Meaning
Asking about someone's needs or desires.
Cultural Background
The distinction between 'ti' and 'Vi' is strictly observed in professional settings. Even if you have worked with someone for years, you might still use 'Vi' and 'Što želite?' until a formal 'transition to ti' (prelazak na ti) is agreed upon. In coastal regions, service can sometimes feel more direct. You might hear 'Izvolite?' more often than the full 'Što želite?', but both are polite. The capital tends to be more formal and 'proper'. Using 'Što želite?' with a clear, standard accent is seen as a sign of good upbringing (odgoj). Due to Italian influence, the tone of 'Što želite?' might be accompanied by more expressive hand gestures and a melodic intonation.
The 'Vi' Rule
When in doubt, always use 'Što želite?'. It is never offensive to be too polite, but it can be offensive to be too informal.
Avoid 'Hoćete'
As a beginner, avoid 'Što hoćete?' as it often carries a negative or demanding connotation that is hard to master.
Meaning
Asking about someone's needs or desires.
The 'Vi' Rule
When in doubt, always use 'Što želite?'. It is never offensive to be too polite, but it can be offensive to be too informal.
Avoid 'Hoćete'
As a beginner, avoid 'Što hoćete?' as it often carries a negative or demanding connotation that is hard to master.
Eye Contact
In Croatia, making brief eye contact while saying 'Što želite?' shows confidence and professional readiness.
Add 'Izvolite'
Start with 'Izvolite, što želite?' to sound like a native speaker with perfect manners.
Test Yourself
You are a waiter in a fancy restaurant in Dubrovnik. Which phrase do you use to ask a guest for their order?
Dobar dan, izvolite. _______?
'Što želite' is the correct formal form for a guest.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'željeti'.
Gospodine Horvat, što vi ______ popiti?
The subject 'Vi' (formal) requires the ending '-ite'.
Match the phrase to the correct person you are speaking to.
1. Što želiš? | 2. Što želite?
Informal 'želiš' is for family; formal 'želite' is for superiors.
Complete the dialogue in a shop.
Prodavač: Dobar dan! Kupac: Dobar dan. Prodavač: ______? Kupac: Želim kupiti crnu torbu.
The seller is asking what the customer wants to buy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal 'Want'
Where to use 'Što želite?'
Service
- • Shops
- • Markets
- • Banks
Dining
- • Restaurants
- • Cafes
- • Bars
Professional
- • Offices
- • Meetings
- • Interviews
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDobar dan, izvolite. _______?
'Što želite' is the correct formal form for a guest.
Gospodine Horvat, što vi ______ popiti?
The subject 'Vi' (formal) requires the ending '-ite'.
1. Što želiš? | 2. Što želite?
Informal 'želiš' is for family; formal 'želite' is for superiors.
Prodavač: Dobar dan! Kupac: Dobar dan. Prodavač: ______? Kupac: Želim kupiti crnu torbu.
The seller is asking what the customer wants to buy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's very common in spoken language, but 'Što' is the official standard in Croatia.
Yes, it is the perfect way to ask a teacher what they want or need.
'Želite' is 'do you want', while 'biste željeli' is 'would you like'. The latter is more formal.
Usually with 'Želim...' or 'Molim vas...' followed by what you want.
It's better to include a greeting first to avoid sounding too abrupt.
Yes, 'želite' is the plural form, so it's perfect for a group.
Yes, but they almost always use 'Šta' instead of 'Što'.
Say 'Što želiš?' or simply 'Šta ćeš?'.
Yes, it can mean both 'want' and 'wish'.
Yes, it's common in professional emails to clarify a client's needs.
Always use a question mark in writing as it is an inquiry.
'Izvolite' is a broader polite term that often implies 'What do you want?'.
Related Phrases
Izvolite?
similarHere you go / How can I help?
Što želiš?
specialized formWhat do you want? (informal)
Mogu li vam pomoći?
similarCan I help you?
Što biste željeli?
specialized formWhat would you like?
Recite mi
builds onTell me
