Phrasebook
A few Bulgarian phrases to learn before you move.
You will not need Bulgarian for work. You will need a few polite phrases for cafes, taxis, neighbors, and the very first time at the migration office. Learn these ten before you fly and locals will warm up to you within a day.
| English | Bulgarian | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello Formal / polite. Default opener. | Здравейте | ZDRAH-vey-teh |
| Hi Informal, for friends. | Здрасти | ZDRAS-tee |
| Please Use freely. Bulgarians do. | Моля | MO-lya |
| Thank you Or shorter: 'Мерси' (mer-SEE). | Благодаря | blah-go-dah-RYAH |
| Yes Bulgarians traditionally nod for 'no' and shake for 'yes' — always check verbally. | Да | DAH |
| No | Не | NEH |
| Excuse me Use this to start a question with a stranger. | Извинете | iz-vee-NEH-teh |
| Sorry Sincere apology. | Съжалявам | su-zha-LYAH-vam |
| I don't understand Honest. People will switch to English. | Не разбирам | neh raz-BEE-ram |
| Do you speak English? Polite form. | Говорите ли английски? | go-VO-ree-teh lee an-GLEE-skee |
| The bill, please In restaurants and cafes. | Сметката, моля | SMET-ka-tah MO-lya |
| How much is this? Shopping essential. | Колко струва това? | KOL-ko STROO-vah to-VAH |
| Where is the metro? Substitute 'метрото' with 'тоалетната' (toilet) etc. | Къде е метрото? | ku-DEH eh me-TROH-toh |
| I'd like a coffee Literally 'one coffee, please'. | Едно кафе, моля | ed-NOH ka-FEH MO-lya |
| Good morning Until ~10am. | Добро утро | do-BROH OO-troh |
| Good evening After ~6pm. | Добър вечер | DO-bur VEH-cher |
| Goodbye Formal exit. | Довиждане | do-VEEZH-dah-neh |
| See you! Informal, friendly. | Чао | CHAH-o |
Two cultural notes worth knowing
Nodding is not always yes. Bulgarians traditionally shake their head for "yes" and nod for "no". Younger generations are increasingly using Western gestures, but always confirm verbally. It will save you exactly one painful misunderstanding.
"Мерси" is fine. French "merci" entered Bulgarian as the casual thank-you. Don't worry about not pronouncing "Благодаря" perfectly on day one.