What does it mean word for word?
The word molim is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb moliti, which means 'to pray' or 'to beg'.
Which one should you use?
While molim can stand alone, it is often expanded into specific phrases depending on who you are addressing. For example, you might use Molim Vas for a versatile, formal way to say please or Molio bih Vas for specific or urgent requests.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing one person informally, the phrase molim te is common and literally means 'I beg you'. To address someone formally or to address a group, use molim vas, which literally means 'I beg you (formal/plural)'.
When do people say it?
When someone says 'Thank you', it is culturally standard to respond with molim to mean 'You're welcome'. If you did not hear what someone said, you can use Molim? with a rising intonation to ask them to repeat themselves.
Did you know?
- The root mol- is shared with the Russian word molitva for 'prayer', showing a deep Slavic linguistic link between politeness and religious pleading.
- The verb moliti can be used to describe a beggar's plea on the street, making the word molim a linguistic bridge between the highest formal etiquette and the lowest social plea.
- When using the formal Molim Vas, the capital 'V' in Vas is often used in written correspondence to show an extra layer of respect to the recipient.
Examples in context
- Molim te otprati me.Please accompany me.This sentence shows how to use molim to make a request.Tatoeba #8226989 by marsovka, translation #2249765 by CK
- Sjednite na trenutak, molim.Please sit down for a moment.This sentence demonstrates the use of molim in a request.Tatoeba #5577678 by Gonic, translation #5151941 by AlanF_US
- Dušo, molim te da više to ne radiš.Honey, please don't do that anymore.This sentence shows molim being used within an informal request.Tatoeba #13768544 by lostmindRH, translation #13768545 by lostmindRH
- Molim Vas, možete li mi donijeti meni?Please, could you bring me the menu?
- Molim Vas, možete li mi pomoći?Please, could you help me?
- Bi li mogli provjeriti jesam li na popisu gostiju?Please, could you check if I'm on the guest list?
- Budi ljubazan i donesi mi vodu, molim te.Please be kind and bring me some water.
- Molim te, možeš li mi posuditi olovku?Please, can you lend me a pencil?
- Molim Vas, mogu li rezervirati stol za dvoje?Please, can I reserve a table for two?
- Budi ljubazan i donesi mi novine iz kioska, molim te.Please be kind and bring me newspapers from the kiosk.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ivana asks Ivan to pass her the salt at the dining table.
- IvanaDaj mi tu sol, molim.Give me that salt, please.
- IvanIzvoli, Ivana.Here you go, Ivana.
- IvanaHvala ti puno.Thank you very much.
- IvanNema na čemu.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry molim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
