Meaning
To live in great luxury.
Cultural Background
In Croatia, the 'kralj' image is often associated with the first Croatian King, Tomislav. Being a 'kralj' is a point of national pride. In Dalmatia, living like a king is often tied to the concept of 'fjaka'—a state of mind where you do nothing and just enjoy the sun. Many 'Turbo-folk' and modern Trap songs in the region use this phrase to brag about wealth and expensive cars. During the socialist era in Yugoslavia, this phrase was sometimes used to describe the 'Crveni buržuji' (Red Bourgeoisie) who had privileges others didn't.
Use it for pets!
Croatians love saying their spoiled cats or dogs 'žive kao kraljevi'. It's a great way to sound native.
Gender matters
If you are talking about a woman, say 'živi kao kraljica'.
Meaning
To live in great luxury.
Use it for pets!
Croatians love saying their spoiled cats or dogs 'žive kao kraljevi'. It's a great way to sound native.
Gender matters
If you are talking about a woman, say 'živi kao kraljica'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'živjeti'.
Oni ____ kao kraljevi u novom stanu.
'Oni' (They) requires the third-person plural form 'žive'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is living in luxury?
Kako se kaže da netko ima puno novca i uživa?
'Živjeti kao pas' (to live like a dog) actually means to have a miserable life!
Match the situation to the phrase.
Marko je na odmoru u hotelu s 5 zvjezdica. Što on radi?
5-star hotels are the perfect place to live like a king.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When are you living like a king?
Travel
- • 5-star hotel
- • First class
- • Private beach
Home
- • Big pool
- • Personal chef
- • No chores
Practice Bank
3 exercisesOni ____ kao kraljevi u novom stanu.
'Oni' (They) requires the third-person plural form 'žive'.
Kako se kaže da netko ima puno novca i uživa?
'Živjeti kao pas' (to live like a dog) actually means to have a miserable life!
Marko je na odmoru u hotelu s 5 zvjezdica. Što on radi?
5-star hotels are the perfect place to live like a king.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but change 'kralj' to 'kraljica'. Example: 'Ona živi kao kraljica.'
No, it's usually a compliment or a neutral observation, unless your tone is very sarcastic.
Related Phrases
živjeti na visokoj nozi
synonymTo live an expensive lifestyle.
živjeti kao car
similarTo live like an emperor.
živjeti od danas do sutra
contrastTo live from hand to mouth.
kraljevski tretman
builds onRoyal treatment.
