kako se zoveš?
The English phrase "what is your name?" is translated into Croatian as kako se zoveš?
This phrase is used to ask someone for their name. To answer the question, you should use the reflexive verb form zovem se followed by your name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kako se zoveš? literally translates to "how do you call yourself?"
Which one should you use?
The form kako se zoveš? is the standard informal version, while kako se ti zoveš? is a more personal way to ask the same question.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a person you do not know well, an elder or a group of people, use the formal/plural form kako se zovete? instead of the informal kako se zoveš?
Did you know?
- The word zoveš is a conjugated form of a verb that also means 'to call' or 'to summon', meaning you are asking how someone summons themselves.
- While kako se zoveš? is the standard question, Croatians often omit it entirely in casual settings and simply ask ko si?, which means 'who are you?'
- In very formal or old-fashioned contexts, one might use koje je Vaše ime?, which focuses on the 'name' as a noun rather than the action of 'calling oneself'.
Examples in context
- Hej! Kako se zoveš?Hey! What is your name?
- Zanimljivo mi je, kako se zoveš?I am curious, what is your name?
- Možeš li mi reći kako se zoveš?Can you tell me what your name is?
Example conversation
Petra and Mateo meet at a language school.
- PetraZdravo, ja sam Petra. Kako se zoveš?Hello, I am Petra. What is your name?
- MateoDrago mi je, ja sam Mateo.Nice to meet you, I am Mateo.
- PetraDrago mi je, Mateju.Nice to meet you, Mateo.
- MateoHvala ti, Petra.Thank you, Petra.
