Ways to say it
| Croatian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ti | /tîː/ | Latin, familiar |
| vi | /ʋîː/ | Latin, polite |
These forms are used as subject pronouns to address the person or people being spoken to. Additionally, both ti and vi can function as determiners when placed before epithets to provide emphasis.
Which one should you use?
The form ti is used exclusively when addressing a single person whom you know well or are close to. In contrast, vi is used both when addressing a group of people and when addressing a single person in a formal manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ti is the informal singular form. vi is the polite form, used for formal situations or when addressing multiple people. In some areas, people may use the formal vi to address close friends or family members as a way to show additional respect.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms change depending on their role in a sentence. When 'you' is the indirect object (for example, 'I give to you'), the singular form ti changes to tebi. When 'you' is the direct object (for example, 'I see you'), the singular form ti changes to tebe.
How do you pronounce it?
/tîː/
Did you know?
- The word ti is an ancient linguistic relative of the English word 'thou', which was once the standard informal 'you' in English.
- In some traditional Croatian households, children were historically taught to use the formal vi when addressing their parents as a sign of deep respect.
- In highly formal or old-fashioned Croatian writing, the formal vi and its derivatives are often capitalized as Vi to show extra deference to the reader.
Examples in context
- Želiš li i ti ići?Do you want to go too?This sentence shows how to use ti in a question.Tatoeba #3965647 by krofna, translation #3962715 by JSakuragi
- Donio sam ti kavu.I brought you coffee.This sentence shows the use of ti when 'you' is an indirect object.Tatoeba #6050751 by kkupus, translation #6050348 by Hybrid
- Dobro, ti to nemaš.Fine, you don't have to.This sentence shows the use of ti in a simple statement.Tatoeba #5359642 by kkupus, translation #4310997 by richke
- Vi ste vrlo ljubazni.You are very kind.
- Razumijem vaše razmišljanje.I understand your thoughts.
- Molim Vas da mi odgovorite.Please respond to me.
- Ti si moj najbolji prijatelj.You are my best friend.
- Kako ide tvoj dan?How is your day going?
- Pokaži mi svoju igračku.Show me your toy.
- Sretan rođendan! Želim ti sve najbolje.Happy birthday! I wish you all the best.
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mia and Ivan are talking about their weekend plans.
- MiaŠto ti radiš ovaj vikend, Ivane?What are you doing this weekend, Ivan?
- IvanIdem u kino. A ti?I'm going to the cinema. And you?
- MiaJa ostajem kod kuće.I am staying at home.
- IvanMožda ti želiš ići sa mnom.Maybe you want to go with me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries ti, vi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ti, vi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
