Do you know your left from your right in Bulgarian? Asking for directions can mean the difference between a heavenly day on the beach and a horrible day on your feet, hot and bothered and wondering how to even get back to the hotel. Believe me – I know! On my earlier travels, I didn’t even know simple terms like ‘go straight ahead’ or ‘go west,’ and I was always too shy to ask locals for directions. It wasn’t my ego, but rather the language barrier that held me back. I’ve ended up in some pretty dodgy situations for my lack of directional word skills.

This never needs to happen! When traveling in Bulgaria, you should step out in confidence, ready to work your Bulgarian magic and have a full day of exploring. It’s about knowing a few basic phrases and then tailoring them with the right directional words for each situation. Do you need to be pointed south in Bulgarian? Just ask! Believe me, people are more willing to help than you might think. It’s when you ask in English that locals might feel too uncertain to answer you. After all, they don’t want to get you lost. For this reason, it also makes sense that you learn how to understand people’s responses. 

Asking directions in Bulgaria is inevitable. So, learn to love it! Our job here at BulgarianPod101 is to give you the confidence you need to fully immerse and be the intrepid adventurer you are.

Table of Contents

1. Talking about position and direction in Bulgarian
2. Getting directions in Bulgarian
3. Conclusion

1. Talking about position and direction in Bulgarian

Have you ever tried saying the compass directions of north, south, east and west in Bulgarian? These words are good to know, being the most natural and ancient method of finding direction. In the days before GPS – before the invention of the compass, even – knowing the cardinal directions was critical to finding the way. Certainly, if you were lost somewhere in the mountain regions now and using a map to navigate, you’d find them useful. Even more so if you and a Bulgarian friend were adrift at sea, following the stars!

In most situations, though, we rely on body relative directions – your basic up, down, left and right, forward and backwards. Most cultures use relative directions for reference and Bulgarian is no exception. Interestingly, in a few old languages there are no words for left and right and people still rely on cardinal directions every day. Can you imagine having such a compass brain?

Well, scientists say that all mammals have an innate sense of direction, so getting good at finding your way is just a matter of practice. It’s pretty cool to think that we were born already pre-wired to grasp directions; the descriptive words we invented are mere labels to communicate these directions to others! Thus, the need to learn some Bulgarian positional vocabulary. So, without further ado… let’s dive in.

1- Top – връх (vrah)

If planting a flag at the top of the highest mountain in Bulgaria is a goal you’d rather leave for  adrenaline junkies, how about making it to the top of the highest building? Your view of the city will be one you’ll never forget, and you can take a selfie  for Twitter with your head in the clouds. 

2- Bottom – основа (osnova)

The ‘bottom’ can refer to the lower end of a road, the foot of a mountain, or the ground floor of a building. It’s the place you head for after you’ve been to the top!

What are your favorite ‘bottoms’? I love the first rung of a ladder, the base of a huge tree or the bottom of a jungle-covered hill. What can I say? I’m a climber. Divers like the bottom of the ocean and foxes like the bottom of a hole. Since you’re learning Bulgarian, hopefully you’ll travel from the top to the bottom of Bulgaria.

3- Up – нагоре (nagore)

This is a very common and useful word to know when seeking directions. You can go up the street, up an elevator, up a cableway, up a mountain… even up into the sky in a hot air balloon. It all depends on how far up you like to be!

4- Down – надолу (nadolu)

What goes up, must surely come down. This is true of airplanes, flaming arrows and grasshoppers – either aeronautics or gravity will take care of that. In the case of traveling humans who don’t wish to go down at terminal velocity, it’s useful to know phrases such as, “Excuse me, where is the path leading back down this mountain?”

5- Middle – среда (sreda)

In Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s characters live in Middle-earth, which is just an ancient word for the inhabited world of men; it referred to the physical world, as opposed to the unseen worlds above and below it. The ancients also thought of the human world as vaguely in the middle of the encircling seas.

When we talk about the ‘middle’, we’re referring to a point that’s roughly between two horizontal lines – like the middle of the road or the middle of a river. While you’re unlikely to ask for directions to the ‘middle’ of anything, you might hear it as a response. For example, “You’re looking for the castle ruins? But they’re in the middle of the forest!”

6- Center – център (tsentar)

Although similar in meaning to ‘middle’, this word is more specific. Technically, it means the exact central point of a circular area, equally distant from every point on the circumference.  When asking for directions to the center of town, though, we don’t mean to find a mathematically-accurate pinpoint!

7- Front – лице (litse)

The front is the place or position that is seen first; it’s the most forward part of something.  In the case of a hotel, the front is going to be easy to recognize, so if you call a taxi and are told to wait “in front of the hotel”, you won’t have a problem. It’s pretty cool how just knowing the main Bulgarian directional words can help you locate something if there’s a good landmark nearby.

8- Back – гръб (grab)

I once rented a house in a charming little street that was tucked away at the back of a popular mall. It was so easy to find, but my boss took three hours to locate it from 300 meters away. Why? Well, because she spoke no English and I had no clue what the word for ‘back’ was. All she heard, no matter which way I said it, was “mall, mall, mall”.  As a result, she hunted in front of and next to the mall until she was frazzled. 

Knowing how to describe the location of your own residence is probably the first Bulgarian ‘directions’ you should practice. This skill will certainly come in handy if you’re lost and looking for your way home. 

9- Side – страна (strana)

If the place you’re looking for is at the ‘side’ of something, it will be located to the left or the right of that landmark. That could mean you’re looking for an alleyway beside a building, or a second entrance (as opposed to the main entrance). 

As an example, you might be told that your tour bus will be waiting at the right side of the building, not in front. Of course, then you’ll also need to understand “It’s on the right” in Bulgarian.

10- East – изток (iztok)

If you’re facing north, then east is the direction of your right hand. It’s the direction toward which the Earth rotates about its axis, and therefore the general direction from which the sun appears to rise. If you want to go east using a compass for navigation, you should set a bearing of 90°. 

We think of Asia as the ‘East’. Geographically, this part of the world lies in the eastern hemisphere, but there’s so much more that we’ve come to associate with this word. The East signifies ancient knowledge and is symbolic of enlightenment in many cultures.

11- West – запад (zapad)

West is the opposite to east and it’s the direction in which the sun sets. To go west using a compass, you’ll set a bearing of 270 degrees. 

If you were on the planet Venus, which rotates in the opposite direction from the Earth (retrograde rotation), the Sun would rise in the west and set in the east… not that you’d be able to see the sun through Venus’s opaque clouds. 

Culturally, the West refers mainly to the Americas and Europe, but also to Australia and New Zealand, which are geographically in the East. The Western way of thinking is very different to that of the East. One of the most striking differences is individualism versus collectivism. In the West, we grew up with philosophies of freedom and independence, whereas in the East concepts of unity are more important. 

Food for thought: as a traveler who’s invested in learning the languages and cultures of places you visit, you have an opportunity to become a wonderfully balanced thinker – something the world needs more of.

12- North – север (sever)

North is the top point of a map and when navigating, you’d set a compass bearing of 360 degrees if you want to go that way. Globes of the earth have the north pole at the top, and we use north as the direction by which we define all other directions.

If you look into the night sky, the North Star (Polaris) marks the way due north. It’s an amazing star, in that it holds nearly still in our sky while the entire northern sky moves around it. That’s because it’s located nearly at the north celestial pole – the point around which the entire northern sky turns. Definitely a boon for lost travelers!

13- South – юг (yug)

South is the opposite of north, and it’s perpendicular to the east and west. You can find it with a compass if you set your bearings to 180 degrees. 

The south celestial pole is the point around which the entire southern sky appears to turn. In the night sky of the southern hemisphere, the Southern Cross is a very easy to find constellation with four points in the shape of a diamond. If you come from the southern hemisphere, chances are your dad or mum pointed it out to you when you were a kid. You can use the Southern Cross to find south if traveling by night, so it’s well worth figuring it out!

14- Outside – отвън (otvan)

This word refers to any place that is not under a roof. Perhaps you’ve heard talk about some amazing local bands that will be playing in a nearby town on the weekend. If it’s all happening outside, you’ll be looking for a venue in a park, a stadium or some other big open space. Come rain or shine, outside definitely works for me!

15- Inside – вътре (vatre)

I can tolerate being inside if all the windows are open, or if I’m watching the latest Homeland episode. How about you? I suppose going shopping for Bulgarian-style accessories would be pretty fun, too, and that will (mostly) be an inside affair. 

16- Opposite – противоположен (protivopolozhen)

This is a great word to use as a reference point for locating a place. It’s right opposite that other place! In other words, if you stand with your back to the given landmark, your destination will be right in front of you. 

17- Adjacent – съседен (saseden)

So, the adorable old man from next door, who looks about ninety-nine, explains in Bulgarian that the food market where he works is adjacent to the community hall on the main road. ‘Adjacent’ just means next to or adjoining something else, so… head for the hall! 

While you’re marveling at the wondrous and colorful displays of Bulgarian food, think about how all of these delicious stalls lie adjacent to one another. Having a happy visual association with a new word is a proven way to remember it!

18- Toward – към (kam)

To go toward something is to go in its direction and get closer to it. This word can often appear in a sentence with ‘straight ahead’, as in:

“Go straight ahead, toward the park.”

If you’ve come to Bulgaria to teach English, you might have to ask someone how to find your new school. Depending on what town you’re in, you could simply head toward the residential area at lunch time. You’ll see (and probably hear) the primary school soon enough – it will be the big fenced building with all the kids running around the yard!

19- Facing – изправен пред (izpraven pred)

If you look at yourself in a mirror, you’ll be facing your reflection. In other words: you and your reflection look directly at each other.  Many plush hotels are ocean-facing or river-facing, meaning the main entrance is pointed directly at the water, and the beach out front faces the hotel. 

20- Beside – до (do)

I know of a special little place where there’s a gym right beside a river. You can watch the sun go down over the water while working out – it’s amazing. What’s more, you can park your scooter beside the building and it will still be there when you come out.

21- Corner – ъгъл (agal)

I love a corner when it comes to directions. A street corner is where two roads meet at an angle – often 90 degrees – making it easier to find than a location on a straight plane. 

“Which building is the piano teacher in, sir?”

“Oh, that’s easy – it’s the one on the corner.”

The key to a corner is that it leads in two directions. It could form a crossroads, a huge intersection, or it could be the start of a tiny one-way cobblestone street with hidden treasures waiting in the shadow of the buildings.

22- Distant – далечен (dalechen)

When a location is distant, it’s in an outlying area. This Bulgarian word refers to the remoteness of the site, not to how long it takes to get there. For that reason, it’s a very good idea to write the directions down, rather than try to memorize them in Bulgarian. Even better, get a Bulgarian person to write them down for you. This may seem obvious, but always include the location of your starting point! Any directions you’re given will be relative to the exact place you’re starting from.

23- Close – близък (blizak)

This word is always a good one to hear when you have your heart set on a very relaxing day in the sun. It means there’s only a short distance to travel, so you can get there in a heartbeat and let the tanning commence. Remember to grab your Nook Book – learning is enhanced when you’re feeling happy and unencumbered. Being close to ‘home’ also means you can safely steal maximum lazy hours and leave the short return trip for sunset! 

24- Surrounding – заобикалящ (zaobikalyasht)

If something is surrounding you, it is on every side and you are enclosed by it – kind of like being in a boat. Of course, we’re not talking about deep water here, unless you’re planning on going fishing. Directions that include this word are more likely to refer to the surrounding countryside, or any other features that are all around the place you’re looking for.

25- All sides – от всички страни (ot vsichki strani)

Another useful descriptive Bulgarian term to know is ‘all sides’. It simply means that from a particular point, you will be able to see the same features to the front, back and sides of you. It doesn’t necessarily imply you’ll be completely surrounded, just more-or-less so. Say, for example, you’re visiting the winelands for the day. When you get there, you’ll see vineyards on all sides of you. How stunning! Don’t neglect to sample the local wines – obviously. 

26- Next to – в съседство с (v sŭsedstvo s)

The person giving you directions is probably standing next to you. The place being described as ‘next to’ something is in a position immediately to one side of it. It could refer to adjoining buildings, neighbouring stores, or the one-legged beggar who sits next to the beautiful flower vendor on weekdays. ‘Next to’ is a great positional term, as everything is next to something! 

“Excuse me, Ma’am.  Where is the train station?”

“It’s that way – next to the tourist market.”

27- Above – над (nad)

This is the direction you’ll be looking at if you turn your head upwards. Relative to where your body is, it’s a point higher than your head. If you’re looking for the location of a place that’s ‘above’ something, it’s likely to be on at least the first floor of a building; in other words, above another floor.

‘Above’ could also refer to something that will be visible overhead when you get to the right place. For example, the road you’re looking for might have holiday decorations strung up from pole to pole above it. In the cities, this is very likely if there’s any kind of festival going on.

28- Under – под (nagore)

Under is the opposite of above, and refers to a place that lies beneath something else. In the case of directions in Bulgarian, it could refer to going under a bridge – always a great landmark – or perhaps through a subway. In some parts of the world, you can even travel through a tunnel that’s under the sea!

Of course, you might just be missing your home brew and looking for an awesome coffee shop that happens to be under the very cool local gym you were also looking for. Nice find!

2. Getting directions in Bulgarian

The quickest and easiest way to find out how to get where you’re going is simply to ask someone. Most people on the streets of Bulgaria won’t mind being asked at all and will actually appreciate your attempt to ask directions in Bulgarian. After all, most tourists are more inclined to ask in their own language and hope for the best. How pedestrian is that, though?

I know, I know – you normally prefer to find your own way without asking. Well, think of it like this: you obviously need to practice asking questions in Bulgarian as much as you need to practice small talk, counting, or ordering a beer. Since you can’t very well ask a complete stranger if they would please help you count to five hundred, you’ll have to stick with asking directions!

We spoke earlier about body relative directions and these tend to be the ones we use most. For example:

“Turn left.”

“Go straight.”

“Turn right.” 

Remember, too, that your approach is important. Many people are wary of strangers and you don’t want to scare them off. It’s best to be friendly, direct and get to the point quickly.  A simple ‘Hi, can you help me?” or “Excuse me, I’m a bit lost,” will suffice. If you have a map in your hand, even better, as your intentions will be clear. 

The bottom line is that if you want to find your way around Bulgaria with ease, it’s a good idea to master these basic phrases. With a little practice, you can also learn how to say directions in Bulgarian. Before you know it, you’ll be the one explaining the way!

