Slovenian is full of words that capture the spirit of the culture - some playful, some oddly specific, all useful if you want to blend in. Here are six that’ll make you sound less like a tourist and more like someone who knows their way around Ljubljana’s cafés.
1. Gremo na kavo?
Gremo na kavo?
/ˈɡɾɛmo na ˈkaːʋɔ/“Shall we go for coffee?”
The Slovenian equivalent of 'Fancy a cuppa?' Coffee culture here is serious business, and this phrase is your ticket to blending in. Say it casually, like you’ve been doing it for years.
2. Je že krokant?
Je že krokant?
/jɛ ʒɛ kɾɔˈkant/“Is it crispy yet?”
A phrase you’ll hear at barbecues or while waiting for bread to bake. Slovenians take their food textures seriously, and this one’s a playful way to ask if something’s reached peak crunch.
3. Kje je pa to?
Kje je pa to?
/kjɛ jɛ pa tɔ/“Where the hell is this?”
The baffled tone of someone lost in Slovenia’s labyrinth of alleyways or countryside roads. The 'pa' adds a touch of exasperation - perfect for when Google Maps fails you.
4. Me zanima
Me zanima
/mɛ zaˈnima/“I’m interested”
Not to be confused with 'zanima me' (which is also correct but more neutral). 'Me zanima' has a slightly more casual, colloquial flair - like saying 'I’m into that' rather than 'That interests me'.
5. Ni panike
Ni panike
/ni paˈnikɛ/“No panic / No worries”
The Slovenian shrug in verbal form. Whether you’re running late or spill your drink, this phrase is the ultimate chill response. Pair it with a wave for maximum effect.
6. Kje je špina?
Kje je špina?
/kjɛ jɛ ˈʃpiːna/“Where’s the fun?”
A slangy way to ask where the action is. 'Špina' literally means 'spinach', but colloquially, it’s about lively energy - like asking 'Where’s the party at?' but with more veggie symbolism.
Pro tip: Slovenians appreciate when foreigners make an effort with their language, even if it’s just a word or two. Drop these casually, and you’ll earn instant goodwill.
For more uniquely Slovenian terms, check out our guide to untranslatable Slovenian words.
