound of a bell ringing.
- The word sam has two completely different origins depending on its use. It can come from a root meaning 'alone' or from the root for 'I am'.
- When introducing yourself in a professional Croatian setting, it is customary to pair zovem se with a firm handshake and direct eye contact.
Examples in context
- Zdravo. Moje ime je Sergej.Hi. My name is Sergey.This sentence shows how to use moje ime je for a simple greeting.Tatoeba #6078321 by kkupus, translation #6077633 by carlosalberto
- Moje ime je Jack.My name is Jack.This sentence demonstrates the use of moje ime je to state a name.Tatoeba #12210809 by Adelpa, translation #1646 by CN
- Moje ime je Saša.My name is Sasha.This sentence provides another example of using moje ime je to introduce oneself.Tatoeba #12260030 by Adelpa, translation #567334 by Manfredo
- Ja sam Luka.I am Luka.
- Zovem se Ivan.I am called Ivan.
- Zovem se Mia.I am called Mia.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ana and Marko meet for the first time at a party.
- AnaBok! Zovem se Ana.Hi! My name is Ana.
- MarkoBok Ana, ja sam Marko.Hi Ana, I am Marko.
- AnaDrago mi je, Marko.Nice to meet you, Marko.
- MarkoI meni je drago.Nice to meet you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my name is” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ime, ja, je, sam, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