3. Conclusion

Now that you have over thirty new directional phrases you can learn in Bulgarian, there’s no need to fear losing your way when you hit the streets of Bulgaria. All you need is a polite approach and your own amazing smile, and the locals will be excited to help you. It’s a chance for them to get better at explaining things to a foreigner, too. Most will enjoy that!

I advise keeping a few things handy in your day pack: a street map, a highlighter, a small notebook and pen, and your Bulgarian phrasebook. It would be useful to also have the Bulgarian WordPower app installed on your phone – available for both iPhone and Android. 

Here’s a quick challenge to get you using the new terms right away. Can you translate these directions into Bulgarian?

“It’s close. Go straight ahead to the top of the hill and turn left at the corner. The building is on the right, opposite a small bus stop.”

You’re doing amazingly well to have come this far! Well done on tackling the essential topic of ‘directions’ – it’s a brave challenge that will be immensely rewarding. Trust me, when you’re standing at a beautiful location that you found just by knowing what to ask in Bulgarian, you’re going to feel pretty darn good.

If you’re as excited as I am about taking Bulgarian to an even deeper level, we have so much more to offer you. Did you know that we’ve already had over 1 billion lesson downloads? I know – we’re blown away by that, too. It’s amazing to be bringing the world’s languages to people who are so hungry for learning. Let me share some of our best options for you:

• If you haven’t done so already, grab your free lifetime account as a start. You’ll get audio and video lessons, plus vocabulary building tools. 
• My favorite freebie is the word of the day, which will arrive in your inbox every morning. Those are the words I remember best!
• Start listening to Bulgarian music. I’m serious – it really works to make the resistant parts of the brain relax and accept the new language. Read about it here for some tips.
• If you enjoy reading, we have some great iBooks for your daily commute.
• If you have a Kindle and prefer to do your reading on a picnic blanket,  there are over 6 hours of unique lessons in Bulgarian for you right there.

That’s it for today! Join BulgarianPod101 to discover many more ways that we can offer you a truly fun and enriching language learning experience. Happy travels!

Compliments provide encouragement that makes people feel valuable and important. These words can even improve their self-esteem and help them believe that they can achieve more. Moreover, compliments imply that you have something—whether it’s a great appearance, a cheerful character, or an exceptional mind—which other people find noteworthy. In fact, every person is unique and possesses something that he or she can receive compliments for.

Although Bulgarians are sparing with their praise and compliments, just like people of many other nations, they also love to get sincere compliments. You probably want to learn various Bulgarian compliments, such as how to compliment a Bulgarian girl or how to praise someone in Bulgarian. Or maybe you’re just curious what kind of compliments Bulgarian people give their friends?

You’re in the right place, as BulgarianPod101 will reveal to you a completely new part of Bulgarian culture. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only be able to offer someone praise in Bulgarian words, but also know how to accept compliments that Bulgarians give to you.

Table of Contents

1. What Compliments will Impress Your Bulgarian Girlfriend?
2. Bulgarian Compliments On Your Girlfriend/Boyfriend’s Look
3. Bulgarian Compliments On Someone’s Work
4. Bulgarian Compliments On Girlfriend/Boyfriend’s Skills
5. How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere?
6. What to Expect After Giving Compliments?
7. How to Avoid Awkward Situations When Making Compliments?
8. Practice Time: What Compliments You Will Give to People in the Following 6 Situations?
9. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Impress Other People with Your Bulgarian?

1. What Compliments Will Impress Your Bulgarian Girlfriend?

Four Little Secrets For Building a Lasting Relationship with a Bulgarian Girl

There are a few surefire ways to impress your Bulgarian girlfriend. No, you don’t have to offer her a holiday in Miami or buy a star in the sky to make her happy. Here are four little secrets that can make a big turnaround in a timid relationship:

• Be a real gentleman, as girls notice every act of attention. You’ll definitely attract her attention if you open the door for her, ask her for a date and bring her back home afterward, or show her some other little signs of care.
• Pay the bill when you’re out together for dinner. Even if a lady can afford to pay her bill, a gentleman will show his sincere interest by paying the bills.
• Give her some little presents, even without a reason. It doesn’t have to be something expensive; it could be a flower or something small, for example. The gift will show her that you’re thinking about her.
• Offer her compliments in Bulgarian every time you see her. This will maintain the flame of love.

What Bulgarian Compliments Will Make Her Happy?

Now, let’s learn some beautiful compliments to tell a girl in Bulgarian. Let’s start with “You are beautiful!” in Bulgarian.

• Много си красива!
  Mnogo si krasiva
  “You are so beautiful!“
• Толкова си интелигентна!
  Tolkova si inteligentna
  “You are so smart!“
• С теб може да се говори на толкова много теми!
  S teb mozhe da se govori na tolkova mnogo temi
  “You can talk about so many topics!“

This compliment is equivalent to “You are so smart!” but it’s not so direct. So by using it, you can just hint at her intelligence, which will definitely make your Bulgarian girlfriend happy during the initial stage of your relationship!

Смехът ти е очарователен!
Smehat ti e ocharovatelen
“Your laugh is charming!“

This also tells her that you like to see her happy.

Now, let’s learn some more Bulgarian flirting phrases:

• Имаш толкова нежен глас, че мога да те слушам с часове!
  Imash tolkova nezhen glas, she moga da te slusham s chasove
  “You have such a gentle voice that I can listen to you for hours!“
• Очите ти са толкова дълбоки, че мога да потъна в тях!
  Ochite ti sa tolkova dalboki, che moga da potana v tyah
  “Your eyes are so deep that I can sink into them!“
• Нямам търпение да се срещнем отново!
  Nyamam tarpenie da se sreshtnem otnovo
  “I can’t wait to meet you again!“

This compliment will assure her that you like her a lot, and that you would like to spend much more time with her.

What if You Have a Bulgarian Boyfriend?

Just like girls, boys and men also need to receive compliments to know that they’re valuable in their partner’s eyes. Here’s a list of Bulgarian romantic phrases and compliments that a foreign girl can learn to impress her Bulgarian boyfriend.

• Вярвам в теб!
  Vyarvam v tep
  “I believe in you!“

It’s very important for a man to know that the girl he likes trusts in him. If you do, tell him so.

• Голям майстор си!
  Golyam maystor si
  “You’re an expert in your field!“
• Хората искат да работят с теб, защото се доверяват на твоите способности!
  Horata iskat da rabotyat s tep, zashtoto se doveryavat na tvoite sposobnosti
  “People want to work with you because they trust your abilities!“
• Ти си и талантлив, и трудолюбив!
  Ti si i talantlif, i trudolyubif
  “You are both talented and hardworking!“

All three of the compliments above are important for men to hear, because they emphasize their skills and achievements. A man who works hard and is independent is a reliable man who can maintain his own family. So use these compliments to show that you’re impressed with his achievements.

• Вече си постигнал толкова много в живота си!
  Veche si postignal tolkova mnogo v zhivota si
  “You’ve already achieved so much in your life!“
• Мисля, че притежаваш качества, които не се срещат в много други мъже!
  Mislya che pritezhavash kachestva koito ne se sreshtat v mnogo drugi mazhe
  “I think you have qualities that many other men don’t have!“
• Ти си толкова мил с мен!
  Ti si tolkova mil s men
  “You are so kind to me!“
• Мнението ти е важно за мен!
  Mnenieto ti e vazhno za men
  “Your opinion is important to me!“

By saying this, you make your man a part of your life; it means that you’ll not only consider, but also follow, his advice.

→ For more romantic Bulgarian compliments, click on this list of 15 compliments available on BulgarianPod101.com.

2. Bulgarian Compliments on Your Girlfriend’s/Boyfriend’s Look

Tell These Bulgarian Compliments to Your Girlfriend

• Истинска ли си?
  Istinska li si
  “Are you real?“
• Ти си прекрасна жена!
  Ti si prekrasna zhena
  “You are a wonderful woman!“
• Изглеждаш като Джулия Робъртс!
  Izglezhdash kato Dzhuliya Robarts
  “You look like Julia Roberts!“
• Ти си красива и отвътре, и отвън!
  Ti si krasiva i otvatre i otvan
  “You are beautiful both inside and outside!“
• Ти си моята причина да бъда щастлив!
  Ti si moyata prichina da bada shtastlif
  “You are my reason to be happy!“

Tell These Bulgarian Compliments to Your Boyfriend

• Истински ли си?
  Istinski li si
  “Are you real?“
• Ти си прекрасен мъж!
  Ti si prekrasen mazh
  “You are a wonderful man!“
• Изглеждаш като Арнолд Шварценегер.
  Izglezhdash kato Arnold Shvartseneger
  “You look like Arnold Schwarzenegger!“
• Ти си красив и отвътре, и отвън.
  Ti si krasiv i otvatre i otvan
  “You are beautiful both inside and outside!“
• Ти си моята причина да бъда щастливa.
  Ti si moyata prichina da bŭda shtastliva
  “You are my reason to be happy!“

Compliments That Fit for Both Genders

• Не мога да си представя света без теб!
  Ne moga da si predstavya sveta bez tep
  “I can’t imagine the world without you!“
• Искам дъщеря ми да прилича на теб.
  Iskam dashterya mi da prilicha na tep
  “I want my daughter to look like you!“
• Не усещам как минава времето, когато съм с теб!
  Ne useshtam kak minava vremeto, kogato sam s tep
  “I can’t feel the time when I’m with you!“

Funny Compliments on Your Girlfriend’s/Boyfriend’s Look

Sometimes, a little joke can break the tension and make your boyfriend or girlfriend relax. Laughter brings people together, so it might be useful to learn the following funny compliments and use them at the right time:

• Толкова си сладка, че ще те изям!
  Tolkova si sladka, che shte te izyam
  “You are so sweet that I will eat you up!“
• Ти си като елексир на живота!
  Ti si kato eleksir na zhivota
  “You are like the elixir of life!“
• Когато те видя, всичко останало изчезва!
  Kogato te vidya, vsichko ostanalo izchezva
  “When I see you, everything else disappears!“
• Колко си красива днес! Също като мен!
  Kolko si krasiva dnes! Sashto kato men
  “How beautiful you are today! Just like me!“

→ BulgarianPod101.com offers Bulgarian lessons for beginners. Click here to learn three ways to say thank you to the Bulgarian person you really like.

3. Bulgarian Compliments on Someone’s Work

Although it’s nice to get compliments about your looks, many people like hearing compliments about their work even more. This praise means that your friends appreciate what you’ve done and acknowledge that you’re a master in something.

To make other people happy, you can learn the right way to compliment in Bulgaria. Here are some examples that you can apply in your work environment:

• Свърши чудесна работа!
  Svarshi chudesna rabota
  “You did a great job!“
• Ти си много вдъхновяваща личност!
  Ti si mnogo vdahnovyavashta lichnost
  “You are a very inspiring person!“
• Вярвам ти и те ценя!
  Vyarvam ti i te tsenya
  “I trust you and I appreciate you!“
• Поздравявам те за начина, по който се справи със ситуацията!
  Pozdravyavam te za nachina, po koyto se spravi sas situatsiyata
  “I congratulate you on the way you handled the situation!“
• Имам нужда от твоя съвет!
  Imam nuzhda ot tvoya savet
  “I need your advice!“

Funny Compliments on Someone’s Work

If you want to lighten up the situation with some humor, use one of the following funny compliments in Bulgarian:

• Добра работа, но можеше да е още по-добрa!
  Dobra rabota, no mozheshe da e oshte po-dobra
  “Good job, but it could have been even better!“
• Никой не може да се сравнява с теб!
  Nikoy ne mozhe da se sravnyava s tep
  “No one can compare to you!“
• Хората в живота ти са късметлии, че те имат!
  Horata v zhivota ti sa kasmetlii, che te imat
  “The people in your life are lucky to have you!“
• Личи си, че се учиш!
  Lichi si, che se uchish
  “You seem to be learning!“

4. Bulgarian Compliments on Your Girlfriend’s/Boyfriend’s Skills

To praise your boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s skills means that you acknowledge their talents and are inspired by their personality. By complimenting their skills, you show the other person that they’re valuable in your eyes. Here are some ways to demonstrate your deep appreciation:

• Обичам начина, по който ме караш да мисля!
  Obicham nachina, po koyto me karash da mislya
  “I love the way you make me think!“
• Постоянно ми напомняш, че хората са добри!
  Postoyanno mi napomnyash, che horata sa dobri
  “You keep reminding me that people are good!“
• Светът би бил толкова скучен без теб!
  Svetat bi bil tolkova skuchen bez teb
  “The world would be so boring without you!“
• Душата ти е великолепна!
  Dushata ti e velikolepna
  “You have a magnificent soul!“
• Имаш толкова добро сърце!
  Imash tolkova dobro sartse
  “You have such a good heart!“
• Никога не спирай да бъдеш това, което си!
  Nikoga ne spiray da badesh tova, koeto si
  “Never stop being who you are!“
• Ти ме караш да вярвам в доброто!
  Ti me karash da vyarvam v dobroto
  “You make me believe in good!“

Funny Compliments on Your Girlfriend’s/Boyfriend’s Skills

Add more fun to the conversation by using one of these Bulgarian compliments:

• Умен си колкото двама глупави!
  Umen si kolkoto dvama glupavi
  “You are as smart as two stupid people!“
• Сърцето ти е десет пъти по-голямо от средното!
  Sartseto ti e deset pati po-golyamo ot srednoto
  “Your heart is ten times larger than the average heart!“
• Не си толкова глупав, колкото позволяваш на хората да мислят за теб!
  Ne si tolkova glupav, kolkoto pozvolyavash na horata da mislyat za tep
  “You’re not as stupid as you allow people to think about you!“
• Има ли ден, който не си направил по-добър?
  Ima li den, koyto ne si napravil po-dobar
  “Is there a day you didn’t make better?“

→ BulgarianPod101 provides you with a list of the most common Bulgarian phrases you’ll need for a date. Check it out!

5. How to Make Your Compliments Sound More Sincere

Bulgarian people love to get compliments—when they’re sincere. These praises not only tell them that the person they’re speaking with finds them valuable, but compliments also encourage them to make further improvements. To achieve this effect, we need to know how to make a good compliment in Bulgarian.

Indirect Compliments

There are indirect compliments you may find useful in your conversations with Bulgarians. You can use the following Bulgarian compliments after you successfully finish a project with others.

