Meaning
Informal word for a friend.
Cultural Background
In the capital city, 'frend' is almost a default setting. It's part of the 'Purger' identity, which values urban, Central European, and modern influences. While 'frend' is understood, Dalmatians often use 'lik' (guy) or 'prijatelj' with a specific accent, or even 'kumpanjo' in older generations. On Croatian social media, 'frend' is the standard. Hashtags like #frendovi or #frendice are far more common than #prijatelji. The phrase 'idemo na kavu' (let's go for coffee) is the primary habitat of the 'frend'. You don't go for coffee with a 'poznanik' (acquaintance) for two hours; you go with a 'frend'.
The 'a' rule
When talking about 'of a friend' or 'seeing a friend', add an 'a' at the end: frenda.
Not for Grandma
Stick to 'prijatelj' when talking to older, more traditional people to be safe.
Meaning
Informal word for a friend.
The 'a' rule
When talking about 'of a friend' or 'seeing a friend', add an 'a' at the end: frenda.
Not for Grandma
Stick to 'prijatelj' when talking to older, more traditional people to be safe.
Diminutives matter
Use 'frendić' to show extra warmth or to talk about a 'buddy'.
Kava is key
If you call someone a 'frend', it's expected that you'd be willing to sit for a long coffee with them.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'frend' in the Instrumental case.
Idem na kavu s ______. (my friend)
The preposition 's' requires the Instrumental case, which for 'frend' is 'frendom'.
Which word is most appropriate for a formal email to a professor?
Poštovani ______, pišem Vam u vezi ispita.
'Frende' and 'frendiću' are slang, and 'prijatelju' is too personal. 'Profesore' is the correct formal address.
Match the Croatian word with its English equivalent.
Match the forms:
Understanding the gender and number variations is key.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang term.
A: Tko je to? B: To je moj ______ Marko.
In a casual introduction of a peer, 'frend' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIdem na kavu s ______. (my friend)
The preposition 's' requires the Instrumental case, which for 'frend' is 'frendom'.
Poštovani ______, pišem Vam u vezi ispita.
'Frende' and 'frendiću' are slang, and 'prijatelju' is too personal. 'Profesore' is the correct formal address.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the gender and number variations is key.
A: Tko je to? B: To je moj ______ Marko.
In a casual introduction of a peer, 'frend' is the most natural choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is a recognized loanword (anglicizam) that is part of the informal Croatian lexicon.
No, you should use 'frendica' for a female friend.
The plural is 'frendovi'.
In casual speech among young people, yes. In formal writing, no.
You say 's frendom'.
Not anymore. It's so common now that it sounds perfectly natural in casual settings.
Absolutely not. Use 'prijatelj' or 'poznanik' if necessary, but avoid slang.
It's a cute, diminutive version of 'frend', like 'buddy' or 'little friend'.
Yes, though it is most strongly associated with Zagreb and urban areas.
You say 'najbolji frend'.
Not really. We use 'sprijateljiti se' (to become friends) or 'dodati za frenda' (to add as a friend on social media).
'Frend' is someone you know and like. 'Lik' just means 'guy' and can be a stranger.
You can, but it might be confusing. 'Dečko' is the word for boyfriend.
Yes, like all Croatian 'r' sounds, it is a flap or a trill.
Related Phrases
najbolji frend
specialized formbest friend
frendica
similarfemale friend
frendić
specialized formbuddy / little friend
ekipa
builds onthe crew / group of friends
lik
similarguy / character
prijatelj
synonymfriend (standard)
