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| − | '''Bulgarian''' is a South Slavic language, thus closer to [[Serbo-Croatian]] and [[Slovenian phrasebook|Slovenian]] than to [[Russian phrasebook |Russian]] or [[Polish phrasebook |Polish]] but still retaining similarities to all. Spoken by over 9.5 million people, it is the national language of Republic of [[Bulgaria]]. It is also spoken by Bulgarian minorities in [[Yugoslavia]] and the Western Balkans, and [[Moldova]], and language still in use by many immigrants of Bulgarian origin in [[Argentina]], [[Canada]], [[Germany]], [[Netherlands]], [[United Kingdom]], and [[United States of America|U.S.A.]] Linguists do not agree as to whether [[Macedonian phrasebook|Macedonian]] is a dialect of Bulgarian. Generally Yugoslavs disagree, while Bulgarians say that it is. The spoken languages are mutually intelligible for the most part, although their Cyrillic alphabets have diverged somewhat, with Macedonian's writing system resembling that of Serbo-Croatian. | + | '''Bulgarian''' is a South Slavic language, thus closer to [[Serbo-Croatian]] and [[Slovenian phrasebook|Slovenian]] than to [[Russian phrasebook |Russian]] or [[Polish phrasebook |Polish]] but still retaining similarities to all. Native speakers numbering over 9.5 million people, it is the national language of Republic of [[Bulgaria]] and spoken by Bulgarian minorities in [[Yugoslavia]] and the Western Balkans, and [[Moldova]], and language still in use by many immigrants of Bulgarian origin in [[Argentina]], [[Canada]], [[Germany]], [[Netherlands]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States of America]]. |
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| − | Most Bulgarian verbs carry inflection suffixes while some modal verbs use different words (typical example, the verb "съм" / "to be"). There are fewer verb tenses than in English with present, past, past continuous and future being the most commonly used, but the Slavic imperfective and perfective 'aspects' are present. Nouns have three genders, and pronouns have genders. Adjectives must agree with the noun they modify and the first adjective takes the definite article if present. Those familiar with other Balto-Slavic languages will be surprised to discover that the noun cases are missing (except for vocative to a slight degree) and replaced by prepositions and definite articles as post-positions like Romanian and Turkish. Unlike other Slavic languages, the infinitive ha fallen out of use (which always ended in -ти). You may say "иcкaм гoвopити" (I want to speak) over "иcкaм дa гoвopя" and be understood, but the locals may think you're sounding archaic or speaking another Slavic language. | + | Linguists do not agree as to whether [[Macedonian phrasebook|Macedonian]] is a dialect of Bulgarian. Generally Yugoslavs disagree, while Bulgarians say that it is. The spoken languages are mutually intelligible for the most part, but their Cyrillic alphabets have diverged somewhat, with Macedonian's writing system resembling Serbo-Croatian's. |
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| | + | Most Bulgarian verbs carry inflection suffixes while some modal verbs use different words (typical example, the verb "съм" / "to be"). There are fewer verb tenses than in English with present, past, past continuous and future being the most commonly used, but the Slavic imperfective and perfective 'aspects' are present. |
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| | + | Nouns have three genders, and pronouns have genders. Adjectives must agree with the noun they modify and the first adjective takes the definite article if present. Those familiar with other Balto-Slavic languages will be surprised to discover that the noun cases are missing (except for a few vocatives) and replaced by prepositions and definite articles as post-positions like Romanian and Turkish. Unlike other Slavic languages, the infinitive ha fallen out of use (which always ended in -ти). You may say "иcкaм гoвopити" (I want to speak) over "иcкaм дa гoвopя" and be understood, but the locals may think you sound archaic or speak another Slavic language. |
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| | There are separate pronouns for "you": singular '"ти'" ("tchee") and the plural "'вие'" (''vee-eh''). The formal 'you' is the plural form with first letter capitalized ("Вие"). Like all other Slavic languages (as well as the Romance ones), the pronoun is usually ommitted due to context. Many times the 'л' will sound like a 'w' sound. | | There are separate pronouns for "you": singular '"ти'" ("tchee") and the plural "'вие'" (''vee-eh''). The formal 'you' is the plural form with first letter capitalized ("Вие"). Like all other Slavic languages (as well as the Romance ones), the pronoun is usually ommitted due to context. Many times the 'л' will sound like a 'w' sound. |