• Колко сме умни!
  Kolko sme umni
  “How smart we are!“
• Браво на нас!
  Bravo na nas
  “Good on us!“

If you’re not sure how the person will receive your compliment, you can offer a compliment that’s less emotional. For example, you can say kind words about something they own:

• Каква страхотна кола имаш!
  Kakva strakhotna kola imash
  “What a great car you have!“
• Имаш много хубава къща!
  Imash mnogo hubava kashta!
  “You have a very nice house!“

Direct Compliments

In order to make a direct compliment on someone’s look sincere, take a closer look at the person and note exactly what you like about him/her. It may sound like:

• Имаш страхотна прическа!
  Imash strahotna pricheska
  “You have a great hairstyle!“
• Тази рокля ти стои чудесно!
  Tazi roklya ti stoi chudesno
  “This dress looks great on you!“

Sincere Compliments with Facts

To make your direct compliments sound more sincere, add some irrefutable fact to them.

• Чудесен тен. Изглеждаш неотразимо!
  Chudesen ten. Izglezhdash neotrazimo
  “Great tan. You look irresistible!“
• Каква красива рокля. В нея си просто очарователна!
  Kakva krasiva roklya. V neya si prosto ocharovatelna
  “What a beautiful dress. You’re indeed charming!“
• Перфектна работа! Благодарение на нея нарастват печалбите на фирмата.
  Perfektna rabota! Blagodarenie na neya narastvat pechalbite na firmata
  “Perfect job! Thanks to it, the company’s profits increased!“

6. What to Expect After Giving Compliments

Although they like receiving compliments, Bulgarians may be shy about it. The most typical reaction to a compliment will be:

• Благодаря (Blagodarya), “Thank you!“
• Благодаря! Много мило! (Blagodarya! Mnogo milo!), “Thank you! Very kind of you!“

But sometimes, the person you’re speaking with might be too shy and try to oppose the compliment. For example, if you tell her “Oh, what a lovely dress you have today!” she might say: “Nothing special.”

In Bulgarian, it will sound like this:

• О, каква прекрасна рокля носиш днес!
  O, kakva prekrasna roklya nosish dnes
  “Oh, what a beautiful dress you are wearing today!“
• Нищо особено!
  Nishto osobeno
  “Nothing special.“

This doesn’t mean that your interlocutor doesn’t like your compliment. Usually, it means that she or he is shy. In a case like that, you can just add:

• Наистина, много ми харесва!
  Naistina, mnogo mi haresva
  “Indeed, I like it a lot!“

After such a comment, most Bulgarians will say: “Thank you!”

Now, watch the following video to find out the best ways of accepting a compliment in Bulgarian:

7. How to Avoid Awkward Situations When Making Compliments

You have to be careful when giving compliments in specific situations, as your compliments might not be considered appropriate.

Such a situation may be giving compliments about a girl’s look in the presence of her boyfriend or husband. It’s not okay to praise a woman’s beauty in this case. Instead, you can say a compliment that includes both of them as a couple. For example:

• Изглеждате чудесно като двойка!
  Izglezhdate chudesno kato dvoyka
  “You look great as a couple!“

Or

• Много си подхождате!
  Mnogo si podhozhdate
  “You are so matching!“

You should also avoid accidentally giving weird Bulgarian compliments on someone’s look, which can happen if that person has a physical disability. In that case, you can just emphasize on his good character or skills. For example:

• Голям майстор си!
  Golyam maystor si
  “You are an expert in your field!“

Or

• В това си ненадминат!
  V tova si nenadminat
  “You are unsurpassed in this!“

8. Practice Time: What Compliments Will You Give to People in the Following Situations?

Now that you’ve learned a lot of Bulgarian compliments, it’s time to practice them in real-life situations. Your task will be to choose the right compliment to say for each specific situation described below. You can write down your answers now and check the correct answers at the end of this article.

Situation #1

You’re in the market searching for good apples to buy. You see very nice apples on the stall and you would like to give a compliment to the seller, who is standing beside them. What are you going to say?

Situation #2

Your colleague has offered you help, as you’re new to the company. He explained to you all of the details related to your working position. What compliment will you tell him/her to thank them for their kindness?

Situation #3

Your friend has a new hairstyle. What will you say to him/her?

Situation #4

You have a date with a Bulgarian girl. She looks really beautiful! What compliment will you give her?

Situation #5

You take a bus. There are no seats available, but a young man stands up to give you his seat. What will you tell him?

Situation #6

You were invited to your friend’s house, and the dinner you ate was very delicious. What will you tell the lady of the house?

9. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Impress Other People with Your Bulgarian

BulgarianPod101 prepared this extensive guide on Bulgarian compliments not only to help you learn about compliments in Bulgarian culture, but also to help you feel more confident in your Bulgarian skills during a date with a Bulgarian man or woman. If you need even more detailed explanations about this topic or help in specific situations, you can turn to a Bulgarian language expert using our MyTeacher program. You’ll find an excellent coach who will understand your needs and determine the right learning approach to improve your language skills.

If you’ve met some difficulties completing the practical exercises in Section 8, you can share them in the comments below. We’re always happy to hear from you and to support you in your struggles. We’ll also appreciate hearing your thoughts on this article!

Answers to Section 8: Practice Time

Situation #1

• Много хубави ябълки!
  Mnogo hubavi yabalki
  “Very nice apples!“

Situation #2

• Много мило от твоя страна! Благодаря за помощта!
  Mnogo milo ot tvoya strana! Blagodarya za pomoshta
  “Very nice of you! Thanks for the help!“

Situation #3

• Много хубава прическа! Много ти отива!
  Mnogo hubava pricheska! Mnogo ti otiva
  “Very nice hairstyle! It really suits you much!“

Situation #4

• Изглеждаш страхотно!
  Izglezhdash strahotno
  “You look great!“

Situation #5

In this case, we’ll use the formal Ваша instead of the informal твоя.

• Много мило от Ваша страна! Благодаря!
  Mnogo milo ot Vasha strana! Blagodarya
  “Very kind of you! Thank you!“

Situation #6

• Много e вкусно! Благодаря!
  Mnogo е fkusno! Blagodarya
  “It’s very tasty! Thank you!“

Anger is a natural response to pain of some sort; when you’re angry, you’re angry with a cause and want someone to pay! It’s so much harder when you’re traveling, because your routines are off-kilter, there’s culture shock to deal with and the smallest problems can seem overwhelming. How do you handle someone who’s just pushed your last button?

At home, we often have a go-to person who is good at calming us down, but emotions are tricky to deal with in a foreign country. Sometimes people may treat you unfairly, but you’re completely baffled as to why. You have to remember that people in Bulgaria think differently to how you do and it’s not impossible to inadvertently cause offense. Don’t stress about it too much, because you’ll adapt! Once you feel at home in Bulgaria and people get to know you, it will be easy to flow with the local rhythm and handle tensions well.

This brings us to two obvious reasons why you should learn some angry phrases in Bulgarian: first, so you can understand when you’ve upset a Bulgarian person, and second, to have the vocabulary to tell a person off when they absolutely have it coming. Not only will you be far more likely to solve the problem if you know some appropriate angry Bulgarian phrases, but you’ll probably earn some respect, too! At BulgarianPod101 we’re ready to help you articulate those feelings.

Table of Contents

1. Bulgarian phrases to use when you’re angry
2. Feeling negative in Bulgarian
3. Conclusion

1. Bulgarian phrases to use when you’re angry

Okay, so you’ve had a very frustrating day at your new teaching job in Bulgaria and all you want to do is chill on your bed with ice-cream and a Nook Book, but you come home to find your landlord in your apartment, apparently doing an inspection of your personal possessions. How do you handle it? Do you have an angry Bulgarian translation for “What the heck are you doing?”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about confronting someone in their own country, it’s to press the pause button on my reactions and think first! Is my first thought worth expressing? Sometimes, you need to think like a chess player: if I make this move, what will happen next?

It’s always better to think ‘win-win’ in Bulgaria. A good tactic is to keep a mental note of your personal speed limit before engaging. After all, you want a positive outcome!

So, do you know how to say “I am angry” in Bulgarian? You will – BulgarianPod101 is about to teach you how to get mad! Here are fifteen great angry phrases in Bulgarian.

1- It’s none of your business. – Не е твоя работа (Ne e tvoya rabota).

As a foreigner in Bulgaria, you’ll be a topic of interest. While most folks understand boundaries, there’s always that one individual who doesn’t!

Sometimes you feel that a person is getting way too involved in your affairs, and this expression is a commonly-used one for letting them know that. If said calmly and firmly, while looking them in the eye, it should do the trick and even earn you some respect.

2- I’m upset. – Разстроен съм (Razstroen sam).

I find this phrase useful for times when I need to express annoyance to someone I can’t afford to lose my temper with. A boss, for instance. As long as you say it without yelling, this can be a polite way of letting someone know that you are feeling bad and that you want those feelings validated. No matter what has happened, the result is that you are troubled and need some time to get over it. Depending on how you say it, “I’m upset” can also be a subtle invitation for the other party to address the problem.

3- You’re not listening to me. – Ти не ме слушаш (Ti ne me slushash).

Isn’t this the most frustrating thing? You’re in a situation where you’re telling someone why you’re mad at them, but they just won’t look at the story from your point of view. Rather than resort to bad language, try to convince them to take a breather and hear you out. This expression is a great way to ask someone to stop talking and to listen to you properly.

4- Watch your mouth. – Не ми говори така (Ne mi govori taka).

Where have you heard this before? Let your mind go back to all the times you were cheeky and disrespectful in your youth… that’s right – it was your parents! If you’re on the receiving end, this angry phrase means that you said something you shouldn’t have. It has an authoritative, challenging tone and it implies that there could be consequences if you don’t stop.

So, when can you use it? Well, be careful with this one; it may very well get you in trouble if not used with caution. It can also be seen as very rude if used on anyone you don’t actually have authority over!

5- That’s enough. – Достатъчно (Dostatachno)!

Depending on your tone of voice when you say this, you could be calmly telling someone to stop doing what they’re doing, or you could be sternly ordering them to stop. In Bulgarian, as in English, tone is key when it comes to making yourself understood. Just don’t be saying this to anyone, as it carries an authoritative tone and would be seen as rude if said to an older person.

6- Stop it. – Прекрати (Prekrati)!

One of the more common imperatives in any language, this is a basic way to warn somebody that you don’t like what they’re doing and want them to stop. You can use it in most situations where a person is getting under your skin. Often, “Stop it” precedes some of the weightier phrases one resorts to if the offender doesn’t stop and anger escalates. For this reason, I always add a “Please” and hope for the best!

7- Cut it out. – Престани (Prestani).

I think parents and teachers everywhere, throughout time, have heard variations of this expression of annoyance for as long as we’ve had tweens and teens on Earth! It’s a go-to command, thrown about frequently between siblings and peers, to stop being irritating. You’d generally use this on people you consider your relative equals – even though in the moment, you probably consider them low enough to stomp on!

8- What the heck are you doing? – Какво правиш по дяволите (Kakvo pravish po dyavolite)?

Here’s an interjection for those instances when you can scarcely believe what you’re seeing. It denotes incredulity ranging from mild disbelief to total disgust or dismay. You would typically use this when you want an action to stop immediately, because it’s wrong – at least, in your perception of things.

It may be worth remembering that the English word “heck” doesn’t have a direct translation in Bulgarian – or in other languages, for that matter; most translations are more accurately saying “What the hell.” We say “heck” in English as a euphemism, but that word is thought to come from “hex” – an ancient word for “spell” – so I don’t know which is better!

9- Who do you think you are? – За кого се мислиш (Za kogo se mislish)?

I avoid this expression as it makes me nervous! It’s quite confrontational. I’m reminded of the time a clerk in a busy cellular network service store was being rude to me and a rich-looking man came to my rescue, aiming this phrase at the clerk loudly and repeatedly. At first, I was relieved to have someone on my side, but I quickly grew embarrassed at the scene he was causing.

Using this phrase has a tendency to make you sound like you feel superior, so take it easy. The irony, of course, is that someone who provokes this response is taking a position of authority or privilege that they aren’t entitled to! Now you look like two bears having a stand-off.

They call this an ‘ad hominem’ argument, meaning the focus has shifted from attacking the problem, to attacking the person. So, is it a good phrase to use? That’s up to you. If you’re in the moment and someone’s attitude needs adjusting – go for it!

10- What?! – Какво е това (Kakvo e tova)?

An expression of disbelief, this is frequently said mid-argument, in a heated tone, and it means you cannot believe what you’re hearing. In other words, it conveys the message that the other person is talking nonsense or lying.

11- I don’t want to talk to you. – Не искам да говоря с теб (Ne iskam da govorya s teb).

This is a great bit of vocab for a traveler – especially for a woman traveling solo. Whether you’re being harassed while trying to read your Kindle on the train, or hit on by a drunk man in a bar, chances are that sooner or later, you will encounter a character you don’t wish to speak to.

The most straightforward way to make the message clear is to simply tell them, “I don’t want to talk to you”. If you feel threatened, be calm and use your body language: stand straight, look them in the eye and say the words firmly. Then move away deliberately. Hopefully, they will leave you alone. I’d go so far as to say learn this phrase off-by-heart and practice your pronunciation until you can say it like a strong modern Bulgarian woman!

12- Are you kidding me? – Ти майтапиш ли се с мен (Ti maytapish li se s men)?

To be ‘kidding’ means to joke with someone in a childlike way and it’s used both in fun and in anger. Like some other expressions, it needs context for the mood to be clear, but it pretty much conveys annoyed disbelief. You can use it when a person says or does something unpleasantly surprising, or that seems unlikely to be serious or true. It’s a rhetorical question, of course; try to familiarize yourself with how it sounds in Bulgarian, so next time it’s aimed at you, you don’t hunt your inner Bulgarian lexicon for an answer!

13- This is so frustrating. – Това направо ме побърква (Tova napravo me pobarkva).

Another way of showing someone you have an intense battle going on inside, is to just tell them you’re terribly frustrated and feeling desperate to find a solution. Use this expression! It can be a useful tool to bring the other person into your headspace and maybe even evoke some degree of empathy from them. More polite than many others, it’s a sentence that seems to say, “I beg you to work with me so we can resolve this!”

14- Shut up. – Млъкни (Mlakni).

The use of the phrase “shut up” to signify “hold one’s tongue” dates back to the sixteenth century and was even used by Shakespeare as an insult – with various creative twists! It’s been evolving ever since and there are variations in just about every language – proving that no matter where you come from, angry emotions are universal!

