How to Say Hello in Slovenian – A Greetings Guide

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How do you say hello in Slovenian?

The informal greeting Živjo is widely used among friends, classmates, or colleagues of the same age, making it the equivalent of “hi” in English. Zdravo is another friendly option, slightly more neutral, and works both casually and in semi-formal encounters. For official settings, such as when addressing strangers, older people, or in business, Slovenians prefer Pozdravljeni, which communicates respect and politeness.

Time-specific greetings play an important role in daily interactions. In the morning, people say Dobro jutro (good morning), which you’ll hear at bakeries, cafés, or on the way to work. From midday onwards, Dober dan (good day/afternoon) is the standard polite greeting in shops and offices. In the evening, Dober večer is used when meeting people after work or arriving at evening gatherings. These expressions help establish a courteous tone, especially with people you don’t know well.

Here’s a quick summary of how to say Hello in Slovenian:

• Živjo – Informal hello among friends
• Zdravo – Neutral hello, casual or semi-formal
• Pozdravljeni – Formal hello in polite situations
• Dobro jutro – Good morning
• Dober dan – Good afternoon / good day
• Dober večer – Good evening

How do you say “How are you” in Slovenian?

When moving beyond a simple hello, Slovenians often ask about your well-being. The most common phrase is Kako si? used informally with friends, family, or people your age. In more formal encounters, such as speaking to a professor, a business partner, or someone older, the correct form is Kako ste? Using the right register here is important, as politeness is valued in Slovenian culture.

Among younger people or in casual contexts, you’ll hear lighthearted alternatives like Kaj je novega? (What’s new?) or Kako gre? (How’s it going?), which are closer to the English “What’s up?” When reuniting with someone after a while, expressions such as Dobro te je videti (Good to see you) or Dolgo se nismo videli (Long time no see) are common and often said warmly, accompanied by a handshake or hug depending on the relationship.

To sum up, here are useful greeting questions:

• Kako si? – How are you? (informal)
• Kako ste? – How are you? (formal)
• Kaj je novega? – What’s new?
• Kako gre? – How’s it going?
• Dobro te je videti – Good to see you
• Dolgo se nismo videli – Long time no see

Other Slovenian Greetings

Parting expressions are just as meaningful in Slovenia as initial greetings. When leaving a formal setting, such as a workplace or meeting, people say Nasvidenje, which is the polite equivalent of “goodbye.” Among friends, the more casual Adijo or Čav are common. Čav, borrowed from Italian, is very relaxed and widely used by younger Slovenians.

At night, before leaving someone’s home or before going to bed, people say Lahko noč, a warm way of wishing someone a good night’s rest. If you expect to see someone again soon, Se vidimo (See you) is a friendly phrase often used with a smile. For more poetic or formal situations, such as literature or public speeches, you may encounter Slovo (farewell). When wishing safe travels, Slovenians use Srečno pot, often accompanied by a handshake or hug.

Here’s a list of common Slovenian parting expressions:

• Nasvidenje – Goodbye (formal)
• Adijo – Bye (casual)
• Čav – Bye (very casual, like “ciao”)
• Se vidimo – See you
• Lahko noč – Good night
• Slovo – Farewell (poetic or formal)
• Srečno pot – Bon voyage

What are some special Slovenian greetings?

Special occasions are highly valued in Slovenia, and greetings play an important role in these moments. On birthdays, people say Vse najboljše, often accompanied by cake, a toast, and sometimes singing. For New Year’s celebrations, Srečno novo leto is exchanged at midnight parties or in family gatherings, and it often comes with wishes for health and success.

Christmas is also an important holiday in Slovenia, where people greet each other with Vesel božič during family meals or when exchanging gifts. Achievements and milestones are celebrated with Čestitke or the warmer Iskrene čestitke, frequently used for weddings, graduations, or promotions. Finally, Srečno (Good luck) is a versatile phrase, said before exams, job interviews, or big life events.

Here’s a quick takeaway of special greetings:

• Vse najboljše – Happy birthday
• Srečno novo leto – Happy New Year
• Vesel božič – Merry Christmas
• Čestitke / Iskrene čestitke – Congratulations
• Srečno – Good luck

FAQ: Slovenian Language

1. What is the main language of Slovenia?

The main language of Slovenia is Slovenian, a South Slavic language spoken by over 2 million people. It is the country’s official language and is used in education, government, media, and daily life across Slovenia.

2. What is the Slovenian language alphabet?

The Slovenian language alphabet is based on the Latin script and has 25 letters. It excludes the letters q, w, x, and y, and includes č, š, and ž, which represent unique Slovenian sounds.

3. Where is the Slovenian language spoken?

Slovenian is spoken primarily in Slovenia, but it is also used by minority communities in Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Slovenian diaspora groups in the United States, Canada, and Argentina maintain the language abroad.

4. How difficult is Slovenian language learning for beginners?

Slovenian is moderately difficult for English speakers to learn due to its complex grammar and unique dual form. With structured lessons and practice with native speakers, learners progress steadily and gain confidence.

5. Is Slovenian the only language spoken in Slovenia?

No, Slovenian is the main language, but other languages are spoken in Slovenia. Italian and Hungarian are  co-official in some regions, and many Slovenians speak English and German as foreign languages.

6. Is Slovenian similar to Serbian or other Yugoslav languages?

Yes. Slovenian is related to Serbian and the other former Yugoslav languages because they all belong to the South Slavic branch of the Slavic family. However, they are not mutually intelligible to the same degree.

Slovenian is closest to Croatian and Serbian in terms of vocabulary and grammar, but it has its own distinctive features. For example, Slovenian preserves a rare grammatical category called the dual (used when talking about exactly two people or objects), which Serbian and Croatian no longer use. Pronunciation also differs: Slovenian has a softer sound system and more vowel contrasts, while Serbian relies heavily on a strict phonetic spelling system (“write as you speak”).

7. Do you offer Slovenian language courses?

Yes, at Listen & Learn we offer Slovenian language courses with native-speaking tutors. Slovenian lessons are available online or in person, tailored to your level and learning goals, so you learn practical Slovenian for real communication.

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Learning Slovenian greetings is the first step to building confidence in a new language, and knowing how to say hello in Slovenian helps you connect instantly with locals. With Listen & Learn, you study with native-speaking teachers who adapt lessons to your goals, whether you want conversational practice, business Slovenian, or cultural insights. Personalized Slovenian courses are available both online and face-to-face, so you can learn from home or arrange in-person lessons in your city. Whether you are looking for Slovenian lessons in New York, LA, or anywhere else, our tutors will give you the skills and confidence to use Slovenian naturally in real-life situations.