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| | ==Pronunciation guide== | | ==Pronunciation guide== |
| − | Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and the language is famous for introducing this writing system which Russian, the other East Slavic languages and Serbo-Croatian (and other non-Slavic languages as well) would adopt later, the latter with considerable differences. In general the language is phonetic though there are few sounds denoted by digraphs and few combinations denoted by a single letter. | + | Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and the language is famous for introducing this writing system which Russian, the other East Slavic languages and Serbo-Croatian (and other non-Slavic languages as well) would adopt later, the latter with considerable differences. The language is usually phonetic though there are few sounds denoted by digraphs and few combinations denoted by a single letter. |
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| − | <pre>
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| − | Alphabet:
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| − | А Б В Г Д Е Ж З И Й К Л М Н О П Р С Т У Ф Х Ц Ч Ш Щ Ъ Ь Ю Я
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| − | а б в г д е ж з и й к л м н о п р с т у ф х ц ч ш щ ъ ь ю я
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| − | </pre>
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| | Stress is generally unpredictable. Fortunately, most Bulgarian dictionaries and language-books put the accent on the stressed syllable. | | Stress is generally unpredictable. Fortunately, most Bulgarian dictionaries and language-books put the accent on the stressed syllable. |
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| − | ===Vowels=== | + | == Grammar == |
| − | Unstressed "а" and "ъ", "о" and "у", "е" and "и" tend to be shorter and weaker compared to their stressed counterparts, approaching each other, though without merging completely. You shall hear the 'ти' as a 'tchee' sound. Because the 't' becomes palatal and not said behind the teeth like in "ten"
| + | Bulgarian Grammar is very challenging and very demanding for an English speaker. Fortunately, speakers of [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]] and other Slavic languages will understand the grammar in no time as Bulgarian grammar is almost similar to Russian grammar. For trivia bluffs, 90% of Bulgarian vocabulary is similar to Russian and Ukrainian, giving native speakers of those languages a great advantage into learning Bulgarian or even speaking it. |
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| − | ; a ah : like in f'''a'''ther or c'''a'''r; when at the end of the word sounds like st'''u'''b | + | === Gender === |
| − | ; e eh : like in p'''e'''n or att'''e'''nd; it is shorter than in most other Slavic languages, especially Russian. | + | Bulgarian has three genders: Masculine, Feminine and Neuter. Identifying gender is easier than in [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]] or [[Ukrainian phrasebook|Ukrainian]]. Masculine nouns end in a consonant, Feminine nouns end in a or я, and neuter nouns end in o or e. There are no soft signs in Bulgarian, so Gender is pretty simple. |
| − | ; и ee : like in mach'''i'''ne or to b'''e''' | + | |
| − | ; o oh : like in m'''o'''re or sc'''o'''re; the unstressed "o" is less reduced than it is in Russian. | + | === Stress === |
| − | ; у oo : like in f'''u'''ll or b'''oo'''k | + | Stress in Bulgarian is irregular, just like [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. The stress can fall anywhere within a word, and all vowels suffer 'vowel reduction'. The best way to learn new words, is to learn them word for word, memorizing the position of the stress. Fortunately, in every dictionary or learning material, the stress is always indicated. |
| − | ; ъ uh : like in '''a'''bout (unstressed) or st'''u'''b (when stressed). Sounds just like the unstressed 'o' in Russian. | + | |
| | + | === Case === |
| | + | A Case system is virtually non-existant in modern Bulgarian. Instead, there are three noun inflections following three forms: Positive, Comparative, and Superlative, each following the four categories: Indefinite, Subject Definite, Object Definite and the Extended (Vocative). |