One example of old usage is a poem Rudyard Kipling wrote in 1892, where a seasoned military veteran says to the troops: “Now all you recruities what’s drafted to-day, You shut up your rag-box an’ ‘ark to my lay.”

Well, when I was twelve and full of spirit, I was taught that nice girls don’t say this. “Shut up” is an imperative that’s considered impolite; it’s one of those expressions people resort to when they either can’t think of better words to use, or simply can’t bear to listen to any more nonsense. Either way, it’s at the lower end of the smart argument scale. Like all angry phrases, though, it does have its uses!

15- So what? – И какво толкова (I kakvo tolkova)?

When you don’t believe the other person’s defense argument legitimizes or justifies their actions, you might say these words. Basically, you’re telling them they need to come up with better logic!

Another time you could use this one, is when you simply don’t care for someone’s criticism of you. Perhaps you don’t agree with them, or they’re being unfair and you need to defend your position. “So what?” tells them you feel somewhat indignant and don’t believe you’re in the wrong.

2. Feeling negative in Bulgarian

What was the most recent negative emotion you felt? Were you nervous about an exam? Exhausted and homesick from lack of sleep? Maybe you felt frightened and confused about the impact COVID-19 would have on your travel plans. If you’re human, you have days when you just want the whole world to leave you alone – and that’s okay!

When you’re feeling blue, there’s only so much body language can do. Rather than keeping people guessing why you’re in a bad mood, just tell them! Your Bulgarian friends and colleagues will be much more likely to give you your space (or a hug) if they know what’s wrong. Not only that, but it’s nice to give new friends the opportunity to be supportive. Bring on the bonding!

The fastest way to learn to describe negative feelings in Bulgaria, is to get into the habit of identifying your own mood daily in Bulgarian. Here’s an easy way: in your travel journal, simply write down the Bulgarian word for how you feel each morning. You can get all the words directly from us at BulgarianPod101. Remember, also, that we have a huge online community if you need a friend to talk to. We’ve got you!

3. Conclusion

Now that you know how to express your bad feelings in Bulgarian, why not check out some other cool things on our site? You can sign up for the amazing free lifetime account – it’s a great place to start learning!

And really – make the most of your alone time. After all, it’s been proven that learning a new language not only benefits cognitive abilities like intelligence and memory, but it also slows down the brain’s aging. So, on those days when you just need to be away from people, we have some brain-boosting suggestions that will lift your spirits:

• Have you heard of Roku? A Roku player is a device that lets you easily enjoy streaming, which means accessing entertainment via the internet on your TV. We have over 30 languages you can learn with Innovative Language TV. Lie back and enjoy!
• If you like your Apple devices, we have over 690 iPhone and iPad apps in over 40 languages – did you know that? The Visual Dictionary Pro, for example, is super fun and makes learning vocab easy. For Android lovers, we have over 100 apps on the Android market, too.
• You can also just kick back on the couch and close your eyes, letting your headphones do the work with our audiobooks – great for learning the culture while you master the language. Similarly, if you’re more of a reader, we have some fantastic iBooks that are super interesting and fun for practicing your daily conversation skills.

Whatever your learning style (or your mood), you’ll find something that appeals to you at BulgarianPod101. Come join us!

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing’s for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us.” The older I get, the more I agree with him!

Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person’s journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you’re planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than a quick visit, you’re sure to need at least a few ‘life events’ phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it’s generally expected that we will show up with good manners and warm wishes.

Table of Contents

1. Life Events
2. Marriage Proposal Lines
3. Talking About Age
4. Conclusion

1. Life Events

Do you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Bulgarian? Well, the New Year is a pretty big deal that the whole world is in on! We celebrate until midnight, make mindful resolutions, and fill the night sky with the same happy words in hundreds of languages. No doubt, then, that you’ll want to know how to say it like a local!

Big life events are not all about fun times, though. Real life happens even when you’re traveling, and certain terminology will be very helpful to know. From talking about your new job to wishing your neighbors “Merry Christmas” in Bulgarian, here at BulgarianPod101, we’ve put together just the right vocabulary and phrases for you.

1- Birthday – рожден ден (rozhden den)

If you’re like me, any excuse to bring out a pen and scribble a note is a good one. When there’s a birthday, even better: hello, handwriting!

Your Bulgarian friend will love hearing you wish them a “Happy birthday” in Bulgarian, but how much more will they appreciate a thoughtful written message? Whether you write it on their Facebook wall or buy a cute card, your effort in Bulgarian is sure to get them smiling! Write it like this:

Честит Рожден ден
Chestit Rozhden den

Now that you know the words, I challenge you to put them to music and sing your own “Happy birthday” song in Bulgarian! It’s not impossible to figure out even more lyrics, once you start discovering the language from scratch.

2- Buy – купувам (kupuvam)

If there’s a special occasion, you might want to buy somebody a gift. As long as you’ve checked out Bulgarian etiquette on gift-giving (do a Google search for this!), it will be a lovely gesture. If you’re not sure what to buy, how about the awesome and universally-appealing gift of language? That’s a gift that won’t stop giving!

3- Retire – пенсионирам се (pensioniram se)

If you’re planning to expand your mind and retire in Bulgaria, you can use this word to tell people why you seem to be on a perpetual vacation!

Retirement is also a great time to learn a new language, don’t you think? And you don’t have to do it alone! These days it’s possible to connect to a vibrant learning community at the click of a button. The added benefit of a Daily Dose of Language is that it keeps your brain cells alive and curious about the world. After all, it’s never too late to realize those long-ignored dreams of traveling the globe…

4- Graduation – дипломиране (diplomirane)

When attending a graduation ceremony in Bulgaria, be prepared for a lot of formal language! It will be a great opportunity to listen carefully and see if you can pick up differences from the everyday Bulgarian you hear.

5- Promotion – повишение (povishenie)

Next to vacation time, receiving a promotion is the one career highlight almost everyone looks forward to. And why wouldn’t you? Sure, it means more responsibility, but it also means more money and benefits and – the part I love most – a change of scenery! Even something as simple as looking out a new office window would boost my mood.

6- Anniversary – годишнина (godishnina)

Some anniversaries we anticipate with excitement, others with apprehension. They are days marking significant events in our lives that can be shared with just one person, or with a whole nation. Whether it’s a special day for you and a loved one, or for someone else you know, this word is crucial to know if you want to wish them a happy anniversary in Bulgarian.

7- Funeral – погребение (pogrebenie)

We tend to be uncomfortable talking about funerals in the west, but it’s an important conversation for families to have. Around the world, there are many different customs and rituals for saying goodbye to deceased loved ones – some vastly different to our own. When traveling in Bulgaria, if you happen to find yourself the unwitting observer of a funeral, take a quiet moment to appreciate the cultural ethos; even this can be an enriching experience for you.

8- Travel – пътувам (patuvam)

Travel – my favorite thing to do! Everything about the experience is thrilling and the best cure for boredom, depression, and uncertainty about your future. You will surely be forever changed, fellow traveler! But you already know this, don’t you? Well, now that you’re on the road to total Bulgarian immersion, I hope you’ve downloaded our IOS apps and have your Nook Book handy to keep yourself entertained on those long bus rides.

9- Graduate – завършвам (zavarshvam)

If you have yet to graduate from university, will you be job-hunting in Bulgaria afterward? Forward-looking companies sometimes recruit talented students who are still in their final year. Of course, you could also do your final year abroad as an international student – an amazing experience if you’d love to be intellectually challenged and make a rainbow of foreign friends!

10- Wedding – сватба (svatba)

One of the most-loved traditions that humans have thought up, which you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, is a wedding. With all that romance in the air and months spent on preparations, a wedding is typically a feel-good affair. Two people pledge their eternal love to each other, ladies cry, single men look around for potential partners, and everybody has a happy day of merrymaking.

Ah, but how diverse we are in our expression of love! You will find more wedding traditions around the world than you can possibly imagine. From reciting love quotes to marrying a tree, the options leave no excuse to be boring!

11- Move – премествам се (premestvam se)

I love Bulgaria, but I’m a nomad and tend to move around a lot, even within one country. What are the biggest emotions you typically feel when moving house? The experts say moving is a highly stressful event, but I think that depends on the circumstances. Transitional periods in our lives are physically and mentally demanding, but changing your environment is also an exciting adventure that promises new tomorrows!

12- Be born – роден (roden)

I was not born in 1993, nor was I born in Asia. I was born in the same year as Aishwarya Rai, Akon, and Monica Lewinsky, and on the same continent as Freddy Mercury. When and where were you born? More importantly – can you say it in Bulgarian?

13- Get a job – намирам работа (namiram rabota)

The thought of looking for a job in a new country can be daunting, but English speakers are in great demand in Bulgaria – you just have to do some research, make a few friends and get out there! Also, arming yourself with a few Bulgarian introductions that you can both say and write will give you a confidence boost. For example, can you write your name in Bulgarian?

14- Die – умирам (umiram)

Death is a universal experience and the final curtain on all other life events. How important is it, then, to fully live before we die? If all you have is a passport, a bucket list, and a willingness to learn some lingo, you can manifest those dreams!

15- Home – дом (dom)

If home is where the heart is, then my home is on a jungle island completely surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Right now, though, home is an isolation room with a view of half a dry palm tree and a tangle of telephone wires.

If you’re traveling to Bulgaria for an extended stay, you’ll soon be moving into a new home quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

16- Job – работа (rabota)

What job do you do? Does it allow you much time for travel, or for working on this fascinating language that has (so rightfully) grabbed your attention? Whatever your job, you are no doubt contributing to society in a unique way. If you’re doing what you love, you’re already on the road to your dream. If not, just remember that every single task is one more skill to add to your arsenal. With that attitude, your dream job is coming!

17- Birth – раждане (razhdane)

Random question: do you know the birth rate of Bulgaria?

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to see a friend’s baby just after they are born, you’ll have all my respect and all my envy. There is nothing cuter! Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you may find yourself bearing witness to some pretty unexpected birth customs. Enjoy this privilege!

18- Engaged – сгодявам се (sgodyavam se)

EE Cummings said, “Lovers alone wear sunlight,” and I think that’s most true at the moment she says “yes.” Getting engaged is something young girls dream of with stars in their eyes, and it truly is a magical experience – from the proposal, to wearing an engagement ring, to the big reveal!

In the world of Instagram, there’s no end to the antics as imaginative couples try more and more outrageous ways to share their engagement with the world. I love an airport flashmob, myself, but I’d rather be proposed to on a secluded beach – salt, sand, and all!

Engagement customs around the world vary greatly, and Bulgaria is no exception when it comes to interesting traditions. Learning their unique romantic ways will inspire you for when your turn comes.

Speaking of romance, do you know how to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Bulgarian?

19- Marry – женя (zhenya)

The one you marry will be the gem on a shore full of pebbles. They will be the one who truly mirrors your affection, shares your visions for the future, and wants all of you – the good, the bad and the inexplicable.

From thinking up a one-of-a-kind wedding, to having children, to growing old together, finding a twin flame to share life with is quite an accomplishment! Speaking of which…

2. Marriage Proposal Lines

Ah, that heart-stopping moment when your true love gets down on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage, breathlessly hoping that you’ll say “Yes!” If you haven’t experienced that – well, it feels pretty darn good, is all I can say! If you’re the one doing the asking, though, you’ve probably had weeks of insomnia agonizing over the perfect time, location and words to use.

How much more care should be taken if your love is from a different culture to yours? Well, by now you know her so well, that most of it should be easy to figure out. As long as you’ve considered her personal commitment to tradition, all you really need is a few words from the heart. Are you brave enough to say them in Bulgarian?

3. Talking About Age

Part of the wonder of learning a new language is having the ability to strike up simple conversations with strangers. Asking about age in this context feels natural, as your intention is to practice friendly phrases – just be mindful of their point of view!

When I was 22, I loved being asked my age. Nowadays, if someone asks, I say, “Well, I’ve just started my fifth cat life.” Let them ponder that for a while.

In Bulgaria, it’s generally not desirable to ask an older woman her age for no good reason, but chatting about age with your peers is perfectly normal. Besides, you have to mention your birthday if you want to be thrown a birthday party!

4. Conclusion

Well, there you have it! With so many great new Bulgarian phrases to wish people with, can you think of someone who has a big event coming up? If you want to get even more creative, BulgarianPod101 has much to inspire you with – come and check it out! Here’s just some of what we have on offer at BulgarianPod101:

• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Bulgarian with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Bulgarian dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about BulgarianPod101…!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Bulgarian teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Bulgarian word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Bulgarian level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in BulgarianPod101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Bulgarian.

Did you know that every minute of the day, one billion tons of rain falls on the earth? Hard to believe, considering the climate crisis! Of course, all that rain is not equally shared across the planet.

So, would you mention this fascinating fact to your new Bulgarian acquaintance? Well, small talk about local weather is actually a great conversation-starter. Everyone cares about the weather and you’re sure to hear a few interesting opinions! Seasons can be quite unpredictable these days and nobody knows the peculiarities of a region better than the locals.

BulgarianPod101 will equip you with all the weather vocabulary you need to plan your next adventure. The weather can even be an important discussion that influences your adventure plans. After all, you wouldn’t want to get caught on an inflatable boat with a two-horsepower motor in Hurricane Horrendous!

Table of Contents

1. Talking about the weather in Bulgaria
2. Words for the first day of spring
3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?
4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary
5. Winter
6. BulgarianPod101 can prepare you for any season.

1. Talking about the weather in Bulgaria

If you’re like me, your day’s activity plan is likely to begin with a strong local coffee and a chat about what the sky is doing. After all, being prepared could be the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one! Luckily, it’s not difficult to comment on Bulgarian weather – just start with these simple words and phrases.

1- The rain is falling on the street – Дъждът пада на улицата (Dazhdat pada na ulitsata).

Watercolor artists, take out your paints! You might not be able to venture out on foot today, but just embrace the rain as part of your Bulgarian experience. When the rain stops, the air will be clean and colours vibrant.

2- The snow has covered everything – Снегът покрива всичко (Snegat pokriva vsichko).

A fresh blanket of snow is irresistibly beautiful. Pull on your boots and beanie, and leave your tracks in this foreign landscape. Don’t resist the urge to build a snowman – you need this!

3- Fluffy cloud – пухкав облак (puhkav oblak)

When you’re waiting for a warm beach day, fluffy white clouds in a blue sky are a good sign. Don’t forget your sunscreen, as clouds will intensify the UV rays hitting your skin.

