Learn Croatian: Hvala lijepa! — Nema na čemu. - Thank you very much!

Hvala lijepa! — Nema na čemu.

Thank you very much! — You're welcome.

Breakdown of Hvala lijepa! — Nema na čemu.

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Questions & Answers about Hvala lijepa! — Nema na čemu.

Why does this sentence use lijepa (beautiful) for "very much"?

In Croatian, a common way to say "thank you very much" translates literally to "beautiful thanks". Because the word hvala (thanks) is a feminine noun, it pairs with the feminine adjective lijepa. You might also hear people say hvala lijepo.

What is the literal translation of nema na čemu?

It literally translates to "there is nothing on what [to thank]". Nema means "there is not", na means "on", and čemu is a form of the word što (what). It is the standard set phrase for "you're welcome" or "don't mention it".

Is the word nema made from two different words?

Yes! In Croatian, the word for "no" or "not" (ne) combines directly with forms of the verb imati (to have). So instead of saying ne ima, it merges into the single word nema (there is not / he or she does not have).

Can I use molim to say "you're welcome" instead of nema na čemu?

Yes, molim (literally "I pray" or "please") is another very common and polite way to respond to hvala. Nema na čemu is slightly more specific, like saying "not at all" or "no problem", but both are perfectly fine for a beginner to use.