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| | + | === Verb System === |
| | + | The verb system is perhaps the most complicated feature in Modern Bulgarian, after the irregular stress, especially compared to other Slavic languages. The verb system contains two lexical aspects (imperfect and perfect), verb inflections for person, number and occasionally gender, nine verb tenses, three moods, four evidential cases, six non-finite verbal forms and an aorist. All these attract the typical language lover, and if you are considering to become fluent in Bulgarian, you have been officially warned about how difficult this beautiful language can be. |
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| | + | ==Vowels== |
| | + | Unstressed "а" and "ъ", "о" and "у", "е" and "и" tend to be shorter and weaker compared to their stressed counterparts, approaching each other, though without merging completely, presenting a challenge for Bulgarian learners. You shall hear the 'ти' as a 'tchee' sound. Because the 't' becomes palatal and not said behind the teeth like in "ten" |
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| | + | ; a ah [a]: like in f'''a'''ther or c'''a'''r (when stressed); when at the end of the word sounds like st'''u'''b. Sounds like "uh" as in the Bulgarian letter 'ъ' when unstressed. |
| | + | ; e eh [e]: like in p'''e'''n or att'''e'''nd (when stressed); Sounds like a weak 'ee' when unstressed. |
| | + | ; и ee [i]: like in mach'''i'''ne or to b'''e'''(when stressed); Sounds like a weak 'eh' as in the Bulgarian letter 'e' when unstressed. |
| | + | ; o oh [כ]: like in m'''o'''re or sc'''o'''re (when stressed); Sounds like a weak 'oo' when unstressed. |
| | + | ; у oo [u]: like in r'''u'''le or m'''oo'''n (when stressed); Sounds like a weak 'oh' when unstressed. |
| | + | ; ъ uh [ə]: like in '''a'''bout (unstressed) or st'''u'''b (when stressed). Sounds like a strong 'ah' when unstressed. This letter never appears at the start of a word, other than for the word "ъгъл", the Bulgarian word for "corner". |
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| | ===Semivowels=== | | ===Semivowels=== |
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| | Before a vowel (after another vowel or at the beginning of a word) denotes a diphthong like in "crayon" or "yes". After a vowel at the end of the word similar to English 'y' as in "play" or "fly". Can be used only next to vowels and not before or after a consonant. | | Before a vowel (after another vowel or at the beginning of a word) denotes a diphthong like in "crayon" or "yes". After a vowel at the end of the word similar to English 'y' as in "play" or "fly". Can be used only next to vowels and not before or after a consonant. |
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| − | ===Consonants===
| + | ==Consonants== |
| | Voiced consonants at the end of a word are pronounced as voiceless. | | Voiced consonants at the end of a word are pronounced as voiceless. |
| | ; б bə : like in '''b'''oy or ru'''bb'''ish, on the end of a word pronounced "p" | | ; б bə : like in '''b'''oy or ru'''bb'''ish, on the end of a word pronounced "p" |
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| | ===Common diphthongs=== | | ===Common diphthongs=== |
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| − | ; NOTE : Middle or end of words they are: я-ia, йе-ie, йо/ьo-io and ю-iu | + | ; NOTE : In the middle or end of words, they are я-ia, йе-ie, йо/ьo-io and ю-iu |
| − | ; я yah : like in '''ya'''cht or German '''Ja''' | + | ; я yah : like in '''ya'''cht or German '''Ja''' (when stressed); Sounds like 'yuh' when unstressed. |
| | ; йе yeh : like in '''ye'''s or '''ye'''llow | | ; йе yeh : like in '''ye'''s or '''ye'''llow |
| | ; йо/ьo yoh : like in '''yo'''gurt or co'''yo'''te. The latter is usually stressed | | ; йо/ьo yoh : like in '''yo'''gurt or co'''yo'''te. The latter is usually stressed |
| | ; ю yoo : like in '''you''' or c'''u'''te | | ; ю yoo : like in '''you''' or c'''u'''te |
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| − | Note that 'ю' and 'я' denote diphthongs [yoo] and [yah] after a vowel and at the beginning of a word, and tend to be pronounced 'ia' or 'io' in the middle or end of the word. The soft sign will not be included here as it has been very rarely used since 1945. | + | Note that 'ю' and 'я' denote diphthongs [yoo] and [yah] after a vowel and at the beginning of a word, and tend to be pronounced 'ia' or 'io' in the middle or end of the word. The soft sign will not be included here as it is very rarely used since 1945. |
