Unification Day marks the date that Bulgaria, after a time of separation under the Treaty of Berlin, experienced unification in 1885.
So when did Bulgaria gain independence? The country had gained independence from the Ottoman Empire just a few years earlier in 1878. Essentially, the Unification of Bulgaria furthered Bulgaria independence, and created a more stable, strengthened nation.
In this article, you’ll learn the history and events surrounding Unification Day, and delve into Bulgarian celebrations of this holiday.
At BulgarianPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative. So let’s get started!
1. What is Bulgarian Unification Day?
This day commemorates the unification of Southern Bulgaria, then known as Eastern Rumelia and under Ottoman control, with the independent Principality of Bulgaria in 1885.
The Unification of Bulgaria was an act necessary for the integrity of the Bulgarian state. The 1878 Treaty of Berlin enacted the separation of Bulgaria and the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. In doing this, the treaty actually tore the national integrity of the Bulgarian people.
The Bulgarians, however, did not accept this separation. They started acting to annex Eastern Rumelia, which, in accordance with the treaty, was an autonomous province under the authority of the Ottoman Empire, to the Principality of Bulgaria.
The Unification of Bulgaria was conducted by the so-called Bulgarian Secret Central Revolutionary Committee (BSCRC). Certain cities in Eastern Rumelia rose in revolt and this led to a military coup d’état on September 6, 1885.
This coup received support from Prince Alexander I—the first Bulgarian prince after the Liberation of Bulgaria. So the Unification was realized on this date, but received international recognition months later.
2. When is Bulgarian Unification Day?
Each year on 6 September, Bulgarians celebrate Unification Day.
3. Bulgarian Celebrations for Unification Day
Today, on Unification Day, Bulgarians celebrate with various events in the capital and in Plovdiv—a chief city in the historic events around the Unification—as well as in other cities such as Varna, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Kyustendil, Sliven, and Vidin.
In Sofia, in front of the ossuary mausoleum of Prince Alexander I Battenberg, on Vasil Levski Boulevard, people deliver speeches for the occasion. As with the celebration of the Liberation, on this day too, a solemn changing of the sentry of honor in front of the Presidency takes place.
Although the name Eastern Rumelia creates the impression that this is the eastern part of Bulgaria, Eastern Rumelia is actually part of modern-day South Bulgaria, stretching between the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope Mountains.
5. Useful Vocabulary for Unification Day in Bulgaria
Here’s some vocabulary you need to know for Unification Day in Bulgaria!
How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn About Bulgarian Culture
We hope you enjoyed learning about Bulgarian Unification Day with us! Are there any similar holidays or observations in your own country? Tell us about it in the comments; we always look forward to hearing from you!
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Oftentimes, body language allows us to express our thoughts and feelings more effectively than words can. Each country has its own set of body postures, hand gestures, facial expressions, and different physical movements—each one conveying its own nuanced meaning. Since gestures can be funny, positive, neutral, or even rude, it’s important to have a solid understanding of a culture’s body language before trying to use it yourself!
If you plan on visiting Bulgaria, becoming familiar with the most common Bulgarian gestures is just as important as learning the language. Doing so will help you avoid accidentally offending someone, equip you with the knowledge you need to immerse yourself in the culture, and allow you to better understand what a native speaker is saying (even if you don’t know all the words they’re using).
So, how can you understand the hidden message that your Bulgarian interlocutor is trying to convey through body language?
In this comprehensive guide to Bulgarian body gestures, BulgarianPod101 will answer all your questions. We’ve compiled a list of the most important gestures and expressions, along with detailed explanations of what they mean and when it’s appropriate to use them. We’ve also included a short practical test at the end to help you practice what you’ve learned.
Take it to the next level and start enjoying nonverbal communication in Bulgaria!
Raise and lower your shoulders. This body posture is usually accompanied by a facial expression of puzzlement, which includes raising your brows and clenching your mouth with the edges down. The facial expression is done while the shoulders are up. At the same time, the forearms are raised slightly upwards with the palms open.
