ne hvala
The English phrase "no thank you" is translated into Croatian as ne hvala.
This phrase is used as a polite way to decline an offer or an invitation.
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ne hvala is the standard way to say no thank you, you can adjust the phrase based on whom you are addressing. Using hvala ti is the informal version, while hvala vam is the polite or formal version used for strangers or elders.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Croatian, the grammatically correct way to write the phrase is to include a comma between the words: ne, hvala.
Did you know?
- In Croatian culture, declining a gift or a drink with ne hvala once may be seen as overly formal. It is common to be offered something several times before a 'no' is accepted as final.
- The word hvala is closely related to the verb 'to praise', meaning that when you say 'no thank you', you are etymologically refusing 'praise'.
- When saying ne hvala in a store, Croatians may use a specific tone of voice that sounds slightly assertive to avoid being pushed into a sale, which can sound rude to English speakers.
Examples in context
- Ne, hvala.No, thank you.
- Hvala, ali prisiljen sam odbiti.Thank you, but I'm forced to decline.
- Ma, ne hvala.Nah, no thanks.
- Ne hvala, nisam gladan.No thank you, I am not hungry.
- Želite li pomoć? Ne hvala, mogu sam.Do you want help? No thank you, I can do it myself.
Example conversation
Ivan offers Petra some coffee.
- IvanŽeliš li šalicu kave, Petra?Do you want a cup of coffee, Petra?
- PetraNe hvala, Ivane, upravo sam popila jednu.No thank you, Ivan, I just drank one.
- IvanU redu, želiš li možda čaj?Alright, maybe you want some tea?
- PetraNe hvala, u redu sam.No thank you, I'm fine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hvala, ne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