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| | ==Phrase list== | | ==Phrase list== |
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| | ===Basics=== | | ===Basics=== |
| − | ; Hello. : Здравейте. (''zdrah-VEY-teh'') | + | |
| − | ; Hello. (''informal, to close friend'') : Здравей. (''ZDRAH-vey'') | + | {{infobox|Common signs| |
| − | ; Hi. (''informal, to close friend'') : Здрасти. (''ZDRAHS-tee'') | + | ; OPEN : ОТВОРЕНО (''oht-VOH-reh-noh'') [כt´vכrenכ] |
| − | ; How are you? : Как сте? (''kahk steh?'') | + | ; CLOSED : ЗАТВОРЕНО (''zaht-VOH-reh-noh'') [zat´vכrenכ] |
| − | ; How are you? (''informal'') : Как си? (''kahk see?'') | + | ; ENTRANCE : ВХОД (''vkhohd'') [´vhכd] |
| | + | ; EXIT : ИЗХОД (''EEZ-khohd'') [´izhכd] |
| | + | ; PUSH : БУТНИ (''boot-NEE'') [but´ni] |
| | + | ; PULL : ДРЪПНИ (''drup-NEE'') [drəp´ni] |
| | + | ; TOILET : ТОАЛЕТНА (''toh-ah-LEHT-nuh'') [tכa´letna] |
| | + | ; MEN : МЪЖЕ (''muh-ZHEH'') [mə´ζe] |
| | + | ; WOMEN : ЖЕНИ (''zheh-NEE'') [ζe´ni] |
| | + | ; FORBIDDEN : ЗАБРАНЕНО (''zah-brah-NEH-noh'') [zabra´nenכ]}} |
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| | + | ; Hello. : Здравейте. (''zdrah-VEY-teh'') [zdra´veite] |
| | + | ; Hello. (''informal, to close friend'') : Здравей. (''zdrah-VEY'') [zdra´vei] |
| | + | ; Hi. (''informal, to close friend'') : Здрасти. (''ZDRAHS-tee'') [´zdrasti] |
| | + | ; How are you? : Как сте? (''KAHK steh?'') |
| | + | ; How are you? (''informal'') : Как си? (''KAHK see?'') |
| | ; Fine, thank you. : Добре, благодаря. (''doh-BREH, blah-goh-dah-RYUH'') | | ; Fine, thank you. : Добре, благодаря. (''doh-BREH, blah-goh-dah-RYUH'') |
| | ; How do they call you? (''informal'') : Как се казваш? (''kahk seh KAHZ-vash?'') | | ; How do they call you? (''informal'') : Как се казваш? (''kahk seh KAHZ-vash?'') |
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| | ; Monday : понеделник (''poh-neh-DEHL-neek'') | | ; Monday : понеделник (''poh-neh-DEHL-neek'') |
| − | ; Tuesday : втopник (''FTOHR-neek'') | + | ; Tuesday : втopник (''VTOHR-neek'') |
| | ; Wednesday : cpядa (''SRYAH-dah'') | | ; Wednesday : cpядa (''SRYAH-dah'') |
| | ; Thurday : чeтвъpтък (''cheht-VUHR-tuhk'') | | ; Thurday : чeтвъpтък (''cheht-VUHR-tuhk'') |
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| | Bulgarian uses 'military' time, as is standard in European countries, often with a period instead of colon and with 'ч.' [for 'chahSUH', 'hour'] following (i.e. 1:00 p.m. is 13.00 ч., 9:47 a.m. is 09.47 ч.) In writing or when speaking of official times, such as concerts, plays or transportation, the 24-hour clock is always used, in speech the 12-hour clock is sometimes used when there is little possibility for misunderstanding. | | Bulgarian uses 'military' time, as is standard in European countries, often with a period instead of colon and with 'ч.' [for 'chahSUH', 'hour'] following (i.e. 1:00 p.m. is 13.00 ч., 9:47 a.m. is 09.47 ч.) In writing or when speaking of official times, such as concerts, plays or transportation, the 24-hour clock is always used, in speech the 12-hour clock is sometimes used when there is little possibility for misunderstanding. |
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| − | Clock time is a bit beyond the scope of a phrasebook in complexity for most languages, but in Bulgarian, the minutes can be referred to in half-hours or specific minutes. In addition, constructions such as "a quarter to six" are used (literally "6 minus 15"). | + | Clock time is a bit beyond the scope of a phrasebook in complexity for most languages, but in Bulgarian, the minutes can be referred to in half-hours or specific minutes. In addition, constructions such as "a quarter to six" are used (literally "6 bez 15"). |
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| | The 'T' in 'chah-SUHT' (o'clock ''часът'') may only be pronounced if it is the beginning of the sentence, and usually not then unless the speaker is trying to be especially official. The 'V' meaning 'in [time]' or 'at [o'clock]' is usually pronounced 'F' before vowels and if there is difficulty or confusion is pronounced with an extra syllable like 'vuhf' or 'vuv' (depending on the following letter). This is displayed in the examples below. | | The 'T' in 'chah-SUHT' (o'clock ''часът'') may only be pronounced if it is the beginning of the sentence, and usually not then unless the speaker is trying to be especially official. The 'V' meaning 'in [time]' or 'at [o'clock]' is usually pronounced 'F' before vowels and if there is difficulty or confusion is pronounced with an extra syllable like 'vuhf' or 'vuv' (depending on the following letter). This is displayed in the examples below. |