Connotation:Funny
Where / When:
Imagine that someone has lost something and asks you whether you’ve seen it. If you don’t know, you could simply answer using this posture.
Example:
Your husband has to go to work, but he can’t find the car keys. He may ask you:
Виждала ли си ми ключовете за колата?
Vizhdala li si mi klyuchovete za kolata? “Have you seen my car keys?”
And when he looks at you, you could make this posture:
Note: Keep in mind that this is an informal body posture that may not be appropriate for serious situations. For example, if your husband is stressed because he’s late for work, he may find this posture very annoying. In situations like this, you might want to use one of these Bulgarian phrases instead:
Не знам. (Ne znam.) – “I don’t know.”
Нямам идея. (Nyamam ideya.) – “I have no idea.”
Нямам представа. (Nyamam predstava.) – “I have no clue.”
2 – Defensive posture
Meaning:“I don’t feel comfortable.”
How to do:
Cross your arms across your chest.
Connotation:Negative
Where / When:
This body posture indicates a lack of self-confidence. It closes off or “shields” the front of your body, which gives the message that you do not feel safe enough in the other person’s presence and that you’ve taken a defensive position in the conversation. Another meaning of this posture is that you have something to hide from your interlocutor.
Example:
Your child comes home after having a terrible day at school—he had an argument with his best friend and got a bad grade in math. When you ask him how his day was, he may answer “so-so” while making this defensive body posture. If so, you may understand that something negative has happened to him but that he feels uncomfortable talking about it.
Горе-долу (Gore-dolu) – “So-so”
3 – Hiding posture
Meaning:“I am shy.” / “I’m embarrassed.”
How to do:
Place an object in front of your body while speaking with your interlocutor.
Connotation:Negative
Where / When:
It’s typical for people who are shy to try hiding behind an object. This shows their resistance to engage in the conversation, so it could be considered a negative body posture.
Example:
People who are more reserved or anxious may place a desk, a book, a laptop, or another object between themselves and the audience when speaking in a business meeting or business seminar. However, this shows a lack of confidence and gives the audience a negative impression of the speaker.
4 – Getting too close
Meaning:“I am too familiar with you.”
How to do:
Get too close to your interlocutor during the conversation.
Connotation:Offensive
Where / When:
While you want to be friendly during a conversation, your interlocutor might think it’s rude to invade their personal bubble; if you do this, it will make them feel very uncomfortable.
Note: Keep an appropriate distance of at least four feet (1.2 meters) from the person, unless they’re a close friend.
➢ Raise your hand above your head and wave by moving it from left to right and vice-versa. ➢ Raise your hand above your head and move your fingers. ➢ Raise your hand above your head with your fingers together and keep it still for a few seconds.
Connotation:Positive / Friendly
Where / When:
If you happen to see a friend or neighbor from a distance, you can simply wave hello to them in case you don’t have time to stop and greet them personally. Then, you can just go on with your errands or chores. Of course, you could also say:
Здравей. (Zdravey.) – “Hello.”
Здрасти. (Zdrasti.) – “Hi.”
Note: Keep in mind that these are informal hand gestures, so they would be inappropriate for formal meetings. In addition, the same gestures may be used to say goodbye. You can easily recognize whether someone is waving hello or goodbye based on the situation.
2 – Stop
Meaning:“Stop.”
How to do:
Raise your hand up with your fingers together and keep it still for a few seconds without waving.
Connotation:Negative
Where / When:
This is one of the hand gestures in Bulgaria that’s normally used by policemen trying to stop a car so they can check the driver; it might also be used by traffic controllers. This gesture is usually perceived as an order, so it has a negative connotation.
3 – Come here
Meaning:“Come here.”
How to do:
There are two ways to make this gesture:
➢ Raise your hand, turn your palm toward you, and fold and unfold your fingers a few times. ➢ Raise your hand, turn your palm toward you, make a fist (leaving the index finger out), and fold and unfold it a few times.
