Part of traveling to another country is learning a couple of words in the language of that particular country. It is also a way to show respect to natives and showing some effort to learn a bit more about where you are traveling. Here are some Slovenian words that can come in handy, while visiting the country.
1. Dober dan – Hello
It is a formal way of greeting Slovenians – used in stores, restaurants etc. More informal ways of saying hello are different in various parts of Slovenia, bust most common are ‘živjo’ and ‘zdravo’.
2. Hvala – Thank you
It is the only way to thank someone in Slovenian. It is used by all Slovenians as there is no difference between informal and formal thank you.
3. Prosim – Please
This is a word useful for ordering in restaurants or asking for help. It is a way of asking nicely, as in all other languages.
4. Nasvidenje – Goodbye
This is a greeting, a very formal way of saying goodbye, used in every part of Slovenia. As ‘Dober dan’, it has its place in formal settings – shops, banks etc. However it is not a way to say goodbye to friends or acquaintances. In that case, goodbye would be ‘adijo’.
5. Čav – Bye
This word comes from Italian word Ciao. As ‘adijo’, it is an informal way of saying goodbye. It is mostly used on the seaside, formally and informally, but also between friends in all other parts of Slovenia.
6. Krščen matiček – Holy joe
This is a phrase that represents a swear word. It would most probably be used by people who are religious. This phrase is rarely used today as it is becoming extinct and replaced by others.
7. Naj te koklja brcne – Let the hen kick you
Another old swear phrase, which is rarely used today. It used to be used to insult another person as in wishing them bad things or bad luck. Today it is not anymore used to insult someone but rather as a joke.
8. Na zdravje – Cheers/bless you
On one hand it is a way of saying cheers in bars or restaurants before drinking wine etc. on the other hand it is a polite way of saying bless you to a Slovenian who sneezed.
9. Eno hladno pivo – One cold beer
This phrase is useful if you visit Slovenia in summer and are a lover of beer. It is a general phrase for ordering beer, but with it you will have to choose between and taste different Slovenia beers: Union, Laško …
10. Voda – water
In Slovenia you can drink tap water everywhere, so you don’t have to buy bottled water. Even in restaurants you can ask for tap water anywhere.