In this lesson you will learn how to introduce yourself in Croatian. You will say who you are, ask another person's name, and respond when you meet someone. The phrases come from a short exchange between Ana and Marko, and you can use them in many everyday first meetings.
Objectives
- Say your own name using 'Ja sam Ana.' or 'Moje ime je Marko.'
- Ask someone's name with 'Kako se zoveš?' or 'Kako se zovete?'
- Respond politely when you meet someone by saying 'Drago mi je.'
Phrases
I am Ana.
Use this to say who you are. You can also follow 'Ja sam...' with other identity information.My name is Marko.
Use this when you want to give your name explicitly, for example when filling out a form or meeting someone new.What is your name? (informal singular)
Use with a friend, a classmate, or someone your age.What is your name? (polite singular or plural)
Use with an older person, someone you do not know well, or more than one person.Nice to meet you.
Say this when you meet someone. You can add the person's name after it.Explanations
Saying who you are
Use 'Ja sam Ana.' to say who you are, and 'Moje ime je Marko.' to give your name more explicitly. Both are common in introductions. 'Ja sam...' can also be followed by other identity information, while 'Moje ime je...' focuses specifically on the name.
Asking someone's name
Ask a friend or someone your age with 'Kako se zoveš?'. Use 'Kako se zovete?' when speaking to an older person, someone you do not know well, or more than one person. The verb form changes with the person you address: 'zoveš' is informal singular, 'zovete' is polite singular or plural.
Responding when you meet someone
'Drago mi je.' means 'Nice to meet you' and is used when you meet someone. In the dialogue, Ana says 'Drago mi je, Marko.' and Marko answers 'Drago mi je!'. You can say it on its own or add the person's name after it.
Dialogue
Hi! I am Ana. What is your name?
Hi! My name is Marko.
Nice to meet you, Marko.
Nice to meet you!
Pronunciation
Listen to the recording and repeat each line, copying the speaker's rhythm and intonation. Pay attention to the difference between 'zoveš' and 'zovete' at the end of the question, and say 'Drago mi je.' smoothly as one phrase.
Common mistake
Using 'Kako se zoveš?' with an older person or someone you do not know well.
Use 'Kako se zovete?' in those situations. 'zoveš' is informal singular, while 'zovete' is polite singular or plural.
Practice
You meet a new classmate. Say your name is Ana.
Use the phrase that starts with 'Ja sam...'.
Show answer
Ja sam Ana.'Ja sam Ana.' is the natural way to say who you are when you meet someone.
You are filling out a form and the clerk asks for your name. Give your name as Marko.
Use the phrase that focuses specifically on your name.
Show answer
Moje ime je Marko.'Moje ime je Marko.' gives your name explicitly, which fits a form or an official question.
You have just been introduced to a new colleague. Say that you are pleased to meet them.
Use the short phrase that means 'Nice to meet you'.
Show answer
Drago mi je.'Drago mi je.' is the standard response when you meet someone.
You can now introduce yourself in Croatian with 'Ja sam...' or 'Moje ime je...', ask someone's name with 'Kako se zoveš?' or 'Kako se zovete?', and respond with 'Drago mi je.'
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