Meeting people in Macedonian
How are you, what is your name, where are you from, I like it: the first five minutes. Play the ten Macedonian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Macedonian phrases in this lesson
- Како сте?KA-ko steh
- How are you?
- Добро, благодарамDOB-ro, bla-GO-da-ram
- I'm fine, thanks
- А вие?a VI-eh
- And you?
- Како се викате?KA-ko seh vi-KA-teh
- What's your name?
- Се викам...seh VI-kam
- My name is...
- Од каде сте?od KA-deh steh
- Where are you from?
- Јас сум од...yas sum od
- I'm from...
- Ми се допаѓаmi seh do-PA-ja
- I like it
- Убаво еOO-ba-vo eh
- It's beautiful
- Добредојдовтеdob-reh-DOY-dov-teh
- Welcome
Use with older people, strangers or anyone in a professional setting. "Сте" is the polite plural form. Macedonians expect and appreciate this formality from visitors.
The standard reply to either form of "how are you." Macedonians often follow with "А ти?" (and you?) which mirrors the exchange. Keep it positive even if life is complicated.
Polite. To a friend: а ти? (a TI).
Formal version using "викате." The casual form is "Kako се викаш?" (KA-ko seh VI-kash). Macedonian names often have Slavic roots and diminutives are used between friends.
Macedonians are genuinely curious about foreign visitors and this question comes quickly. Be ready to name your country and possibly a city. Locals may have relatives or connections there.