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Dalmatian Words You’ll Actually Hear on the Coast

Writer: Sanja Croata
Sanja Croata
Jun 1
2 min read






Many of you wanted to know more about Croatian dialects, so this blog continues from the previous one. This time, we’re focusing only on Dalmatian words and expressions — real vocabulary you’ll hear along the coast.




1. Di si?


  • Standard: Gdje si?

  • English: Where are you? / What’s up?


In everyday speech, “Di si?” often simply means “What’s up?”



2. Aj ća!


  • Standard: Otiđi! / Makni se!

  • English: Go away! / Get out of here!


Tone decides whether it’s serious or playful.



3. Pomalo


  • Standard: Polako

  • English: Take it easy / Slowly


Pomalo, ima vremena.

  • Take it easy, there’s time.



4. Fjaka


  • (No true standard equivalent)

  • English: a blissful state of body and mind where you aspire to do absolutely nothing


Uhvatila me fjaka.

  • I’ve got that lazy summer feeling.



5. Šugaman


  • Standard: Ručnik

  • English: Towel


Dodaj mi šugaman.

  • Pass me the towel.



6. Pjat


  • Standard: Tanjur

  • English: Plate


Stavi na pjat.

  • Put it on the plate.



7. Spiza


  • Standard: Hrana / namirnice

  • English: Food / groceries


Idem po spizu.

  • I’m going to buy groceries.



8. Marenda


  • Standard: Užina

  • English: Snack / light meal


Ajmo na marendu.

  • Let’s go grab something to eat.



9. Gušt


  • Standard: Užitak

  • English: Pleasure / enjoyment


To je pravi gušt.

  • That’s real enjoyment.



10. Skalini


  • Standard: Stepenice

  • English: Stairs


Sjedim na skalinima.

  • I’m sitting on the stairs.



11. Kušin


  • Standard: Jastuk

  • English: Pillow


Gdje je moj kušin?

  • Where is my pillow?



12. Šporko


  • Standard: Prljavo

  • English: Dirty


Nemoj sjediti tu, šporko je.

  • Don’t sit there, it’s dirty.



13. Ajde bogati!


  • English: Oh, come on! / Give me a break!

Used to show disbelief, annoyance, or playful exaggeration.



14. Ma daj!


  • English: No way! / Oh, come on!

Can express surprise, doubt, or mild frustration.



15. Evo ti ga na!


  • English: There you go! / See?!

Usually said when proving a point or reacting dramatically to something happening.



16. Ae!


  • English: Yeah? / Right? / Come on!

Short, sharp, very Dalmatian. Meaning depends entirely on tone.


Ae, reci.– Go on, say it.

Ae, nemoj sada.– Come on, not now.



17. Ajme!


  • English: Oh no! / Oh my God! / Wow!

Expresses shock, surprise, frustration, admiration — everything.

Ajme, što je ovo?– Oh my God, what is this?




Dalmatian speech isn’t just vocabulary — it’s rhythm, tone, and attitude. The same phrase can sound warm, ironic, or sharp depending on delivery. With its Mediterranean flow and strong Italian influence, it feels relaxed, direct, and effortlessly expressive.




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