Meaning
Asking for identification of an object.
Cultural Background
In Dalmatia, you will almost exclusively hear 'Šta je ovo?'. The 'što' form sounds very formal or 'continental' to locals. Asking 'Što je ovo?' is expected. Vendors take pride in explaining the origin of their goods (e.g., 'iz mog vrta' - from my garden). The phrase can be used very bluntly. Don't take it as rudeness; it's just a desire for clear information. On Croatian forums, 'Što je ovo' is a common reaction to confusing government news or viral videos.
The Pointing Rule
Always point or look directly at the object so the listener knows what 'ovo' refers to.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about masculine/feminine/neuter yet. 'Ovo' is the safe default for anything you don't recognize.
Meaning
Asking for identification of an object.
The Pointing Rule
Always point or look directly at the object so the listener knows what 'ovo' refers to.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about masculine/feminine/neuter yet. 'Ovo' is the safe default for anything you don't recognize.
The 'Šta' Shortcut
If you want to sound more like a local in a cafe, use 'Šta' instead of 'Što'.
Smile!
Asking 'Što je ovo?' with a smile makes you look like a curious student; without one, you might look like a complaining customer.
Test Yourself
You are holding a mysterious fruit. How do you ask what it is?
___ je ovo?
'Što' is used for objects, 'Tko' for people.
Complete the sentence to ask about an object near you.
Što __ ovo?
'Je' is the 3rd person singular of 'biti' (to be).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You see a strange person in your house.
Use 'Tko' for people.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Kupac: Oprostite, što je ovo? Prodavač: To je ___ (apple).
Jabuka means apple.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Proximity in Croatian
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ je ovo?
'Što' is used for objects, 'Tko' for people.
Što __ ovo?
'Je' is the 3rd person singular of 'biti' (to be).
You see a strange person in your house.
Use 'Tko' for people.
Kupac: Oprostite, što je ovo? Prodavač: To je ___ (apple).
Jabuka means apple.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is rude. Use 'Tko je ovo?' for people.
'Što' is formal/standard; 'Šta' is informal/spoken.
Always 'Što je ovo'. The verb 'je' must be in the second position.
Use 'Što su ovo?'.
Yes, but adding 'Oprostite' (Excuse me) at the beginning is better.
'Ovo' is the neuter form used for unknown things. 'Ovaj' is masculine.
No, use 'Što ima?' for 'What's up?'.
Yes, specifically 'this' near the speaker.
Use 'Što je ono?'.
Yes, but they almost always use 'Šta je ovo?'.
Related Phrases
Tko je ovo?
similarWho is this?
Što je to?
similarWhat is that?
Što se događa?
relatedWhat is happening?
Kako se ovo zove?
builds onWhat is this called?
Čemu ovo služi?
specialized formWhat is this for?
