I'm learning hrvatski

sviđati se — meaning in English: to like

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to like
sviđati se
pet
stvarnost
iz
oblačno
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Croatian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 'sviđati se' in casual conversations to express personal preferences or feelings about people, places, or things. For example, you might hear a friend say, 'Sviđa mi se ova pjesma,' when discussing a song they enjoy at a cafe, or during a more formal setting when sharing opinions about an art exhibition.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'sviđati se' conveys a sense of liking, another word 'voljeti' means 'to love' and implies a deeper affection. You would use 'sviđati se' when referring to something you find pleasant, while 'voljeti' is reserved for stronger feelings, such as romantic love or deep attachment.
Culture
'Sviđati se' derives from the Proto-Slavic root, reflecting a universal human experience — the act of liking or enjoying something. Interestingly, it captures a nuanced emotional state that can range from mild fondness to deeper affection, making it a versatile addition to everyday Croatian language.
FAQ
Q.How do you conjugate 'sviđati se'?
'Sviđati se' is a reflexive verb in Croatian, meaning it is conjugated with the reflexive pronoun. For example, 'sviđa mi se' means 'I like it,' where 'mi' refers to 'to me.'
Q.Can 'sviđati se' be used for people?
Yes, 'sviđati se' can be used to express liking for people. For instance, you might say, 'Sviđa mi se ta djevojka,' which means 'I like that girl.'
Q.Is 'sviđati se' used in formal situations?
'Sviđati se' is primarily used in neutral contexts, making it appropriate for both casual and some formal settings. However, in very formal situations, you might opt for more sophisticated expressions of preference.
Learn croatian with Maspeak →
Croatian Vocabulary