4- The water froze on the glass – Водата замръзна на стъклото (Vodata zamrazna na stakloto).

Night temperatures can get chilly and might freeze the condensation on your windows. A good way to clear them up is with warm salt water.

5- The heavy rain could cause flash flooding – Този порой може да причини светкавично наводнение (Tozi poroy mozhe da prichini svetkavichno navodnenie).

If you’re visiting Bulgaria in the wet season, it’s important to stay informed when heavy rain sets in, so keep an eye on the weather radar. Avoid river activities and rather spend this time making a home-cooked meal and brushing up on your Bulgarian weather words.

6- Flood – наводнение (navodnenie)

If you do get caught in a flood, your destination should no longer be ‘home’, but the nearest high ground.

7- The typhoon has hit – Тайфунът удари (Tayfunat udari).

Not all countries experience typhoons, but you need to know when to prepare for one! It will be very scary if you’ve never experienced one before. Your local neighbours are the best people to advise you on where to take shelter, as they’ve been doing it for generations. Be sure to get the low-down at the first sign of rough weather!

8- Check the weather report before going sailing – Провери прогнозата за времето преди да отплаваш (Proveri prognozata za vremeto predi da otplavash).

When planning an outdoor activity, especially on a body of water, always be prepared for a change in the weather. Ask your hotel receptionist or neighbour where you can get a reliable daily weather report, and don’t forget your sweater!

9- Today’s weather is sunny with occasional clouds – Времето днес е слънчево с краткотрайни облаци (Vremeto dnes e slanchevo s kratkotrayni oblatsi).

Sunny weather is the dream when traveling in Bulgaria! Wake up early, pack the hats and sunblock and go and experience the terrain, sights and beautiful spots. You’ll be rewarded with happy vibes all around.

10- A rainy day – дъждовен ден (dazhdoven den)

Remember when you said you’d save the Bulgarian podcasts for a rainy day? Now’s that day!

11- Scenic rainbow – живописна дъга (zhivopisna daga)

The best part about the rain is that you can look forward to your first rainbow in Bulgaria. There’s magic in that!

12- Flashes of lightning can be beautiful, but are very dangerous – Просветванията на мълнията може да са красиви, но са много опасни (Prosvetvaniyata na malniyata mozhe da sa krasivi, no sa mnogo opasni).

Lightning is one of the most fascinating weather phenomena you can witness without really being in danger – at least if you’re sensible and stay indoors! Did you know that lightning strikes the earth 40-50 times per second? Fortunately, not all countries experience heavy electric storms!

13- 25 degrees Celsius – двадесет и пет градуса по Целзий (dvadeset i pet gradusa po Tselziy)

Asking a local what the outside temperature will be is another useful question for planning your day. It’s easy if you know the Bulgarian term for ‘degrees Celsius’.

14- Fahrenheit – Фаренхайт (Farenhayt)

Although the Fahrenheit system has been replaced by Celsius in almost all countries, it’s still used in the US and a few other places. Learn this word in Bulgarian in case one of your companions develops a raging fever in one of those places.

15- Today the sky is clear – Днес небето е ясно (Dnes nebeto e yasno).

Clear skies mean you’ll probably want to get the camera out and capture some nature shots – not to mention the great sunsets you’ll have later on. Twilight can lend an especially magical quality to a landscape on a clear sky day, when the light is not filtered through clouds.

16- Light drizzle – лек ситен дъждец (lek siten dazhdets)

Days when it’s drizzling are perfect for taking in the cultural offerings of Bulgaria. You could go to the mall and watch a Bulgarian film, visit museums and art galleries, explore indoor markets or even find the nearest climbing wall. Bring an umbrella!

17- Temperature – температура (temperatura)

Because of the coronavirus, many airports are conducting temperature screening on passengers. Don’t worry though – it’s just a precaution. Your temperature might be taken with a no-touch thermometer, which measures infrared energy coming off the body.

18- Humid – влажен (vlazhen)

I love humid days, but then I’m also a water baby and I think the two go
together like summer and rain. Find a pool or a stream to cool off in – preferably in the shade!

19- With low humidity the air feels dry – При ниска влажност въздухът се чувства сух (Pri niska vlazhnost vazduhat se chuvstva suh).

These are the best days to go walking the hills and vales. Just take at least one Bulgarian friend with you so you don’t get lost!

20- The wind is really strong – Вятърът е наистина силен (Vyatarat e naistina silen).

A strong wind blows away the air pollution and is very healthy in that respect. Just avoid the mountain trails today, unless you fancy being blown across the continent like a hot air balloon.

21- It’s windy outside – Навън е ветровито (Navan e vetrovito).

Wind! My least favourite weather condition. Of course, if you’re a kitesurfer, a windy day is what you’ve been waiting for!

22- Wet roads can ice over when the temperature falls below freezing – Мокрите пътища могат да се заледят, когато температурата падне под замръзване (Mokrite patishta mogat da se zaledyat, kogato temperaturata padne pod zamrazvane).

The roads will be dangerous in these conditions, so please don’t take chances. The ice will thaw as soon as the sun comes out, so be patient!

23- Today is very muggy – Днес е много задушно (Dnes e mnogo zadushno).

Muggy days make your skin feel sticky and sap your energy. They’re particular to high humidity. Cold shower, anyone? Ice vest? Whatever it takes to feel relief from the humidity!

24- Fog – мъгла (magla)

Not a great time to be driving, especially in unknown territory, but keep your fog lights on and drive slowly.

25- Hurricane – ураган (uragan)

Your new Bulgarian friends will know the signs, so grab some food and candles and prepare for a night of staying warm and chatting about wild weather in Bulgaria.

26- Big tornado – голямо торнадо (golyamo tornado)

If you hear these words, it will probably be obvious already that everyone is preparing for the worst! Definitely do whatever your accommodation hosts tell you to do when a tornado is expected.

27- It’s cloudy today – Днес е облачно (Dnes e oblachno).

While there won’t be any stargazing tonight, the magnificent clouds over Bulgaria will make impressive photographs. Caption them in Bulgarian to impress your friends back home!

28- Below freezing temperatures – температури под нулата (temperaturi pod nulata)

When the temperature is below freezing, why not take an Uber and go shopping for some gorgeous Bulgarian winter gear?

29- Wind chill is how cold it really feels outside – Вятърното охлаждане е колко студено се чувства навън (Vyatarnoto ohlazhdane e kolko studeno se chuvstva navan).

Wind doesn’t change the ambient temperature of the air, it just changes your body temperature, so the air will feel colder to you than it actually is. Not all your Bulgarian friends will know that, though, so learn this Bulgarian phrase to sound really smart!

30- Water will freeze when the temperature falls below zero degrees celsius – Водата ще замръзне, когато температурата падне под нула градуса по Целзий (Vodata shte zamrazne, kogato temperaturata padne pod nula gradusa po Tselziy).

If you’re near a lake, frozen water is good news! Forgot your ice skates? Don’t despair – find out where you can hire some. Be cautious, though: the ice needs to be at least four inches thick for safe skating. Personally, I just slide around on frozen lakes in my boots!

31- Waiting to clear up – чакам да се изясни (chakam da se izyasni)

Waiting for the weather to clear up so you can go exploring is frustrating, let’s be honest. That’s why you should always travel with two things: a scintillating novel and your Bulgarian Nook Book.

32- Avoid the extreme heat – избягвам горещината (izbyagvam goreshtinata)

Is the heat trying to kill you? Unless you’re a hardened heatwave hero, definitely avoid activity, stay hydrated and drink electrolytes. Loose cotton or linen garb is the way to go!

33- Morning frost – сутрешна слана (sutreshna slana)

Frost is water vapour that has turned to ice crystals and it happens when the earth cools so much in the night, that it gets colder than the air above it. Winter is coming!

34- Rain shower – преваляване от дъжд (prevalyavane ot dazhd)

Rain showers are typically brief downpours that drench the earth with a good drink of water.

35- In the evening it will become cloudy and cold – Привечер ще се заоблачи и ще застудее (Privecher shte se zaoblachi i shte zastudee).

When I hear this on the Bulgarian weather channel, I buy a bottle of wine (red, of course) and wood for the fireplace. A cold and cloudy evening needs its comforts!

36- Severe thunderstorm – силна гръмотевична буря (silna gramotevichna burya)

Keep an eye on the Bulgarian weather maps if it looks like a big storm is coming, so you’ll be well-informed.

37- Ice has formed on the window – Образувал се е лед на прозореца (Obrazuval se e led na prozoretsa).

You could try this phrase out on the hotel’s helpful cleaning staff, or fix the problem yourself. Just add a scoop or two of salt to a spray bottle of water – that should work!

38- Large hailstones – големи парчета град (golemi parcheta grad)

As a kid, I found hail crazy exciting. Not so much now – especially if I’m on the road and large hailstones start pummeling my windscreen!

39- Thunder – гръмотевица гръмотевица (gramotevitsa)

The rumble of rolling thunder is that low-volume, ominous background sound that goes on for some time. It’s strangely exciting if you’re safely in your hotel room; it could either suddenly clear up, or escalate to a storm.

40- Sleet – суграшица (sugrashitsa)

Sleet is tiny hard pieces of ice made from a mixture of rain and melted snow that froze. It can be messy, but doesn’t cause major damage the way hail does. Pretty cool to know this word in Bulgarian!

2. Words for the first day of spring

You know the feeling: your heart skips a beat when you wake up and spring has sprung! Spring will reward you with new blossoms everywhere, birdsong in the air, kittens being born in the neighborhood and lovely views when you hit the trails. Pack a picnic and ask a new Bulgarian friend to show you the more natural sights. Don’t forget a light sweater and a big smile. This is the perfect time to practice some Bulgarian spring words!

3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?

Summer! Who doesn’t love that word? It conjures up images of blue skies, tan skin, vacations at the beach and cruising down the coast in an Alfa Romeo, sunglasses on and the breeze in your hair. Of course, in Bulgaria there are many ways to enjoy the summer – it all depends on what you love to do. One thing’s for sure: you will have opportunities to make friends, go on picnics, sample delicious local ice-cream and maybe even learn to sing some Bulgarian songs. It’s up to you! Sail into Bulgarian summer with this summer vocab list, and you’ll blend in with ease.

4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary

Victoria Ericksen said, “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour,” and I agree. Who can resist the beauty of fall foliage coloring the Bulgarian landscape? Birds prepare to migrate; travelers prepare to arrive for the best weather in Bulgaria.

The autumnal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night almost equal in length. The cool thing about this event is that the moon gets really bright – the ‘harvest moon’, as it’s traditionally known.

So, as much as the change of season brings more windy and rainy days, it also brings celebration. Whether you honor Thanksgiving, Halloween or the Moon Festival, take some time to color your vocabulary with these Bulgarian autumn words.

5. Winter

Winter is the time the natural world slows down to rest and regroup. I’m a summer girl, but there are fabulous things about winter that I really look forward to. For one, it’s the only season I get to accessorize with my gorgeous winter gloves and snug down coat!

Then, of course, there’s ice skating, holiday decorations and bonfires. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” Get ready for the cold season with our list of essential Winter words!

6. BulgarianPod101 can prepare you for any season.

Now that you know how to inquire and comment on the weather in Bulgaria, you
can confidently plan your weather-ready travel itinerary. How about this for an idea: the next
time you’re sitting in a Bulgarian street café, try asking someone local this question:

“Do you think the weather will stay like this for a few days?” If you loved learning these cool Bulgarian weather phrases with us, why not take it a step further and add to your repertoire? BulgarianPod101 is here to help!

Palm Sunday in Bulgaria, also called Tsvetnitsa or Vrabnitsa, is a major Christian celebration with many fascinating traditions. In this article, you’ll learn about the significance of Palm Sunday for believers, look at how Bulgarians celebrate it, and gain some relevant Bulgarian vocabulary.

Let’s get started!

1. What is Palm Sunday?

On Palm Sunday, Christians celebrate Влизането на Иисус в Йерусалим (Vlizaneto na Iisus v Yerusalim), or “Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.” According to the Bible, Jesus entered Jerusalem exactly one week before his Resurrection. Upon Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, a crowd of believers greeted him and threw palm sprigs at his feet.

On Palm Sunday, Bulgarians also celebrate the name day for anyone with a Име на цвете (Ime na tsvete), or “flower-related name.” There are many Bulgarian names related to flowers and plants: Tsvetan, Tsvetomir, Tsvetelina, Bozhura, Violeta, Nevena, Varban, Liliya, Zdravko, Yavor, Yasen, Iva, and many others.

→ To learn some words related to Easter, just one week later, check out BulgarianPod101’s vocabulary list for Easter!

→ You can also learn some of the most important Words About Religion.

2. When is Palm Sunday in Bulgaria?

The Palm Sunday date varies each year, along with the dates of Lent and Easter. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date in Bulgaria for the next ten years:

• 2020: April 12
• 2021: April 25
• 2022: April 17
• 2023: April 9
• 2024: April 28
• 2025: April 13
• 2026: April 5
• 2027: April 25
• 2028: April 9
• 2029: April 1

3. How is Palm Sunday Celebrated?

In Bulgaria, Palm Sunday is largely associated with plants, trees, and flowers, in addition to its religious connotation. The two elements often go hand-in-hand in Bulgarian traditions. For example, because people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with palm sprigs, people go to church with flowers or other plants on Palm Sunday. These flowers are then blessed and consecrated.

The most popular of these plants is the sprig of върба (varba), or “willow.” This is where Palm Sunday gets its other name, Vrabnitsa. After the willow sprigs have been blessed, worshipers take them home as Palm Sunday decorations for their front door or elsewhere in the home. Some Bulgarians believe that the willow sprigs protect their home from evil forces and disease, and bring health and happiness. Tsvetnitsa is a holiday of flowers, revival, and youth.

→ For more flowery, happy vocabulary, check out these Words for the First Day of Spring!

4. Kumichene

Do you know what unique Bulgarian custom is carried out on Palm Sunday?

This popular custom in Bulgaria is called kumichene. This is when girls gather by the river, carrying chaplets (a wreath worn on the head) and ceremonial bracelets called puppet. The girls float these chaplets and beads down the river and watch to see whose chaplet will be first.

5. Essential Palm Sunday Vocabulary

Are you ready to review some of the Bulgarian vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important words and phrases for Palm Sunday!

