Bulgarian, a South Slavic language, is the official language of Bulgaria and is spoken by millions of people. It has its unique characteristics, such as the absence of verb infinitives and the use of suffixed definite articles. Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential phrases and questions in Bulgarian, complete with transliterations for pronunciation assistance.

Greetings

• Hello – “Здравей” (Zdravey) for informal, “Здравейте” (Zdraveyte) for formal
• Good morning – “Добро утро” (Dobro utro)
• Good afternoon – “Добър ден” (Dobŭr den)
• Good evening – “Добър вечер” (Dobŭr vecher)
• Good night – “Лека нощ” (Leka nosht)
• How are you? (informal/formal) – “Как си?” (Kak si?) / “Как сте?” (Kak ste?)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Казвам се [име].” (Kazvam se [ime].)
• This is [name]. – “Това е [име].” (Tova e [ime].)
• I am from [country]. – “Аз съм от [държава].” (Az sŭm ot [dŭrzhava].)
• I live in [city/place]. – “Живея в [град/място].” (Zhiveya v [grad/myasto].)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Къде е [мястото]?” (Kŭde e [myastoto]?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “Как мога да стигна до [мястото]?” (Kak moga da stigna do [myastoto]?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Това ли е пътят за [мястото]?” (Tova li e pŭtyat za [myastoto]?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “Можете ли да ми покажете на картата?” (Mozhete li da mi pokazhete na kartata?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Съжалявам, не разбирам.” (Sŭzhalyavam, ne razbiram.)
• Can you please repeat that? – “Можете ли да повторите?” (Mozhete li da povtorite?)
• I mean… – “Имам предвид…” (Imam predvid…)
• What does [word] mean? – “Какво означава [думата]?” (Kakvo oznachava [dumata]?)

Farewell Expressions

• Goodbye – “Довиждане” (Dovizhdane)
• See you later – “До по-късно” (Do po-kŭsno)
• Take care – “Пази се” (Pazi se)
• Have a good day – “Хубав ден” (Hubav den)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Искам да резервирам стая.” (Iskam da rezerviram staya.)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Мога ли да видя менюто, моля?” (Moga li da vidya menyuto, molya?)
• I am vegetarian. – “Аз съм вегетарианец.” (Az sŭm vegetariyanets.)
• The bill, please. – “Сметката, моля.” (Smetkata, molya.)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Колко струва това?” (Kolko struva tova?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “Имате ли това в друг размер?” (Imate li tova v drug razmer?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Само гледам, благодаря.” (Samo gledam, blagodarya.)
• Can I pay by card? – “Мога ли да платя с карта?” (Moga li da platya s karta?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. – “Прекрасна си.” (Prekrasna si) for a female, “Прекрасен си.” (Prekrasen si) for a male
• I miss you. – “Липсваш ми.” (Lipsvash mi.)
• I love you. – “Обичам те.” (Obicham te.)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Искаш ли да излезеш с мен?” (Iskash li da izlezesh s men?)

Emergencies

• Help! – “Помощ!” (Pomosht!)
• Call the police! – “Извикайте полицията!” (Izvikayte politsiyata!)
• I need a doctor. – “Трябва ми лекар.” (Tryabva mi lekar.)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Къде е най-близката болница?” (Kŭde e nay-blizkata bolnitsa?)

These phrases provide a solid foundation for basic communication in Bulgarian. Practice them regularly, listen to native speakers, and engage with Bulgarian media to improve your fluency. Remember, learning a language is a gradual process, and consistent practice is key to success.