Signification
A formal way to say goodbye to someone.
Contexte culturel
It is considered very rude to enter or leave a small neighborhood shop without greeting the staff. 'Doviđenja' is the standard exit greeting that maintains social harmony. In coastal regions, you might hear 'Adio' or 'Zdravo,' but 'Doviđenja' remains the safest formal choice for foreigners to avoid sounding too local or informal. In the capital, the line between 'Bok' and 'Doviđenja' is very sharp. Using 'Bok' too early with an older person can be seen as a sign of poor upbringing. In Croatian business, meetings often end with a handshake and a 'Doviđenja.' It signifies that the professional interaction is closed but the relationship continues.
The 'A' Ending
Always remember the 'a' at the end. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Don't be too stiff
If a local says 'Bok' to you first, it's okay to say 'Bok' back, even if you don't know them well.
Signification
A formal way to say goodbye to someone.
The 'A' Ending
Always remember the 'a' at the end. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Don't be too stiff
If a local says 'Bok' to you first, it's okay to say 'Bok' back, even if you don't know them well.
Pair it up
Combine 'Doviđenja' with 'Ugodan dan' (Have a nice day) to sound like a native speaker.
Eye Contact
In Croatia, it's polite to make brief eye contact when saying 'Doviđenja.'
Teste-toi
You are leaving a bank after talking to the teller. What do you say?
Odlazite iz banke. Što kažete?
A bank is a formal environment, so 'Doviđenja' is the correct choice.
Complete the formal goodbye.
Do __________, gospodine Horvat.
The preposition 'do' requires the genitive case, which is 'viđenja'.
Match the goodbye to the person.
S kim koristite 'Doviđenja'?
You use 'Doviđenja' with people in positions of authority or those you don't know well.
Finish the phone call.
A: Hvala vam na informacijama. B: Nema na čemu. A: __________.
A formal information exchange should end with a formal goodbye.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs. Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOdlazite iz banke. Što kažete?
A bank is a formal environment, so 'Doviđenja' is the correct choice.
Do __________, gospodine Horvat.
The preposition 'do' requires the genitive case, which is 'viđenja'.
S kim koristite 'Doviđenja'?
You use 'Doviđenja' with people in positions of authority or those you don't know well.
A: Hvala vam na informacijama. B: Nema na čemu. A: __________.
A formal information exchange should end with a formal goodbye.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn modern Croatian, it is standard to write it as one word: 'Doviđenja.'
Yes, you can use it anytime as a formal goodbye. However, if you know the person is going to sleep, 'Laku noć' is better.
Yes, it is the perfect thing to say when leaving a restaurant.
'Doviđenja' implies you will see them again. 'Zbogom' is a final, often emotional farewell.
It's a soft 'j' sound. Try saying 'bridge' but make the 'j' sound softer and more 'liquid'.
Yes, but only with people they don't know or people in authority.
No, it's better to use 'Srdačan pozdrav' (Warm regards) in writing.
Yes, it is the standard formal goodbye in all Serbo-Croatian speaking countries.
A polite nod and 'Hvala' (Thank you) will work in a pinch, but try to learn 'Doviđenja' as soon as possible!
Both are understood, but 'Doviđenja' is the modern orthographic standard.
Expressions liées
Bok
contrastHi / Bye (informal)
Zbogom
similarFarewell / Adieu
Laku noć
specialized formGood night
Ugodan dan
builds onHave a nice day
Čujemo se
similarWe'll be in touch
Vidimo se
synonymSee you