• Цвете (Tsvete) — “Flower”
• Дърво (Dyrvo) — “Tree”
• Великден (Velikden) — “Easter”
• Върбова клонка (Varbova klonka) — “Palm leaf”
• Имен ден (Imen den) — “Name day”
• Влизането на Иисус в Йерусалим (Vlizaneto na Iisus v Yerusalim) — “Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem”
• Име на цвете (Ime na tsvete) — “Flower-related name”
• Върба (Varba) — “Willow”
• Цветница (Tsvetnitsa) — “Tsvetnitsa”
• Връбница (Vrabnitsa) — “Vrabnitsa”

To hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Bulgarian Palm Sunday vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Palm Sunday in Bulgaria with us, and that you gained some valuable knowledge about Bulgarian traditions.

Do you celebrate Palm Sunday in your country? If so, are your traditions similar or quite different from those in Bulgaria? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

If you’re fascinated with Bulgarian culture and can’t get enough, we recommend that you check out the following pages on BulgarianPod101.com:

• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Bulgarian Pop Culture
• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Bulgarian Society
• Baba Marta: Celebrating Grandma March Day in Bulgaria
• Bulgarian Holiday for the Glagolitic and Cyrillic Alphabet
• St. Trifon Day: Celebrating the Patron Saint of Wine

That should keep your thirst for knowledge satisfied for a little while, but for even more great learning resources, check out BulgarianPod101.com. If you like what you see, create your free lifetime account today and start learning about Bulgarian culture and the language with us!

Happy learning!

In Bulgaria, Baba Marta Day (also called Grandma March Day) is a unique holiday associated with the beginning of spring, and can last all through the month of March. At its center is the mythical Baba Marta Bulgarian folktale character, who personifies every aspect of the month of March.

In this article, you’ll learn all about Baba Marta Day, the character behind it, and the most common traditions for the Baba Marta Bulgaria holiday. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1. What is Grandma March Day?

Baba Marta (Granny March Day) is a feast associated with the coming of spring and the mythical figure of Baba Marta.

According to the Baba Marta legend, she is the sister of two other characters, named Big Sechko and Little Sechko, who represent the months of January and February. Baba Marta represents the month of March, as well as the beginning of spring. Therefore, the holiday of Baba Marta is associated with the beginning of a new cycle in nature and with wishes for health and fertility.

In addition, Baba Marta is known for her often-changing mood and anger toward her brothers. Because March in Bulgaria is known for being a month of changing weather, it’s believed that Baba Marta is behind any bad weather or storms that occur during March.

→ For some useful weather-related Bulgarian words, visit our Weather vocabulary list!

→ To learn how to express your own bad mood, we have a vocabulary list for that too. 😉

2. When is Baba Marta?

Each year, Bulgarians officially begin celebrating Baba Marta Day on March 1, and the holiday can actually last all through the month of March.

3. Baba Marta Traditions & Celebrations

The most common tradition on Baba Marta Day is that of the Мартеница (martenitsa), which is a Гривна (grivna), or “wrist band,” made of бял и червен конец (byal i cherven konets), or “red- and white-colored thread.” These two colors are said to represent different things; the red is for blood or life, and the white is purity and happiness. Oftentimes, people create their martenitsi with additional decorations, including beads, shells, and even garlic.

People wear these Baba Marta bracelets for most of March, believing them to act as protection against evil spirits, demons, and illness. In addition, it’s thought that Baba Marta martenitsi make Mother March happy, thus ensuring that the wearer has her favor.

In some parts of Bulgaria, martenitsi are worn in different ways depending on who the wearer is. Married men put martenitsi in their right sock, young single men wear them on their left pinkies, and young single girls wear them on the left sides of their dresses. When the wearer sees his or her first sign of spring, like a tree beginning to bloom or the arrival of a sparrow or Щъркел (shtarkel), meaning “stork,” he takes off his martenitsa and ties it to a tree.

→ Are you ready for spring? Check out our top words for the first day of spring!

4. Baba Yaga?

Baba Marta, for foreigners, may not seem very familiar. But maybe you’ve heard of Baba Yaga, a very similar character from Slavic folklore.

Baba Yaga is generally portrayed as wicked, although in some stories, she has been shown to guide characters with her wisdom. An old woman who lives in a chicken-legged hut, Baba Yaga kidnaps and eats little children and flies around on a pestle carrying a birch broom to cover her tracks.

While found in many Eastern European countries such as Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Latvia, Belarus, and Bulgaria, Baba Yaga figures most prominently in Russian and Polish folktales and literature.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Baba Marta Day

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important vocabulary for Baba Marta Day!

• Мартеница (martenitsa) — “martenitsa”
• Гривна (grivna) — “wrist band”
• Благоденствие (blagodenstvie) — “well-being”
• Щъркел (shtarkel) — “stork”
• бял и червен конец (byal i cherven konets) — “red and white colored thread”
• Здраве (zdrave) — “health”
• Баба Марта (Baba Marta) — “Granny Martha Day”
• Баба Марта (Baba Marta) — “Grandma March Day”
• цъфнало дърво (tsafnalo darvo) — “bloomed tree”
• плетена гривна (pletena grivna) — “woven wrist band”

To hear the pronunciation of each word, and to read them alongside relevant images, check out our Bulgarian Grandma March Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on the Baba Marta holiday in Bulgaria? Who are the most popular mythical or folklore characters in your country? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re interested in learning more about Bulgarian culture and holidays, be sure to check out the following pages on BulgarianPod101.com:

• Bulgarian Pop and Traditional Culture
• Top 5 Things to Know About Bulgaria
• What’s Your Favorite Bulgarian Food?
• Bulgarian Holiday for the Glagolitic & Cyrillic Alphabet
• Unification Day: Bulgarian Traditions and Celebrations

Whatever your reasons for developing an interest in Bulgarian culture or the language, know that BulgarianPod101.com is the best way to expand your knowledge and improve your skills. With tons of fun and effective lessons for learners at every level, there’s something for everyone!

Create your free lifetime account today, and start learning Bulgarian like never before!

You probably already know a lot of basic Bulgarian words. However, to connect them properly in a sentence, you need to learn more about different Bulgarian conjunctions. They enable you to learn bulgarian words, phrases, and clauses in order to form grammatically correct sentences.

BulgarianPod101 not only reveals the most common types of Bulgarian conjunctions in this guide, but has also added examples to show you how to use them and help you transform your own thoughts into understandable sentences using Bulgarian conjunctions like “and,” “or,” “but,” to name a few. But that’s not all. To help you memorize the most common Bulgarian conjunctions  easier, we prepared some practical Bulgarian conjunctions exercises.

There is no more time to waste, so let’s start right away!

Table of Contents

1. What is a Bulgarian conjunction?
2. Conjunctions for Correlating Similar Thoughts
3. Conjunctions for Expressing Condition
4. Conjunctions for Expressing Cause
5. Conjunctions for Expressing Opposition
6. Even More Conjunctions
7. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian?
8. Answers to Practical Exercises

1. What is a Bulgarian conjunction?

Conjunctions are parts of speech intended to connect the homogeneous parts in a simple sentence, and the simple sentences in complex sentences. Bulgarian conjunctions can be divided into two groups:

Simple Conjunctions

These are conjunctions that consist of a single word, like и, а, но. We will take a closer look at them later.

There is a very interesting type of simple conjunctions that in Bulgarian is called разделителни (razdelitelni) conjunctions (in English correlative conjunctions). Such Bulgarian correlative conjunctions are: 

или-или 
дали-или
ту-ту
хем-хем

Bulgarian Conjunction	Pronunciation	English Conjunction
или-или	Ili – ili	either… or
Example:	Или ще вали, или ще е слънчево. Ili shte vali, ili shte e slanchevo. It will either rain or it will be sunny.
Note:	или-или can be used with different parts of the speech, but it is most common with verbs. Please note that you should always put a comma before the second или.
дали-или	dali – ili	whether… or
Example:	Дали да отида на празника, или да не ходя? Dali da otida na praznika, ili da ne hodya Whether to go to the party or not?
Note:	This conjunction is usually used to express uncertainty and hesitation about what decision to make.
ту-ту	tu-tu
Example:	Тя ту плаче, ту се смее. Tya tu plache, tu se smee. She sometimes cries, sometimes laughs.
Note:	This Bulgarian conjunction has no specific translation in English, but the meaning is that the same person radically changes his behavior within short intervals, for example during a conversation.
хем-хем	hem-hem	both… and
Example:	Хем боли, хем сърби. Hem boli, hem sarbi. It both hurts and itches.
Note:	This is a popular Bulgarian idiom that means that, on the one hand, you want to do something very much, but on the other you delay doing it as you are afraid of the consequences.

➜ You might be interested to learn some more popular Bulgarian idioms explained in this lesson.

Complex Conjunctions

There are many Bulgarian conjunctions that consist of two or more words. These are called complex conjunctions, such as в случай че, при условие че, въпреки че, като че ли. We will review them in detail later.

And now, let’s study different Bulgarian conjunctions based on their role in the sentence.

2. Conjunctions for Correlating Similar Thoughts

Let’s start with the most common and easy Bulgarian conjunctions list that correlates similar thoughts.

Bulgarian Conjunction	Pronunciation	English Conjunction
и	i	and
Example:	Аз ям и пия. Az yam i piya. I eat and drink.
Note:	Unlike in English where and is used for showing what your intention is after specific verbs, such as ‘go’, ‘come’, ‘try’, or ‘wait’ (I will go and see your new house.), in Bulgarian, this is not a typical usage of и, and this sentence will look the following way:               Ще отида да видя новата ти къща.               Shte otida da vidya novata ti kashta. Literally: I will go to (instead of and) see your new house.

също и / също така и	sashto i / sashto taka	and also / and so
Examples:	Обичам да слушам музика, също и да пея. Obicham da slusham muzika, sashto i da peya. I like listening to music and also singing.  Аз мисля, че си красива, също така и брат ми мисли така. Az mislya, che si krasiva, sashto taka i brat mi misli taka. I think you’re beautiful, and so does my brother.
Note:	These two Bulgarian conjunctions have the same meaning and are usually used to connect two simple sentences in one complex sentence.

както и	kakto i	as well as / in addition to
Example:	Обичам да ям сладолед, пържени картофи, както и торта. Obicham da yam sladoled, parzheni kartofi, kakto i torta. I like eating ice cream, french fries, as well as cake.
Note:	This conjunction is usually used to add more details to a description or at least one more thing when we enumerate different things.

след което	sled koeto	after which / and then
Example:	Често се прибирам уморен от работа, след което си лягам. Chesto se pribiram umoren ot rabota, sled koeto si lyagam. I often come home from work tired and then go to bed.
Note:	This Bulgarian conjunction is used to show that one thing causes another. But it also may show the sequence of events (find such in the practical exercise below).

Practice with us!

It’s time to practice these four Bulgarian conjunctions, described above. Please, put the correct conjunction in the blanks. Choose between (и, също така и, както и, след което). This will help you get used to their usage in the correct place. It can be challenging, but you can check the correct answers at the end of this review.

Tip: All the conjunctions are used once except for и that is used three times.

Note: 

1. Сутрин ставам, обличам се, сресвам се и си мия си зъбите  ___________ закусвам, преди да отида на работа.
   (Sutrin stavam, oblicham se, sresvam se i si miya si zabite ___________ zakusvam, predi da otida na rabota.)
   I get up in the morning, get dressed, comb my hair, and brush my teeth ___________ I have breakfast before I go to work.

2. Ставам много рано ___________  веднага тръгвам по задачи.
   (Stavam mnogo rano ___________ vednaga tragvam po zadachi.)
   I get up very early ___________ I immediately go on assignments.

3. Моят баща обича да чете книги, ___________ аз много обичам да чета книги.
   (Moyat bashta obicha da chete knigi, __________ az mnogo obicham da cheta knigi.)
   My father loves reading books, ___________ I love reading books.

4. Днес срещнах Иван ___________  Мария.
   (Dnes sreshtnah Ivan ___________ Mariya.)
   Today, I met Ivan ___________ Maria.

5. Ще купя от магазина хляб, картофи ___________  яйца, ___________ брашно за кекса.
   (Shte kupya ot magazina hlyab, kartofi ___________ yaytsa, ___________ brashno za keksa.)
   I will buy from the store bread, potatoes ___________ eggs, ___________ flour for the cake.

3. Conjunctions for Expressing Condition

It’s time to move on with Bulgarian conjunctions that express condition.

Bulgarian Conjunction	Pronunciation	English Conjunction
ако	ako	if
Example:	Ще отида на почивка, ако имам пари. Shte otida na pochivka, ako imam pari. I will go on vacation if I have money.
Note:	In Bulgarian, in most cases, there is a comma in front of ако. There are cases in which there is no need for a comma and we will see this rule in the next example.

в случай, че	v sluchay che	in case / if
Examples:	Ще му простя само в случай че ми се извини. Shte mu prostya samo v sluchay che mi se izvini. I will forgive him only if he apologizes to me.
Note:	Both of these conjunctions (ако and в случай че) are interchangeable and you can safely say/write the following: Ще отида на почивка в случай че имам пари. Shte otida na pochivka v sluchay che imam pari. I will go on vacation in case I have money.  Ще му простя само ако ми се извини. Shte mu prostya samo ako mi se izvini. I will forgive him only if he apologizes to me.  Please note that in the last example there is no need for a comma in front of ако because there is a clarifying word (само/only) before it.

при условие че	pri uslovie che	provided that
Example:	Не разбирам защо се отказваш, при условие че обеща да свършиш тази работа. Ne razbiram zashto se otkazvash, pri uslovie che obeshta da svarshish tazi rabota. I don’t understand why you’re giving up, provided that you promised to do the job.
Note:	This conjunction can also be placed in the very beginning of the sentence.

Practice with us!

This time the practical exercise is easier. You have to choose only between ако and при условие че to fill in the blanks.

___________ много пъти досега си лъгал, няма кой да ти повярва.
___________ mnogo pati dosega si lagal, nyama koy da ti povyarva.
___________ you have lied many times so far, no one will believe you.

Никой няма да ти вярва ______ лъжеш.
Nikoy nyama da ti vyarva ______ lazhesh.
No one will believe you ______ you are lying.

Не можеш да вдигнеш сам този багаж ___________ вчера те болеше кракът.
Ne mozhesh da vdignesh sam tozi bagazh ___________ vchera te boleshe krakat.
You can’t pick up this luggage alone ___________ your leg was hurting yesterday.