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| | ====Directions==== | | ====Directions==== |
| − | ; How do I/we get to _____ by bus/subway/train? : Как да стигна/стигнем до _____ с автобус/метро/влак? (''kahk da STEEG-nuh/STEEG-nehm doh _____ sahf-toh-BOOS/smeh-TROH/zvlahk?'') | + | ; How do I/we get to _____ by bus/subway/train? : Как да стигна/стигнем до _____ с автобус/метро/влак? (''kahk dah STEEG-nuh/STEEG-nehm doh _____ sahf-toh-BOOS/meh-TROH/vlahk?'') |
| | ; ...the main train station? : ...централна гара? (''tsehn-TRAHL-nah GAH-rah?'') | | ; ...the main train station? : ...централна гара? (''tsehn-TRAHL-nah GAH-rah?'') |
| | ; ...the bus station? : ...автогара? (''...AHF-toh-gah-rah?'') | | ; ...the bus station? : ...автогара? (''...AHF-toh-gah-rah?'') |
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| | ; Do you have any rooms available? : Имате ли свободни стаи? (''EE-mah-teh lee svoh-BOHD-nee STAI'') | | ; Do you have any rooms available? : Имате ли свободни стаи? (''EE-mah-teh lee svoh-BOHD-nee STAI'') |
| | ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : Колко струва една стая за един човек/двама души? (''KOHL-koh STROO-vah EHD-nah STAH-ya zah EH-deen CHOH-vehk/DVAH-mah DOO-shih?'') | | ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : Колко струва една стая за един човек/двама души? (''KOHL-koh STROO-vah EHD-nah STAH-ya zah EH-deen CHOH-vehk/DVAH-mah DOO-shih?'') |
| − | ; Does the room come with... : Има ли в стаята дойде с ... (''ee-MAH lee vuh STAH-ia-tuh DOY-deh suh...'') | + | ; Does the room come with... : Има ли в стаята ... (''ee-MAH lee vuh STAH-ia-tuh ...'') |
| − | ; ...bedsheets? : ...листове? (''lees-TOH-veh?'') | + | ; ...bedsheets? : ...чаршафи? (''tchar-SHAH-fi?'') |
| | ; ...a bathroom? : ...баня? (''bah-NYAH'') | | ; ...a bathroom? : ...баня? (''bah-NYAH'') |
| | ; ...a telephone? : ...телефон? (''teh-leh-FOHN'') | | ; ...a telephone? : ...телефон? (''teh-leh-FOHN'') |
| − | ; ...a TV? : ...телевизията? (''teh-leh-vee-ZYIAH-tah'') | + | ; ...a TV? : ...телевизия? (''teh-leh-vee-ZYIAH'') |
| − | ; May I see the room first? : Мога ли да видя първата стая? (''MOH-guh lee duh bee-DYAH puhr-vah-TUH staia?'') | + | ; May I see the room first? : Мога ли да видя стаята първо? (''MOH-guh lee duh vee-DYAH sta-IA-tah pur-VOH?'') |
| − | ; Do you have anything quieter? : Имате ли нещо по-тихи? (''EE-mah-teh lee NEHSH-toh poh-TEE-khee?'') | + | ; Do you have anything quieter? : Имате ли нещо по-тихо? (''EE-mah-teh lee NEHSH-toh poh-TEE-khoh?'') |
| − | ; ...bigger? : ...по-голям? (''POH-goh-lyahm?'') | + | ; ...bigger? : ...по-голямо? (''POH-goh-lyahm?'') |
| − | ; ...cleaner? : ...чист? (''cheest?'') | + | ; ...cleaner? : ...чисто? (''cheest?'') |
| | ; ...cheaper? : ...по-евтино? (''POH-ehv-tee-noh?'') | | ; ...cheaper? : ...по-евтино? (''POH-ehv-tee-noh?'') |
| − | ; OK, I'll take it. : Добре, аз ще го взема. (''doh-BROH, ahz shteh goh VZEH-mah'') | + | ; OK, I'll take it. : Добре, аз ще я наема. (''doh-BREH, ahz shteh ia nah-EH-mah'') |
| | ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : Аз ще остана за _____ нощ/нощувки (''ahz shteh ohs-tah-NAH zah...nohsht/noh-SHOOF-kee'') | | ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : Аз ще остана за _____ нощ/нощувки (''ahz shteh ohs-tah-NAH zah...nohsht/noh-SHOOF-kee'') |
| − | ; Can you suggest another hotel? : Можете ли да предполагат друг хотел? (''moh-ZHEH-teh lee duh prehd-poh-LAH-guht droog khoh-TEHL?'') | + | ; Can you suggest another hotel? : Можете ли да предложите друг хотел? (''moh-ZHEH-teh lee duh prehd-LOH-zhite droog khoh-TEHL?'') |
| − | ; Do you have a safe? : Имате ли по-безопасно? (''EE-mah-teh lee poh-beh-zoh-PAHS-noh?'') | + | ; Do you have a safe? : Имате ли сейф? (''EE-mah-teh lee safe'') |
| | ; ...lockers? : ...шкафчета? (''shkahf-CHEH-tah?'') | | ; ...lockers? : ...шкафчета? (''shkahf-CHEH-tah?'') |
| − | ; Is breakfast/supper included? : Има закуска/вечеря включени? (''ee-MAH zah-KOOS-kuh/veh-CHEH-ryah vklyoo-CHEH-nee?'') | + | ; Is breakfast/supper included? : Има закуска/вечеря включена? (''ee-MAH zah-KOOS-kuh/veh-CHEH-ryah vklyoo-CHEH-nah?'') |