Connotation:Neutral / Rude
Where / When:
The first gesture can be used in any situation when you want to encourage someone to approach you. However, the second one is considered a rude Bulgarian gesture because it usually indicates that the other person has done something wrong and will be scolded.
Example:
Your kid has just broken the window with his ball after you repeated several times that he should not play with the ball in the backyard. You come outside and make the hand gesture for “Come here,” with an index finger. Seeing that gesture, your kid knows that he is in trouble and that a punishment will follow.
4 – Warning
Meaning: “Watch out!”
How to do:
Raise your hand, make a fist (leaving your index finger out), and wag your finger.
Connotation:Rude
Where / When:
This gesture is not appropriate for formal meetings. It’s typically used by a mother or father who wants to warn their child not to continue disobeying. Sometimes, Bulgarians say this while making the gesture:
Внимавай в картинката! (Vnimavay v kartinkata!)
Literally: “Pay attention to the picture!”
Translated as: “Watch out!”
5 – So-so
Meaning:“So-so” / “More or less”
How to do:
Place your hand in front of you, palm down, and tip it from left to right several times.
Connotation:NeutralHi
Where / When:
This gesture is a common response to the question:
Как си?
Kak si? “How are you?”
Instead of answering directly, someone might make this hand gesture. It means: “Not too bad, but not too good either.”
Note: This gesture is only used in casual situations.
6 – Crazy
Meaning: “He/she is crazy.”
How to do:
Rotate your index finger (with your other fingers slightly folded) on your temple.
Connotation:Funny / Rude
Where / When:
This gesture is very informal and could be really offensive to strangers. You could use it during a casual conversation with a close friend who has a good sense of humor (and who will not perceive the gesture as rude or offensive). It means something along the lines of: “You’re crazy, man,” or “You’re talking nonsense.”
7 – Money
Meaning:“Money”
How to do:
Touch your index and middle fingers with the thumb, and rub them together a few times.
Connotation:Funny
Where / When:
This is an informal hand gesture in Bulgaria that’s usually made when talking about someone who is very rich or to ask about the price of a specific product.
Example:
You see your friend driving a new car and make this funny gesture instead of asking him:
Колко струва?
Kolko struva? “How much does it cost?”
Interested in more shopping vocabulary? Then you might enjoy our lesson Shopping at the Dollar Store, where you can hear a short audio clip and read along to improve your comprehension skills.
8 – Shaking hands
Meaning:Good favor; desire for friendship
How to do:
Shake hands with your interlocutor, smile, and make eye contact.
Connotation:Positive
Where / When:
Bulgarian handshakes are brisk and firm, with one or two up-and-down movements while looking the person you’re greeting straight in the eyes. This is a common way to greet an acquaintance you haven’t seen for a long time, though it can also be used when you’re meeting someone for the first time.
9 – Feeling great
Meaning: “It’s going to be great.”
How to do:
Rub your palms together while keeping your fingers straight.
Connotation:Positive
Where / When:
This gesture is usually made when you expect something great to happen pretty soon.
Example:
During a birthday party, the mother announces that she is going to bring a chocolate cake to the kids, and they start rubbing their palms with pleasure.
10 – Pointing (Avoid this one!)
Pointing at someone is considered a rude gesture in Bulgaria. Children are taught not to do this from early childhood, so we consider it an inappropriate gesture for most occasions.
Instead of pointing with your index finger, you should extend your hand with all the fingers in the direction of the intended person, and slightly open your palm upward.
However, you can use your index finger to point to objects. For example, imagine you’re at the market and are choosing from different kinds of apples. If the seller asks you which one you want, you can show them using your finger.
3. Facial Expressions
Do you know what it means when Bulgarians shake their heads? Or how we express astonishment? Keep reading to learn the most important facial expressions in Bulgaria.
1 – Nodding for “Yes” and “No”
Many foreigners find the yes and no gestures of Bulgaria quite confusing because they mean the opposite of what they expect.