4. Conjunctions for Expressing Cause

Bulgarian Conjunction	Pronunciation	English Conjunction
защото	zashtoto	because
Example:	Ще отида сам, защото съм смел. Shte otida sam, zashtoto sam smel. I will go alone because I am brave.
Note:	In Bulgarian, there is always a comma in front of защото and the other conjunctions that express cause given below.

понеже	ponezhe	because / since
Example:	Понеже не вали, ще отида да работя в градината. Ponezhe ne vali, shte otida da rabotya v gradinata. Since it is not raining, I will go work in the garden.
Note:	Понеже is almost identical to защото. In fact, both of these conjunctions are replaceable if they are located in the middle of the sentence. So you can safely replace  Ще отида сам, защото съм смел. with Ще отида сам, понеже съм смел. Shte otida sam, ponezhe sam smel. I will go alone because I am brave. One important note here is that, unlike понеже, защото cannot be in the beginning of the sentence.

тъй като	tay kato	as / since
Example:	Тъй като е неделя, днес няма да работя. Tay kato e nedelya, dnes nyama da rabotya. Since it’s Sunday, I won’t be working today.
Note:	Another identical conjunction to защото and понеже. Just like понеже, тъй като can also be placed in the very beginning of the sentence. The exception of this rule is защото. So we can safely change the sample above in the following way: Тъй като е неделя, днес няма да работя. with Понеже е неделя, днес няма да работя. Ponezhe  e nedelya, dnes nyama da rabotya. Since it’s Sunday, I won’t be working today. The same applies to this sentence: Понеже не вали, ще отида да работя в градината. It may be changed the following way: Тъй като не вали, ще отида да работя в градината. Tay kato ne vali, shte otida da rabotya v gradinata. Since it is not raining, I will go work in the garden. The only way in which this sentence could sound wrong is when placing защото in the beginning: Защото не вали, ще отида да работя в градината.

Practice with us!

Exercise 1: As explained above, the following sentence is incorrect: 

• Защото не вали, ще отида да работя в градината.

Can you make it correct without changing the conjunction?

You may check the correct answer at the end of this guide.

за да	za da	to / in order to
Example:	Трябва да работя, за да имам пари. Tryabva da rabotya, za da imam pari. I have to work to have money.

Practice with us!

Exercise 2: Let’s practice some more Bulgarian vocabulary. Put the correct Bulgarian conjunction in the place of the English conjunction. Tip: there could be more than one correct answer, but be careful to not put the wrong one.

• Since искам да кандидатствам в университет, уча много.
  Since iskam da kandidat·stvam v universitet, ucha mnogo.
  Since I want to apply to university, I study a lot.

• Не обичам лимоните, because са кисели.
  Ne obicham limonite, because sa kiseli.
  I don’t like lemons because they are sour.

• Трябват ми яйца to направя баница.
  Tryabvat mi yaytsa to napravya banitsa.
  I need eggs to make banitsa.

In order to make this exercise even more challenging, try to place all possible correct answers for each of these three sentences. You can check whether your answers are correct at the end of this review.

5. Conjunctions for Expressing Opposition

Bulgarians are famous for their obstinacy that is expressed in the popular idiom: магарешки инат (magareshki inat) as stubborn as a donkey.

➜ You can learn the meaning of some other common Bulgarian idioms in the following lesson.

This likely explains why there are so many Bulgarian conjunctions that express opposition. We will review the most popular of them below:

Bulgarian Conjunction	Pronunciation	English Conjunction
но	no	but
Example:	Аз съм малък, но вече зная. Az sam malak, no veche znaya. I’m little, but I already know.

ама	ama	but
Example:	Надявах се да е хубаво времето, ама заваля. Nadyavah se da e hubavo vremeto, ama zavalya. I was hoping for good weather, but it started to rain.
Note:	Conjunctions но and ама are interchangeable, but но is more often used, while ама is considered too informal and cannot be used in formal conversations.

обаче	obache	but / however
Example:	Планирах да отида на почивка тази година, обаче няма да ми стигнат парите.Planirah da otida na pochivka tazi godina, obache nyama da mi stignat parite.I planned to go on vacation this year, but I won’t have enough money.
Note:	Обаче is very similar to но and ама and practically can be replaced by them. Let’s practice it in the exercise below.

Practice with us!

Exercise 1:  To practice Bulgarian grammar, make two different sentences from this one by replacing обаче with но (for the first sentence) and ама (for the second one).

Планирах да отида на почивка тази година, обаче няма да ми стигнат парите.

1.

2.

Check your answer at the end of this review.

въпреки че	vapreki che	although
Example:	Ще отида сам, въпреки че ме е страх. Shte otida sam, vapreki che me e strah. I will go alone, although I am afraid.

макар че	makar che	although
Example:	Ще отида на празненството, макар че не съм поканен. Shte otida na praznenstvoto, makar che ne sam pokanen. I will go to the party, although I am not invited.
Note:	Conjunctions въпреки че and макар че are interchangeable and there is no difference in their meaning.

Practice with us!

Exercise 2: Let’s practice some more with these two conjunctions. Replace въпреки че with its analogue in the following sentence:

• Ще отида сам, въпреки че ме е страх.

• Ще отида сам,                       ме е страх.

Now, replace макар че with its analogue in the following sentence.

• Ще отида на празненството, макар че не съм поканен.

• Ще отида на празненството,                    не съм поканен.

вместо	vmesto	instead of
Example:	Вместо да се прибера вкъщи, реших да се поразходя. Vmesto da se pribera vkashti, reshih da se porazhodya. Instead of going home, I decided to take a walk.
Note:	In Bulgarian, вместо could be placed both in the beginning or in the middle of the sentence without changing the meaning. Let’s have one more exercise using this example.

Practice with us!

Exercise 3: Try to reorder the words in the sentence and move вместо to the middle of it.

Вместо да се прибера вкъщи, реших да се поразходя.

Your version:

Let’s try with another sentence. Please, move вместо in the middle of this sentence.

Вместо да командваш, иди свърши малко работа.
Vmesto da komandvash, idi svarshi malko rabota.
Instead of commanding, go and do some work.

Your version:

отколкото	otkolkoto	rather than / instead of
Example:	Предпочитам да изляза на разходка, отколкото да съм пред компютъра. Predpochitam da izlyaza na razhodka, otkolkoto da sam pred kompyutara. I’d rather go for a walk than be in front of the computer.
Note:	отколкото and вместо are very close in meaning and can be replaced in this example. The important thing here to remember is that, unlike вместо, отколкото can be placed only in the middle of the sentence and never in the beginning. And now it’s time to practice!

Practice with us!

Exercise 4: Replace отколкото with вместо in this sentence.

• Предпочитам да изляза на разходка, отколкото да съм пред компютъра.

• Предпочитам да изляза на разходка,                  да съм пред компютъра.

Exercise 5: The sentence below is incorrect in Bulgarian. Try to correct it so it looks good. If you find this exercise challenging, refer to the rule for отколкото given in the note.

• Отколкото болен, предпочитам да съм здрав.
  Otkolkoto bolen, predpochitam da sam zdrav.
  I’d rather be healthy than sick.

➜ You can learn some more common Bulgarian adjectives from this list.

6. Even More Conjunctions

Here are three more common Bulgarian conjunctions that cannot be placed under a certain category yet are very helpful in many situations.

Bulgarian Conjunction	Pronunciation	English Conjunction
като че ли	kato che li	it seems as if / it looks like
Example:	Като гледам времето навън като че ли ще вали. Kato gledam vremeto navan kato che li shte vali. Looking at the weather outside, it looks like it’s going to rain.
Note:	This conjunction shows uncertainty about a specific thing or event, a sort of assumption.

докато	dokato	while
Example:	Докато се разхождах, срещнах Иван. Dokato se razhozhdah, sreshtnah Ivan. While I was walking, I met Ivan.
Note:	докато can be placed in the middle of the sentence as well. So, the example will look like this: Срещнах Иван, докато се разхождах. Sreshtnah Ivan, dokato se razhozhdah. I met Ivan while I was walking.

доколкото	dokolkoto	as far as
Example:	Ще направя всичко възможно, доколкото зависи от мен. Shte napravya vsichko vazmozhno, dokolkoto zavisi ot men. I will do my best as far as I can.
Note:	This conjunction is used to express a stipulation when the certainty of the statement is reduced. It can also be placed in the beginning of the sentence: Доколкото зависи от мен, ще направя всичко възможно. Dokolkoto zavisi ot men, shte napravya vsichko vazmozhno. As far as I can, I will do my best.

7. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian?

This Bulgarian conjunctions review gives you an opportunity to learn conjunctions in Bulgarian sentences. As a  bulgarian language learning website, BulgarianPod101 has prepared it to help you connect Bulgarian words and Bulgarian phrases in sentences, so it is perfect for beginner level Bulgarian learners. 

Since there are so many other conjunctions in Bulgarian language which we couldn’t include in this detailed guide, you can study them further with a native Bulgarian teacher from the MyTeacher section. This language expert will not only help you learn the rest of the Bulgarian conjunctions, but will also help you advance quickly and start speaking Bulgarian with more confidence.

We would be happy to hear your feedback about this review and whether you found the exercises challenging or not. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. 

And now it’s time to check your answers to the practical exercises given above.

8. Answers to Practical Exercises

Answers to exercises with conjunctions to correlate similar thoughts

1. Сутрин ставам, обличам се, сресвам се и си мия зъбите, след което закусвам, преди да отида на работа.
   (Sutrin stavam, oblicham se, sresvam se i si miya zabite, sled koeto zakusvam, predi da otida na rabota.)
   I get up in the morning, get dressed, comb my hair, brush my teeth, and then I have breakfast before I go to work.

2. Ставам много рано и веднага тръгвам по задачи.
   (Stavam mnogo rano i vednaga tragvam po zadachi.)
   I get up very early and I immediately go on assignments.

3. Моят баща обича да чете книги, също така и аз много обичам да чета книги.
   (Moyat bashta obicha da chete knigi, sashto taka i az mnogo obicham da cheta knigi.)
   My father loves reading books, and so I love reading books.

4. Днес срещнах Иван и Мария.
   (Dnes sreshtnah Ivan i Mariya.)
   Today, I met Ivan and Maria.

5. Ще купя от магазина хляб, картофи и яйца, както и брашно за кекса.
   (Shte kupya ot magazina hlyab, kartofi i yaytsa, kakto i brashno za keksa.)
   I will buy from the store bread, potatoes, and eggs, as well as flour for the cake.

Answers to exercises with conjunctions to express condition

При условие че много пъти досега си лъгал, няма кой да ти повярва.
Pri uslovie che mnogo pati dosega si lagal, nyama koy da ti povyarva.
Provided that you have lied many times so far, no one will believe you.

Никой няма да ти вярва, ако лъжеш.
Nikoy nyama da ti vyarva, ako lazhesh.
No one will believe you if you are lying.

Не можеш да вдигнеш сам този багаж при условие че вчера те болеше кракът.
Ne mozhesh da vdignesh sam tozi bagazh pri uslovie che vchera te boleshe krakat.
You can’t pick up this luggage alone provided that your leg was hurting yesterday.

Answers to exercises with conjunctions to express condition

Exercise 1: Защото не вали, ще отида да работя в градината. This sentence can become correct if you change the word order moving защото in the middle of the sentence. 

Ще отида да работя в градината, защото не вали.
Shte otida da rabotya v gradinata, zashtoto ne vali.
I’m going to work in the garden because it’s not raining.

 ********    ********

Exercise 2:

• (Понеже / Тъй като) искам да кандидатствам в университет, уча много.
  (Ponezhe / Tay kato) iskam da kandidatstvam v universitet, ucha mnogo.
  Since I want to apply to university, I study a lot.

• Не обичам лимоните, (защото / понеже / тъй като) са кисели.
  Ne obicham limonite, (zashtoto / ponezhe / tay kato) sa kiseli.
  I don’t like lemons because they are sour.

• Трябват ми яйца, за да направя баница.
  Tryabvat mi yaytsa za da napravya banitsa.
  I need eggs to make banitsa.

Answers to exercises with conjunctions to express opposition

Exercise 1: Планирах да отида на почивка тази година, обаче няма да ми стигнат парите.

1. Планирах да отида на почивка тази година, но няма да ми стигнат парите.
   Planirah da otida na pochivka tazi godina, no nyama da mi stignat parite.
   I planned to go on vacation this year, but I won’t have enough money.

2. Планирах да отида на почивка тази година, ама няма да ми стигнат парите.
   Planirah da otida na pochivka tazi godina, ama nyama da mi stignat parite.
   I planned to go on vacation this year, but I won’t have enough money.

********    ********

Exercise 2: Ще отида сам, въпреки че ме е страх.

• Ще отида сам, макар че ме е страх.
  Shte otida sam, makar che me e strah.
  I will go alone, although I am afraid.

Ще отида на празненството, макар че не съм поканен.

• Ще отида на празненството, въпреки че не съм поканен.
  Shte otida na praznenstvoto, vapreki che ne sam pokanen.
  I will go to the party, although I am not invited.

********    ********

Exercise 3: Вместо да се прибера вкъщи, реших да се поразходя.

Реших да се поразходя, вместо да се прибера вкъщи.
Reshih da se porazhodya vmesto da se pribera vkashti.
I decided to take a walk instead of going home.

Вместо да командваш, иди свърши малко работа.

Иди свърши малко работа, вместо да командваш.
Idi svarshi malko rabota vmesto da komandvash.
Go and do some work instead of commanding.

 ********    ********

Exercise 4: 

• Предпочитам да изляза на разходка, отколкото да съм пред компютъра.

• Предпочитам да изляза на разходка, вместо да съм пред компютъра.
  Predpochitam da izlyaza na razhodka, vmesto da sam pred kompyutara.
  I’d rather go for a walk than be in front of the computer.

Exercise 5:

• Предпочитам да съм здрав, отколкото болен.
  Predpochitam da sam zdrav, otkolkoto bolen.
  I’d rather be healthy than sick.

The Day of Epiphany is a Christian holiday on which people celebrate the epiphany of the триединен Бог (triedinen Bog), or “triune God.” In this article, you’ll learn more about how Christians view the Epiphany holiday, and more specifically, how Bulgarians celebrate Epiphany.

At BulgarianPod101.com, we always aim to ensure that your language-learning journey is both fun and informative—starting with this article on Epiphany! Bulgarian customs may just surprise you. 😉

Let’s get started.

1. What is Epiphany?

Epiphany is a very old holiday. According to the Orthodox Church, this is the day Jesus Christ was baptized in the River Jordan. Thus the holiday is also called “Baptism of the Lord.” The name Bogoyavlenie is formed by two words: bogo, meaning “God’s,” and yavlenie, which is a word meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.”