| − | ; What time is breakfast/supper? : По кое време е закуска/вечеря? (''poh koh-EH vreh-MEH eh zah-KOOS-kuh/veh-CHEH-ryah?'') | + | ; What time is breakfast/supper? : По кое време е закуската/вечерята? (''poh koh-EH vreh-MEH eh zah-KOOS-kuh-tah/veh-CHEH-ryah-tah?'') |
| − | ; Please clean my room. : Моля, чисти стаята ми. (''moh-LYAH, chees-TEE stah-IA-tuh mee'') | + | ; Please clean my room. : Моля, почистете стаята ми. (''moh-LYAH, poh-chees-TE-teh stah-IA-tuh mee'') |
| − | ; Can you wake me at _____? : Можеш ли да ме събуди в _____? (''moh-ZHEHSH lee dah meh suh-BOO-dee vuh...?'') | + | ; Can you wake me at _____? : Можете ли да ме събудите в _____? (''moh-ZHEH-teh lee dah meh suh-BOO-dee-teh vuh...?'') |
| | ; I want to check out. : Искам да проверя. (''ees-KAHM dah proh-VEH-ryah'') | | ; I want to check out. : Искам да проверя. (''ees-KAHM dah proh-VEH-ryah'') |
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| | ===Eating=== | | ===Eating=== |
| | | | |
| − | ; A table for one person/two people, please. : Таблица за един човек/двама души, моля. (''tah-BLEE-tsuh zuh eh-DEEN choh-VEHK/dvah-MUH doo-SHEE, moh-LYUH'') | + | ; A table for one person/two people, please. : Маса за един човек/двама души, моля. ('MA-sa' zuh eh-DEEN choh-VEHK/dvah-MUH doo-SHEE, moh-LYUH'') |
| | ; Can I look at the menu, please? : Мога ли да видя в менюто, моля? (''moh-GUH lee duh vee-DYAH vuh meh-NYOO-toh, moh-LYAH'') | | ; Can I look at the menu, please? : Мога ли да видя в менюто, моля? (''moh-GUH lee duh vee-DYAH vuh meh-NYOO-toh, moh-LYAH'') |
| | ; Can I look in the kitchen? : Мога ли да погледна в кухнята? (''moh-GUH lee duh poh-GLEHD-nuh vuh koo-KHNYAH-tuh?'') | | ; Can I look in the kitchen? : Мога ли да погледна в кухнята? (''moh-GUH lee duh poh-GLEHD-nuh vuh koo-KHNYAH-tuh?'') |
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| | ; tea (''meal'') : чай (''chai'') | | ; tea (''meal'') : чай (''chai'') |
| | ; dinner/supper : вечеря (''veh-CHEH-ryah'') | | ; dinner/supper : вечеря (''veh-CHEH-ryah'') |
| − | ; I want _____. : I want _____. (''...'') | + | ; I want _____. : Искам _____. (''EES-kahm'') |
| − | ; I want a dish containing _____. : I want a dish containing _____. (''...'') | + | ; I want a dish containing _____. : Искам ястие, съдържащи_____. (''EES-kahm YAHS-tyeh, suh-duhr-ZHAH-shtee'') |
| − | ; chicken : chicken (''...'') | + | ; chicken : пилешко месо (''pee-LEHSH-koh MEH-soh'') |
| − | ; beef : beef (''...'') | + | ; beef : говеждо месо (''goh-VEHZH-doh MEH-soh'') |
| − | ; fish : fish (''...'') | + | ; fish : риба (''REE-buh'') |
| − | ; ham : ham (''...'') | + | ; ham : шунка (''SHOON-kah'') |
| − | ; sausage : sausage (''...'') | + | ; sausage : наденица (''NAH-deh-nee-tsah'') |
| − | ; cheese : cheese (''...'') | + | ; cheese : сирене (''SEE-reh-neh'') |
| − | ; eggs : eggs (''...'') | + | ; eggs : яйца (''yai-TSAH'') |
| − | ; salad : salad (''...'') | + | ; salad : салата (''sah-LAH-tah'') |
| − | ; (fresh) vegetables : (fresh) vegetables (''...'') | + | ; (fresh) vegetables : (пресни) зеленчуци (''PREHS-nee) zeh-lehn-CHOO-tsee'') |
| − | ; (fresh) fruit : (fresh) fruit (''...'') | + | ; (fresh) fruit : (пресни) плодове (''(PREHS-nee) PLOH-doh-veh'') |
| − | ; bread : bread (''...'') | + | ; bread : хляб (''khlyahb'') |
| − | ; toast : toast (''...'') | + | ; toast : тост (''tohst'') |
| − | ; noodles : noodles (''...'') | + | ; noodles : юфка (''YOOF-kah'') |
| − | ; rice : rice (''...'') | + | ; rice : ориз (''OH-reez'') |
| − | ; beans : beans (''...'') | + | ; beans : боб (''bohb'') |
| − | ; May I have a glass of _____? : May I have a glass of _____? (''...'') | + | ; May I have a glass of _____? : Може ли една чаша _____? (''MOH-zheh lee ehd-NAH CHAH-shah....?'') |
| − | ; May I have a cup of _____? : May I have a cup of _____? (''...'') | + | ; May I have a cup of _____? : Може ли една купа _____? (''MOH-zheh lee ehd-NAH koo-PUH....?'') |
| − | ; May I have a bottle of _____? : May I have a bottle of _____? (''...'') | + | ; May I have a bottle of _____? : Може ли една бутилка _____? (''MOH-zheh lee ehd-NAH boo-TEEL-kah...?'') |
| | ; coffee : кафе (''kah-FEH'') | | ; coffee : кафе (''kah-FEH'') |
| | ; tea (''drink'') : чай (''chai'') | | ; tea (''drink'') : чай (''chai'') |
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| | ; You're cheating me. : Вие сте ми изневерява. (''vyeh steh mee eez-neh-VEH-ryah-vuh'') | | ; You're cheating me. : Вие сте ми изневерява. (''vyeh steh mee eez-neh-VEH-ryah-vuh'') |
| | ; I'm not interested. : Аз не се интересувам. (''ahz neh seh een-teh-reh-SOO-vahm'') | | ; I'm not interested. : Аз не се интересувам. (''ahz neh seh een-teh-reh-SOO-vahm'') |
