Meaning
A simple command to approach the speaker.
Cultural Background
Directness is valued. Calling someone 'Dođi ovamo' is not considered rude among peers, unlike the more indirect English 'Could you come here for a second?'. The word 'ovamo' is often shortened to 'amo'. You will hear 'Amo ća' which means 'Let's go' or 'Come on, let's move'. Kajkavian speakers might use 'Dojdi' instead of 'Dođi'. It sounds softer and is very common in local dialects. The transition from 'Dođite' (formal) to 'Dođi' (informal) marks a significant step in a friendship. Don't switch until invited to use 'ti'.
Use your hands
Croatians use a lot of gestures. Wave your hand toward yourself when saying this.
Watch the 'Vi'
Always use 'Dođite' if you are in a shop or talking to someone older.
Meaning
A simple command to approach the speaker.
Use your hands
Croatians use a lot of gestures. Wave your hand toward yourself when saying this.
Watch the 'Vi'
Always use 'Dođite' if you are in a shop or talking to someone older.
The 'Ajde' boost
Add 'Ajde' at the start to sound more like a native speaker.
Tone matters
A soft 'dođi ovamo' is a hug; a loud one is a warning.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence for someone moving toward you.
Marko, ______ ovamo!
'Dođi' is the imperative for 'come'.
Fill in the correct adverb of direction.
Ne idi tamo, dođi ______.
'Ovamo' is used for movement toward the speaker.
Complete the formal request.
Gospodine Horvat, ______ ovamo, molim Vas.
'Dođite' is the formal/plural form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Calling your dog in the park.
You use the informal singular for pets.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMarko, ______ ovamo!
'Dođi' is the imperative for 'come'.
Ne idi tamo, dođi ______.
'Ovamo' is used for movement toward the speaker.
Gospodine Horvat, ______ ovamo, molim Vas.
'Dođite' is the formal/plural form.
Calling your dog in the park.
You use the informal singular for pets.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, 'Dođi' alone is very common and implies 'come here'.
No, it's neutral. The formality comes from the verb 'dođi' vs 'dođite'.
'Amo' is a dialectal shortening common in Dalmatia.
Usually you'd say 'Dođi kod mene' for that.
Use 'Dođite ovamo'.
Only if used with someone you should be formal with.
It means 'Come to me', often used romantically.
Yes, 'tu' is very common in spoken Croatian as a substitute for 'ovamo'.
It's common but 'ovamo' is more precise for movement.
Dođi ovamo!
Just shouting 'Amo!' is the slangiest version.
Yes, literally 'to this way'.
Only if you use 'Dođite' and it's a casual meeting.
'Idi tamo' (Go there).
Related Phrases
Hodi ovamo
synonymCome here (often regional)
Približi se
similarGet closer
Svrati do mene
builds onDrop by my place
Makni se
contrastMove away
Dođi mi
specialized formCome to me (poetic)