According to Christianity, at the baptism of Jesus Christ, the secret of the Holy Trinity appeared—the Son Jesus Christ in human form, the Holy Spirit as a dove alighting upon Jesus, and the Divine Voice of the Heavenly Father. Hence the name Bogoyavlenie.

Jesus Christ was baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist (Yoan Krastitel). The next day on the calendar, January 7, is Ivanovden—name-day of Ivan, Ivanka, etc., and the feast of Sveti Yoan Krastitel (Saint John the Baptist).

2. When is Epiphany in Bulgaria?

Each year, Epiphany (Bogoyavlenie) is celebrated on January 6 and is also a name-day for people carrying the names Yordan, Yordanka, and similar names. This is because these names derive from the name of the River Jordan (Yordan).

Other common names celebrated on this name-day are Bozhidar, Bozhan, Boyan, Bogdana, and Dancho.

3. Reading Practice: Bulgarian Celebration of the Epiphany

On Epiphany Day, Bulgarian traditions and customs reflect the theme of baptism.

Do you know how Bulgarian Christians celebrate Epiphany? Read the Bulgarian text below to find out, and check your reading skills against the English version.

—

На Йордановден се яде постно и на трапезата трябва задължително да присъстват царевичен хляб или царевични питки.

Популярен обичай на Богоявление е да се хвърля кръст в леденостудените води на реките. Обикновено мъже скачат да го уловят. Този, който го намери се смята, че ще бъде благословен с късмет.

—

On Yordanovden, people fast, and there must be cornbread or flat corn loaves on the table.

A popular custom on Epiphany is to cast a cross into the ice-cold water of the rivers. Usually, men jump in to take it; the one who finds it is considered to be blessed with luck.

4. Many Names

Epiphany in the Bulgarian culture is a holiday with many names. Do you know what they are?

Besides Baptism of the Lord, this day is also called Yordanovden, Winter Feast of the Cross, Enlightenment, Waters, and even Vodokrashti, because of the association with Jesus’s baptizing in the waters of Jordan.

5. Essential Bulgarian Vocab for Epiphany

Here’s some Bulgarian vocabulary you need to know for Epiphany!

• състезавам се (sastezavam se) — compete
• Кръщавам (krashtavam) — baptize
• Кръст (krast) — cross
• Мъдрец (madrets) — Wise Men
• хвърлям във водата (hvarlyam vav vodata) — toss in the water
• мъже танцуват в реката (mazhe tantsuvat v rekata) — men dancing in the river
• Почитам (pochitam) — worship
• поклонение на влъхвите (poklonenie na vlahvite) — adoration of the Magi
• Водосвет (vodosvet) — sanctification of the water
• триединен Бог (triedinen Bog) — triune God
• Пречистване (prechistvane) — purification
• скачам във водата (skacham vav vodata) — jump in the water
• мокри дрехи (mokri drehi) — wet clothes

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Bulgarian Epiphany vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about the Bulgarian Epiphany traditions and the story behind this significant Christian holiday.

Do you celebrate Epiphany in your country? If so, how? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re interested in learning more about Bulgarian culture, or want to learn some wintery words to get you through the next couple of months, you may find the following pages useful:

• St. Trifon Day: Celebrating the Patron Saint of Wine
• Unification Day: Bulgarian Traditions and Celebrations
• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Bulgarian Pop Culture
• What’s Your Favorite Bulgarian Food?
• Words for Winter Snow Days

Learning Bulgarian doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming—with BulgarianPod101.com, it can even be fun! If you’re serious about mastering the language, but don’t have the time for the unnecessary hassle, create your free lifetime account today. You’ll be learning Bulgarian like never before!

Happy Bulgarian learning! 🙂

Did you know there are many different types of calendars?

As you probably know – a calendar is a system of organizing days in weeks and months for specific purposes, according to Wikipedia.

Worldwide, most countries use the Gregorian calendar. Some just work on the same framework, meaning that time is divided into units based on the earth’s movement around the sun – the “solar calendar”. Other calendars keep time by observing the moon’s movements, a combination of the moon and the sun’s movements, and seasons.

Through BulgarianPod101, you can learn all about this and so much more! Our themed, culturally relevant lessons are skillfully designed so you can do your planning perfectly for a holiday or a date.

Having a good plan for a visit or a trip is like studying well for an exam. You’re just so much better prepared! For that, you could well need specific phrases to plan around appointments and such, especially on business trips. Make sure to use the charts we provide here with the days of the week in Bulgarian, as well as the months in Bulgarian to navigate your way as you plan. Great resources!

Also – always remember to have fun!

Table of Contents

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Bulgarian?
2. Talking About your Plans
3. Can BulgarianPod101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Bulgarian?

Well, that’s not a difficult question to answer. No matter why you’re travelling, it would be best to at least know the names of days and months in Bulgarian. You don’t want to miss your flight or an appointment because you confused “петък” (“petak,” Friday) with “събота” (“sabota,” Saturday)! Or maybe you planned a holiday for “юли” (“yuli,” July), but you booked a flight for “юни” (“yuni,” June) by accident!

Avoid this confusion by learning the Bulgarian calendar before you leave.

Now, as promised, the 15 phrases to help you make and discuss plans.

2. Talking About your Plans

Perhaps you’re working in Bulgaria, or maybe you’re enjoying a prolonged holiday. Fabulous! Memorize these phrases so you can be sure to successfully negotiate meetings, appointments, dates, events, the list goes on!

1. Какво ще правиш този уикенд?

Kakvo shtye pravish tozi uikyend?
“What are you doing this weekend?”

This question is usually a preamble to inviting someone somewhere. Given that it’s over the weekend, it probably means a casual get-together or another social event. (But not necessarily! A manager or boss could also ask this for entirely different reasons.)

It’s a handy phrase to know when you’ve made Bulgarian or expat friends in the country. Or, be the one doing the inviting. Then train your ear to learn the following phrases so you can understand the response.

2. Пътувам този уикенд.

Patuvam tozi uikend.
“I am traveling this weekend.”

This could be a reply if you’re not available because you’re doing other fun stuff.

No matter why you are visiting Bulgaria, do take the time to explore the country! It’s beautiful and it has so many wonderful, interesting spots ready to be visited.

3. Планирам да си остана у дома.

Planiram da si ostana u doma.
“I am planning to stay at home.”

Maybe you feel unwell, but don’t want to give too much information? Or maybe you have work to do? Perhaps you just need some quiet gardening time…it doesn’t matter. This response is polite and honest without oversharing.

It could also be a slightly open-ended response, depending on how you deliver it. Because hey, being home could still mean your plans are flexible, right?

That said – depending on your relationship with the inviter, nuances like these will probably not be so apparent in a foreign culture. So, best to use this excuse for declining an invitation only if you are truly set on staying in.

4. Тази седмица съм зает.

Tazi sedmitsa sam zaet.
“This week I am busy.”

Another polite phrase that gives a reason for declining an invitation but without oversharing details.

Don’t decline too many invitations, though! You don’t want people to think that you’re too busy to hang out with them. They will stop inviting you out, and you know how the saying goes – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…! Being social is good for the soul.

5. Утре съм свободен.

Utre sam svoboden.
“I am free tomorrow.”

Yay! Perhaps you were approached by that person and they asked about your availability for a date. This would be a fine reply. Not too eager, but still indicating that you’re interested.

Or maybe you’re just replying to a colleague or manager’s request for a meeting. Polite, honest and clear.

Alternatively, you’re just busy right now, and plans are not going the way they were…well, planned. Compromise is a lovely thing! And this phrase sounds just like that.

Use it to indicate that you want to accommodate an invitation or the inviter’s plans, despite your current unavailability. Only if you are really free, of course.

6. Можем ли да отменим това?

Mozhem li da otmenim tova?
“Can we reschedule this?”

So, life happened and you are unable to meet obligations or attend a planned meeting. This is a suitable question to ask if you wish to indicate your willingness to still engage with whatever is on the table.

Obviously you should (ideally) not ask to reschedule a party or big meeting! (Unless you’re the boss or it’s your own party, of course.) But if there’s reasonable wiggle room regarding arrangements, then this one’s your question.

7. Ще имам достатъчно време в края на месеца.

Shte imam dostatachno vreme v kraya na mesetsa.
“I will have enough time at the end of the month.”

A go-to phrase when events or activities are likely to take up a lot of your time, such as going away for a weekend, spending the day at a local market, or writing your manager’s quarterly report (with 20 flow-charts in Powerpoint) – anything that won’t only take an hour or two.

8. Кога е най-подходящото време, което те утройва?

Koga e nay-podhodyashtoto vreme, koeto te utroyva?
“When is the best time that suits you?”

Remember phrase #5? That was a possible reply to this question. Asked by your crush, very possibly! Or, it could be asked by any other person for any other reason, doesn’t matter.

If this is addressed to you, it usually means that the person respects your time and schedule, which is a good thing. It probably also means that their own schedule is flexible, another good thing.

This is also a polite question to ask when a manager or senior colleague wants to meet with you. Let them decide on the time, and be as accommodating as possible. This attitude shows respect for seniority – good for career building. (Within reason, of course. You don’t need to postpone your wedding or your paid-up holiday to Australia because your manager wants to see you.)

9. Удобна ли е тази дата с теб?

Udobna li e tazi data s teb?
“Is this date OK with you?”

But – if the other party insists that you choose a time for a meeting, appointment, or date etc., then do so! Respond with this nice, somewhat casual question that leaves space for negotiation, but only needs a simple reply.

Suitable for friends, and casual acquaintances and colleagues.

10. Свободен ли сте в този ден?

Svoboden li ste v tozi den?
“Are you available on that day?”

This is the a-bit-more-formal version of the previous question. Again, it has room for negotiation, but only needs a simple response – nice and neat!

Maybe this is the go-to question when you’re addressing your seniors at work, or a person much older than you.

11. Може ли да го направим възможно най-скоро?

Mozhe li da go napravim vazmozhno nay-skoro?
“Can we do it as soon as possible?”

This question has an urgency to it that should preferably be responded to with the same. A simple reply will be good – yes or no. Less negotiable, this is still polite because it’s a question that gives you a choice.

But stand ready with one of the phrases in this article to help tie down a time and date!

12. Аз съм на разположение всяка вечер.

Az sam na razpolozhenie vsyaka vecher.
“I’m available every evening”

If you’re going to reply with this phrase, context is everything.

– If it’s your manager asking you to put in a bit of overtime, and you are available to – great reply! When deadlines are tight and everybody is stressing, your willingness to go the extra mile can only improve your relationship with your boss.

(Still, no need to be a doormat! If you get asked to work overtime too often, or if everyone else is goofing around while you have to graft, then re-evaluate the situation. And if you feel you’re being exploited a bit, don’t stress! Equip yourself with the diplomatic, yet assertive responses right in this article.)

– If it’s an old friend or longtime significant other asking to hang out – good reply. You know one another and appearances don’t matter any longer.

– If it’s a new crush who just asked when you’d be available for a date – stop. Not such a great reply. Tone down a bit! “Interested but not overly eager” is what you’re going for here.

Refer back to response #5, or use a counter-question, such as #1. Whatever suits you.

But if they – or anyone else – invite you to scale the Himalayas with them, then the next phrase will probably be the only sane response!

13. Трябва да планирам това предварително.

Tryabva da planiram tova predvaritelno.
“I need to plan this well in advance.”

So, as said under #9, perhaps you’re invited to join someone conquer the Himalayas.

Or your company manager wants you to plan the Party that Tops All Year-End Parties Forever.

Simply – if you get asked to do something that you know will need a lot of thorough planning, this is a good phrase to respond with.

It’s an assertive phrase that demonstrates two things regarding your attitude:

a) That you know your own abilities, and respect your own schedule.
b) That your respect other people’s time and schedule too.

Then just be sure to actually do that planning well in advance!

14. Трябва да намерим друга дата

Tryabva da namerim druga data
“We need to find another date.”

So, you’re in negotiations regarding a date.

This is an assertive statement that should probably not be used with a “My way or the highway” attitude.

That stuff only works in the movies – think sharp-tongued Samuel L. Jackson. Or fierce Kristen Stewart. Yea, they can be scary, so tone down that tone.

Also, be mindful that fickle people who change plans all the time don’t keep friends! Taking others’ needs into consideration, while simultaneously having your way is a delicate art that takes proper cultivation. Use this phrase sparingly – we have better ones here to negotiate with.

Of course, if your planned trip to the dentist falls on the same day as the only Billie Eilish concert close by…well, priorities are priorities. Feel free to call the dentist with this phrase. Or even better, use the next one.

15. Не мога да го направя на този ден.

Ne moga da go napravya na tozi den.
“I cannot do it on that day.”

This is the low-key-but-still-firm cousin of the previous phrase. You’re stating a personal fact, and depending on your tone, this can be as non-negotiable as you prefer.

Again, only use this when you really mean it, if you’re visiting Bulgaria or any other foreign country.

So, that’s it, folks! Which phrase did you find the most helpful? Let us know in the comments!

3. Can BulgarianPod101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

Well yes, of course!

We think you will find these phrases easy to use when talking about dates and months in Bulgarian. But knowing how to employ them properly could help you avoid sticky situations!

BulgarianPod101 is uniquely geared to help you with this and so much more.

This InnovativeLanguage.com initiative is one of many online language-learning courses. With us, you’ll find it easy and fun to learn a new language, and here are a few reasons why:

• Immediately upon enrollment, you’ll receive hundreds of well-designed lessons to get you going.
• Watch superb recordings of native Bulgarian speakers in cool slide-shows – the easy way to practice till you sound just like a native speaker yourself!
• Also immediately upon enrollment, you’ll get access to a huge library of free resources! These include extensive, theme-based Vocabulary Lists and a Word of the Day List (For free, hot bargains!) These alone are sure to give your vocab-learning boxing gloves.
• You’ll also immediately be able to use an excellent and free Bulgarian online dictionary. Necessary for quick, handy translations, no matter where you find yourself.
• For the serious learner, there are numerous enrollment upgrades available, one of which offers you a personal, online Bulgarian host. Allow us to hold your hand and support you in your learning!

If you’re serious about mastering Bulgarian easily yet correctly, BulgarianPod101 is definitely one of, if not the best, online language learning platforms available. Talking about your plans or dates in Bulgarian need not ever spoil your stay.

So, hurry up—enroll today!