| − | ; OK, I'll take it. : OK, I'll take it. (''...'') | + | ; OK, I'll take it. : Добре, аз ще го взема. (''doh-BROH, ahz meh goh VZEH-muh'') |
| − | ; Can I have a bag? : Can I have a bag? (''...'') | + | ; Can I have a bag? : Може ли една чанта? (''MOH-zheh lee ehd-NAH CHAHN-tah?'') |
| − | ; Do you ship (overseas)? : Do you ship (overseas)? (''...'') | + | ; Do you ship (overseas)? : Имате ли кораба (чужбина)? (''EE-mah-teh lee koh-RAH-buh(choozh-BEE-nuh)?'') |
| − | ; I need... : I need... (''...'') | + | ; I need... : Имам нужда... (''EE-mahm NUZH-duh...'') |
| − | ; ...toothpaste. : ...toothpaste. (''...'') | + | ; ...toothpaste. : ...паста за зъби (''PAHS-tah zah ZUH-bee'') |
| − | ; ...a toothbrush. : ...a toothbrush. (''...'') | + | ; ...a toothbrush. : ...четка за зъби (''CHEHT-kah zah ZUH-bee'') |
| − | ; ...tampons. : ...tampons. (''...'') | + | ; ...tampons. : ...тампони (''tahm-POH-nee'') |
| − | ; ...soap. : ...soap. (''...'') | + | ; ...feminine napkins. : ...дамски превръзки. (''DAMS-kee pre-VRUHZ-kee'') |
| − | ; ...shampoo. : ...shampoo. (''...'') | + | ; ...soap. : ...сапун. (''sah-POON'') |
| − | ; ...pain reliever. (''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'') : ...pain reliever. (''...'') | + | ; ...deodorant. : ...дезодорант. (''deh-zoh-DOH-rahnt'') |
| − | ; ...cold medicine. : ...cold medicine. (''...'') | + | ; ...shampoo. : ...шампоан. (''shahm-poh-AHN'') |
| − | ; ...stomach medicine. : ...stomach medicine. (''...'') | + | ; ...perfume. : ...парфюм. (''pahr-FYOOM'') |
| − | ; ...a razor. : ...a razor. (''...'') | + | ; ...pain reliever. (''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'') : ...облекчаване на болката. (''oh-blehk-chah-VAH-neh nah bohl-KAH-tah'') |
| − | ; ...an umbrella. : ...an umbrella. (''...'') | + | ; ...cold medicine. : ...лекарство за простуда. (''leh-KAHRST-voh zah proh-STUH-dah'') |
| − | ; ...sunblock lotion. : ...sunblock lotion. (''...'') | + | ; ...stomach medicine. : ...лекарство за стомах. (''leh-KAHRST-voh zah stoh-MAKH'') |
| − | ; ...a postcard. : ...a postcard. (''...'') | + | ; ...a razor. : ...бръснач (''BRUHS-nahch'') |
| | + | ; ...shaving cream. : ...Крем за бръснене. (''krehm zah bruhs-NEH-neh'') |
| | + | ; ...an umbrella. : ...чадър. (''chah-DUHR'') |
| | + | ; ...sunscreen. : ...слънцезащитен крем (''sluhn-tseh-zahsh-TEE-tehn krehm'') |
| | + | ; ...a postcard. : ...пощенска картичка. (''pohsh-TEHNS-kah kahr-TEESH-kah'') |
| | ; ...postage stamps. : ...пощенски марки. (''poh-SHTEHNS-kee MAHR-kee'') | | ; ...postage stamps. : ...пощенски марки. (''poh-SHTEHNS-kee MAHR-kee'') |
| | ; ...batteries. : ...батерии. (''bah-TEH-rii'') | | ; ...batteries. : ...батерии. (''bah-TEH-rii'') |
| | ; ...writing paper. : ...хартия за писане. (''khahrt-NYAH zah pee-SAH-neh'') | | ; ...writing paper. : ...хартия за писане. (''khahrt-NYAH zah pee-SAH-neh'') |
| | ; ...a pen. : ...писалка (''pee-sahl-KAH'') | | ; ...a pen. : ...писалка (''pee-sahl-KAH'') |
| − | ; ...English-language books. : ...Английски език книги. (''ahn-GLIYS-kee eh-ZEEK KNEE-gee'') | + | ; ...a pencil. : ...молив. (''MOH-leef'') |
| − | ; ...English-language magazines. : ...Английски език списания. (''ahn-GLIYS-kee eh-ZEEK spee-SAH-nyah'') | + | ; ...English-language books. : ...книги на английски език. (''KNEE-gee nah ahn-GLIYS-kee eh-ZEEK'') |
| | + | ; ...English-language magazines. : ...Английски език списания. (''spee-SAH-nyah nah ahn-GLIYS-kee eh-ZEEK'') |
| | ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ...на английски език вестник. (''nah ahn-GLIYS-kee eh-ZEEK VEHST-neek'') | | ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ...на английски език вестник. (''nah ahn-GLIYS-kee eh-ZEEK VEHST-neek'') |
| | ; ...an English-Bulgarian dictionary. : ... английско-български речник. (''ahn-GLIYS-koh-buhl-GAHRS-kee rehch-NEEK'') | | ; ...an English-Bulgarian dictionary. : ... английско-български речник. (''ahn-GLIYS-koh-buhl-GAHRS-kee rehch-NEEK'') |
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| | [[es: Guia de conversación búlgaro]] | | [[es: Guia de conversación búlgaro]] |
| | [[ru:Болгарский разговорник]] | | [[ru:Болгарский разговорник]] |
| | + | |
| | + | {{guidephrasebook}} |
| | + | {{phrasebookguide}} |
Most Bulgarian verbs carry inflection suffixes while some modal verbs use different words (typical example, the verb "съм" / "to be"). There are fewer verb tenses than in English with present, past, past continuous and future being the most commonly used, but the Slavic imperfective and perfective 'aspects' are present.
