First words
Greetings and basics
Use the formal or plural forms with strangers and the informal forms with friends. If you are unsure, Здравейте is a safe, respectful hello.
| Bulgarian | Say it roughly | English |
|---|---|---|
| Здравейте! | zdra-VEY-te | Hello! (formal/plural) |
| Здравей! | zdra-VEY | Hello! (informal) |
| Добро утро! | dob-RO OO-tro | Good morning! |
| Добър ден! | do-BAR den | Good afternoon! |
| Добър вечер! | do-BAR VE-cher | Good evening! |
| Довиждане! | do-VIZH-da-ne | Goodbye! |
| Как сте? | kak ste | How are you? (formal/plural) |
| Казвам се… | KAZ-vam se | My name is… |
Polite expressions
Being polite
| Bulgarian | Say it roughly | English |
|---|---|---|
| Моля. | MO-lya | Please / You’re welcome. |
| Благодаря. | bla-go-da-RYA | Thank you. |
| Много благодаря. | MNO-go bla-go-da-RYA | Thank you very much. |
| Извинете. | iz-vi-NE-te | Excuse me / Sorry. |
| Да. | da | Yes. |
| Не. | ne | No. |
| Не разбирам. | ne raz-BI-ram | I don’t understand. |
| Говорите ли английски? | go-VO-ri-te li an-GLIYS-ki | Do you speak English? |
Bulgarian spelling is consistent enough that learning the alphabet will quickly make these pronunciation hints unnecessary.
Out and about
Getting around
| Bulgarian | Say it roughly | English |
|---|---|---|
| Къде е…? | kuh-DE e | Where is…? |
| Как да стигна до…? | kak da STIG-na do | How do I get to…? |
| Наляво. | na-LYA-vo | To the left. |
| Надясно. | na-DYAS-no | To the right. |
| Направо. | na-PRA-vo | Straight ahead. |
| Колко струва? | KOL-ko STROO-va | How much does it cost? |
| Един билет, моля. | e-DIN bi-LET MO-lya | One ticket, please. |
At the table
Food and drink
| Bulgarian | Say it roughly | English |
|---|---|---|
| Една маса за двама, моля. | ed-NA MA-sa za DVA-ma MO-lya | A table for two, please. |
| Менюто, моля. | me-NYU-to MO-lya | The menu, please. |
| Бих искал / Бих искала… | bih IS-kal / IS-ka-la | I would like… (male/female speaker) |
| Без месо, моля. | bez me-SO MO-lya | Without meat, please. |
| Много е вкусно! | MNO-go e VKOOS-no | It is very tasty! |
| Сметката, моля. | SMET-ka-ta MO-lya | The bill, please. |
| Наздраве! | naz-DRA-ve | Cheers! |
Emergency phrases
Getting help
| Bulgarian | Say it roughly | English |
|---|---|---|
| Помощ! | PO-mosht | Help! |
| Имам нужда от лекар. | I-mam NOOZH-da ot LE-kar | I need a doctor. |
| Изгубих се. | iz-goo-BIH se | I am lost. |
| Може ли да ми помогнете? | MO-zhe li da mi po-MOG-ne-te | Can you help me? |
Use the phrases in context.
The right phrase depends on the situation and the people you are speaking to. Read our guide to Bulgarian cultural norms, then see table culture and toasts.