When is it “Yes“? Bulgarians shake their heads slightly from side to side in order to say “yes.”
When is it “No”? Bulgarians nod for “no.”
Yet, to ensure you understand them correctly, you can ask:
Да или не?
Da ili ne? “Yes or no?”
2 – Keep quiet
Meaning:“Keep quiet.”
How to do:
Extend your index finger and place it vertically across your mouth. You can also add a “Shhh” when necessary.
Connotation:Neutral
Where / When:
This is among the most common head gestures in Bulgaria, and it’s present in many other countries as well. You might use this gesture if you’re trying to listen to something, but someone is making too much noise.
3 – Astonishment
Meaning: You are very surprised.
How to do:
Raise your eyebrows and open your mouth. This is a natural facial expression we make when feeling genuinely surprised.
Connotation:Euphoric
Where / When:
Keep in mind that Bulgarians love to see the reactions of people when they surprise them. If you show your astonishment, joy, and gratitude for a gift or favor, you’ll make their day.
4. Different Physical Movements
Finally, let’s cover a few other gestures in Bulgaria that didn’t quite fit into the other categories.
1 – Being drunk
Meaning: “To be drunk”
How to do:
Place a thumb in front of your mouth and lift up your fist as if you were drinking from a bottle.
Connotation:Funny
Where / When:
This is a funny gesture with which you can show others that someone is drunk or even that you’re already drunk.
Example:
If you’re in company at the table and the host insists on pouring more alcohol for everyone, you could make this gesture to discourage him from doing so.
2 – Goodbye
Meaning: “Goodbye”
How to do:
Pat your interlocutor on the back at the end of the conversation.
Connotation:Funny
Where / When:
Usually, the one who is older pats their younger interlocutor on the back to show him/her their positive feelings and good wishes.
3 – Visual contact
In order to build a sincere and good relationship with your Bulgarian interlocutor, visual contact is very important; if you avoid looking them in the eye, they may think you’re hiding something. Yet, keep in mind that eye contact should not turn into staring—you don’t want to be considered inappropriate or aggressive.
5. Let’s Practice
You’ve learned numerous Bulgarian gestures by now, so it’s time to practice! Choose the correct answers for the following situations, and then check your answers at the end of this article.
You see your Bulgarian neighbor, who raises up his hand upon seeing you. What does he intend to express?
a. Stop and don’t go further.
b. Goodbye.
c. Hello.
Your Bulgarian friend has invited you to go to the cinema. You plan the date and time together, and he starts to rub his hands. What does this mean?
a. I am cold.
b. It’s going to be perfect.
c. I am not feeling confident.
You invite your Bulgarian friend to go bungee jumping this weekend. In response, he rotates his index finger on the side of his head. What does this mean?
a. You’re crazy, man!
b. I have a headache.
c. I am not feeling confident about your proposal.
You tell your friend that you have just bought a new bike. He rubs his index and middle fingers with his thumb. What does this mean?
a. That is great!
b. It’s going to be perfect.
c. How much does it cost?
You’re asking your friend how he is, and he makes a hand gesture with his palm down, tipping it from left to right a few times. What does this mean?
a. So-so.
b. I am not feeling confident.
c. Hello.
While you’re talking to someone, you see that he crosses his arms across his chest. What does this mean?
a. So-so.
b. I am cold.
с. I am not feeling confident.
You see one of your friends some distance away. He turns his palm toward himself, and then folds and unfolds his fingers a few times. What does this mean?
a. I am busy.
b. Come here.
с. So-so.
6. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian
We hope that this comprehensive guide to body language and gestures in Bulgaria will help you level up your skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers. Whether you’re a beginner looking to add some Bulgarian gestures to your conversations or an advanced learner hoping to converse more naturally, the information provided here is a great place to start.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to continue learning with us, create your free lifetime account on BulgarianPod101.com today. We provide our students with a range of learning and study materials, including free vocabulary lists and audio/video lessons for every level. To get the most out of your study time, consider upgrading to Premium PLUS to take advantage of our MyTeacher service—you’ll get to study and practice 1-on-1 with your own personal teacher, who can help you through any difficulties you face while studying Bulgarian.