Nouns have three genders, and pronouns have genders. Adjectives must agree with the noun they modify and the first adjective takes the definite article if present. Those familiar with other Balto-Slavic languages will be surprised to discover that the noun cases are missing (except for a few vocatives) and replaced by prepositions and definite articles as post-positions like Romanian and Turkish. Unlike other Slavic languages, the infinitive ha fallen out of use (which always ended in -ти). You may say "иcкaм гoвopити" (I want to speak) over "иcкaм дa гoвopя" and be understood, but the locals may think you sound archaic or speak another Slavic language.
There are separate pronouns for "you": singular '"ти'" ("tchee") and the plural "'вие'" (vee-eh). The formal 'you' is the plural form with first letter capitalized ("Вие"). Like all other Slavic languages (as well as the Romance ones), the pronoun is usually ommitted due to context. Many times the 'л' will sound like a 'w' sound.
Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and the language is famous for introducing this writing system which Russian, the other East Slavic languages and Serbo-Croatian (and other non-Slavic languages as well) would adopt later, the latter with considerable differences. The language is usually phonetic though there are few sounds denoted by digraphs and few combinations denoted by a single letter.
Stress is generally unpredictable. Fortunately, most Bulgarian dictionaries and language-books put the accent on the stressed syllable.
Bulgarian Grammar is very challenging and very demanding for an English speaker. Fortunately, speakers of Russian and other Slavic languages will understand the grammar in no time as Bulgarian grammar is almost similar to Russian grammar. For trivia bluffs, 90% of Bulgarian vocabulary is similar to Russian and Ukrainian, giving native speakers of those languages a great advantage into learning Bulgarian or even speaking it.
Bulgarian has three genders: Masculine, Feminine and Neuter. Identifying gender is easier than in Russian or Ukrainian. Masculine nouns end in a consonant, Feminine nouns end in a or я, and neuter nouns end in o or e. There are no soft signs in Bulgarian, so Gender is pretty simple.
A Case system is virtually non-existant in modern Bulgarian. Instead, there are three noun inflections following three forms: Positive, Comparative, and Superlative, each following the four categories: Indefinite, Subject Definite, Object Definite and the Extended (Vocative).
The verb system is perhaps the most complicated feature in Modern Bulgarian, after the irregular stress, especially compared to other Slavic languages. The verb system contains two lexical aspects (imperfect and perfect), verb inflections for person, number and occasionally gender, nine verb tenses, three moods, four evidential cases, six non-finite verbal forms and an aorist. All these attract the typical language lover, and if you are considering to become fluent in Bulgarian, you have been officially warned about how difficult this beautiful language can be.
Unstressed "а" and "ъ", "о" and "у", "е" and "и" tend to be shorter and weaker compared to their stressed counterparts, approaching each other, though without merging completely, presenting a challenge for Bulgarian learners. You shall hear the 'ти' as a 'tchee' sound. Because the 't' becomes palatal and not said behind the teeth like in "ten"
Before a vowel (after another vowel or at the beginning of a word) denotes a diphthong like in "crayon" or "yes". After a vowel at the end of the word similar to English 'y' as in "play" or "fly". Can be used only next to vowels and not before or after a consonant.
Voiced consonants at the end of a word are pronounced as voiceless.
Note that 'ю' and 'я' denote diphthongs [yoo] and [yah] after a vowel and at the beginning of a word, and tend to be pronounced 'ia' or 'io' in the middle or end of the word. The soft sign will not be included here as it is very rarely used since 1945.
There are longer 'formal' versions of the numbers after 10, but they are not normally used in spoken Bulgarian, even on television or by highly educated people such as university professors and literary people. Interestingly, 'thousand' is imported from Greek 'hilyades', not the Slavic 'tisushta' (Russian tysyacha).
The 'people' versions of numbers are used for instance in a restaurant. How many people? Three. Колко души ще бъде? Трима. (KOHL-koh DOO-shee shteh BUH-de? TREE-mah)
Bulgarian uses 'military' time, as is standard in European countries, often with a period instead of colon and with 'ч.' [for 'chahSUH', 'hour'] following (i.e. 1:00 p.m. is 13.00 ч., 9:47 a.m. is 09.47 ч.) In writing or when speaking of official times, such as concerts, plays or transportation, the 24-hour clock is always used, in speech the 12-hour clock is sometimes used when there is little possibility for misunderstanding.
Clock time is a bit beyond the scope of a phrasebook in complexity for most languages, but in Bulgarian, the minutes can be referred to in half-hours or specific minutes. In addition, constructions such as "a quarter to six" are used (literally "6 bez 15").
Dates are spoken using ordinal numbers, i.e. January first, 2008 is literally 'First January, 2008'. The order is European: Day, Month, Year. The month is sometimes expressed in Roman numerals. Names of days and months are not capitalized (unless at the beginning of a sentence).
The colors in Bulgarian come in feminine, masculine and neuter forms.
In Bulgaria, the customer is not always right. At a taxi stand, you must first ask the driver if he/she will take you where you want to go. If the window is closed, open the front passenger door to ask. You also do not need to take the first taxi in the stand. If there is a company you prefer, walk to that taxi or check the prices on the windows. If there is no one in any of the taxis but you see people standing (talking, waiting, smoking) nearby, you can ask them to be taken the same way (second phrase) and one will accept.