The most common and direct translation for "girl" in Croatian is djevojka.
While "djevojka" is the primary translation, the Croatian language offers several words that can mean "girl" depending on context, age, or regional usage. Understanding these distinctions can help in using the correct term.
Common Croatian Translations for "Girl"
Here's a breakdown of words translated as "girl" or related terms in Croatian:
| Croatian Term | Meaning / Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Djevojka | Girl | The most standard and widely used term. |
| Djevojčica | Little girl | Refers specifically to a young girl or child. |
| Moma | Girl | An archaic or old-fashioned term. |
| Dekla | Girl | A regional term, less commonly used nationally. |
| Mjesna djevojka | Local girl | A compound term referring to a girl from a specific locality. |
Understanding the Nuances
- Djevojka: This is your go-to word for "girl" in most situations, whether referring to a young woman, a teenage girl, or generally a female who is not yet an adult woman. It's broadly equivalent to the English "girl."
- Djevojčica: When you want to emphasize that the girl is young, often a child, "djevojčica" is the appropriate term. It's the diminutive form of "djevojka."
- Moma: This word is largely obsolete in modern Croatian. You might encounter it in older literature or songs, but it's not used in everyday conversation.
- Dekla: This term is specific to certain regions of Croatia, particularly in the northern parts. While understood, it's not part of the standard Croatian vocabulary used across the entire country.
- Mjesna djevojka: This is a descriptive phrase used when you want to specify that the girl is from a particular local area.
To learn more about Croatian vocabulary and phrases, exploring online dictionaries and language resources can be very helpful.
