Bulgarian, that delightfully straightforward yet occasionally baffling Slavic language, is at its most charming when used for the banalities of daily life. There’s a certain satisfaction in ordering your morning coffee or complaining about the weather with the same casual precision as a native. This isn’t about memorising poetry or debating philosophy - it’s about surviving the supermarket, navigating public transport, and indulging in the national pastime of complaining about bureaucracy. Let’s begin, shall we?
The Art of Greetings (Beyond Just “Zdravey”)
Bulgarians are creatures of habit when it comes to greetings. You’ll hear “Добро утро” (dobro utro) in the morning, “Добър ден” (dobǎr den) in the afternoon, and “Добър вечер” (dobǎr vecher) in the evening. But the real test of conversational fluency comes with the follow-up. After the initial greeting, you’re expected to ask “Как си?” (kak si?), to which the only socially acceptable answers are “Добре” (dobre) or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, “Много добре” (mnogo dobre). No one actually wants to hear about your digestive problems or existential dread at this stage - save that for later, when you’ve been offered a rakia.
Как си?
/kak si/“How are you?”
The Weather: Bulgaria’s Favourite Small Talk Topic
If there’s one thing Bulgarians love discussing more than politics, it’s the weather. The country’s dramatic seasonal shifts - from sweltering summers to bone-chilling winters - provide endless conversational fodder. Key phrases to memorise:
- “Ужасно е горещо” (uzhasno e goreshto) – “It’s terribly hot” (essential for July and August)
- “Мраз ме хваща” (mraz me hvashcha) – “I’m freezing” (for when the Black Sea wind cuts through you in January)
- “Ще вали” (shte vali) – “It’s going to rain” (useful approximately 300 days a year)
Food and Drink: The Cornerstone of Bulgarian Social Life
Bulgarian cuisine is a glorious mix of yoghurt, cheese, grilled meats, and seasonal produce. When dining out or being hosted (which will happen often), these phrases will serve you well:
- “Едно кафе, моля” (edno kafe, molya) – “One coffee, please” (specify “експресо”, “капучино” or “лате” unless you want Turkish coffee by default)
- “Шопска салата, моля” (shopska salata, molya) – The national salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and sirene cheese
- “Колко струва?” (kolko struva?) – “How much does it cost?” (essential at markets)
Сирене
[ˈsirɛnɛ]“White brine cheese”
Numbers and Shopping
Bulgarian uses Cyrillic numerals, which can be confusing until you realise they’re just letters assigned numerical values. For a full breakdown, see our guide on Bulgarian numbers 1-50. Some key shopping phrases:
| Bulgarian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Искам това | iskam tova | I want this |
| Имате ли... | imate li... | Do you have... |
| Твърде скъпо е | tvarde skǎpo e | It’s too expensive |
Transport and Directions
Bulgarian cities have decent public transport systems, but you’ll need to know how to ask basic questions:
- “Къде е спирката?” (kǎde e spirkata?) – “Where is the bus stop?”
- “Колко струва билет за...” (kolko struva bilet za...) – “How much is a ticket to...”
- “Това влак отива ли до...” (tova vlak otiva li do...) – “Does this train go to...”
Time and Dates
Bulgarian uses the 24-hour clock in formal situations but switches to 12-hour in casual conversation. Key terms:
Днес
[dnɛs]“Today”
Утре
[ˈutrɛ]“Tomorrow”
Final Thoughts
Mastering daily conversation in Bulgarian isn’t about perfection - it’s about making the effort. Locals will appreciate your attempts, even if you accidentally tell the bus driver you’re pregnant (бременна) instead of saying you’re getting off at the next stop (на следващата). For more advanced topics, check out our guide to understanding Bulgarian accents and dialects or those curious about more colourful language, how to swear politely in Bulgarian.
Now go forth and converse. Or at least order a coffee without pointing. Успех! (uspeh – good luck!)
