It is always an advantage to know some local language expressions or sentences, when you are visiting a new country.

Bulgarians are kind, pleasant and friendly people, even if they occasionally sruggle to communicate their warmth in English. However, most of the middle-aged and older individuals know Russian better than English, so learning some Bulgarian words can help you break the ice and put a smile on their face.
Kitchen59 has come up with 11 key phrases you should learn before coming to Bulgaria.

1.   Dobar den! (Добър ден!/Doh-bur dehn!)
Meaning: “Hello!” in the local language is always a great start no matter where in the world you are.

2.   Blagodarya! (Благодаря!/Blah-goh-da-rya!)
Meaning: Pronouncing “Thank you!” in Bulgarian takes some effort, but you will be rewarded with a large genuine smile if you manage.

3.   Dovijdane! (Довиждане!/Doh-veezh-dah-nay!)
Meaning: “Goodbye” is another long and tongue-twisting word and again you have an easier option. Bulgarians use the Italian “Ciao” as a more informal equivalent.

4.   Izvinete(Извинете/Eez-vee-neh-teh)
Meaning: “Excuse me”. You might need this word if you happen to use the public transportation in rush hour and have to get to the door to get off. Just keep on repeating “Izvinete, izvinete” while pushing your way to the door.

5. Nazdrave! (Наздраве!/Naz-drah-veh!)
Meaning: In Bulgarian they use the same word for “Cheers” when drinking and for “Bless you” when you sneeze. It literally means “To your health!”, or “Be healthy”. Remember that in Bulgaria, it’s not acceptable to say “Cheers” if you’re not drinking alcohol.

6. Molya (Моля/Moh-lya)
Meaning: “Please” or “welcome”.

7. Edna golyama bira/rakia, molya! (Една голяма бира/ракия, моля!/Eh-dna goh-lya-ma rah-kiya beera moh-lya)
Meaning: “One big beer/rakia, please!”. You already know molya, all you have to do is learn the numbers in Bulgarian and you’re ready to order at the bar! All the alcohol names are the same or very similar to English, so you’ll find it easy to compile a sentence. If you don’t have time to learn the numbers, use your fingers, it’s a universal language.

8.   Mnogo si krasiva! (Много си красива!Mnoh-goh see kra-see-vah!)
Meaning: “You’re very beautiful!” – you can only say this phrase to a woman

9. Yako (Яко/Yah-koh)
Meaning:“Cool”. Your Bulgarian friend has just got a new job? Yako!

10.               Da be! (Да бе!Dah beh!)
Meaning: “Really? Get away! It can’t be true!” – such a complex meaning compressed in only two short words.

11.               Kolko struva? (Колко струва?/Kol-koh stroo-vah?)
Meaning: “How much is it?” is a useful phrase when you are visiting a market, a store or other place where you can’t see the prices. It’s good to know that there’s a law in Bulgaria obligating all shops to put clearly visible prices on all the products for sale.

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