We would love to hear your feedback about this Bulgarian gestures overview. Did you find it difficult or easy to understand? Do you plan to add some of these Bulgarian hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions to your daily conversations with Bulgarians?Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
And now it’s time to check your answers to the practical exercise given above.
7. Answers to Practical Exercise
You see your Bulgarian neighbor, who raises up his hand upon seeing you. What does he intend to express?
a. Stop and don’t go further.
b. Goodbye.
c. Hello.
Your Bulgarian friend has invited you to go to the cinema. You plan the date and time together, and he starts to rub his hands. What does this mean?
a. I am cold.
b. It’s going to be perfect. c. I am not feeling confident.
You invite your Bulgarian friend to go bungee jumping this weekend. In response, he rotates his index finger on the side of his head. What does this mean?
a. You’re crazy, man! b. I have a headache.
c. I am not feeling confident about your proposal.
You tell your friend that you have just bought a new bike. He rubs his index and middle fingers with his thumb. What does this mean?
a. That is great!
b. It’s going to be perfect.
c. How much does it cost?
You’re asking your friend how he is, and he makes a hand gesture with his palm down, tipping it from left to right a few times. What does this mean?
a. So-so. b. I am not feeling confident.
c. Hello.
While you’re talking to someone, you see that he crosses his arms across his chest. What does this mean?
a. So-so.
b. I am cold.
с. I am not feeling confident.
You see one of your friends some distance away. He turns his palm toward himself, and then folds and unfolds his fingers a few times. What does this mean?
Internet slang is a relatively new way of communication that was first registered in the so-called Jargon File by Raphael Finkel in 1975. He recorded some of the most popular English slang phrases that are still in use, such as:
BTW – By the way
THX – Thanks
FYI – For your information
But if you’re interested in learning about Bulgarian internet slang, then this guide from BulgarianPod101 is just for you! The information in this article will help you…
Not convinced yet? Find out four more reasons why Bulgarian slang words will make you fluent.
This extensive overview contains multiple acronyms, abbreviated words, and letter/number combinations that form the Bulgarian internet jargon. You may be surprised to learn that much Bulgarian text slang and several internet expressions are derived from the more well-known English terms. To help you learn how to use each one, we’ve also included practical examples for your convenience!
1. Specific Ways to Write Bulgarian Letters Using Latin Alphabet and Numbers
You might encounter some words written by your Bulgarian friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms that you cannot understand or translate because they’re written in Latin letters or contain numbers. In such cases, even Google Translate cannot help you.
That’s why BulgarianPod101 has prepared the following table of specific ways to write Bulgarian letters using letters from the Latin alphabet:
Bulgarian Letter
Latin Letter / Numbers
а
а
б
b
в
v, w
г
g
д
d
е
е
ж
j, g, v, z, zh
з
z
и
i
й
i, j, y
к
k
л
l
м
m
н
n
о
о, 0
п
p
р
r
с
s
т
t
у
u
ф
f
х
h, x
ц
c, tz, ts, z
ч
4, ch
ш
6, sh, s, {
щ
6t, sht, st
ъ
а, y, w, @
ь
i, j, y, x
ю
ju, u, yu
я
ja, ya, ia, q, 9, @
Here are some samples for you:
4a6a – 4 stands for ч (ch) and 6 stands for ш (sh), so the word is чаша (chasha) or “cup”
ka6ta – 6t stands for щ (sht), so the word is къща (kashta) or “house”
tr9bwa – 9 stands for я (ya) and w stands for в (v),so the word is трябва (tryabva) or “must”
If you would like to refresh your knowledge concerning the Bulgarian alphabet, you can follow this free guide from BulgarianPod101.
Try it yourself #1
Use the table above to try reading the following words in Bulgarian:
cwete
6tastie
4owe4e
You can find the answers at the end of this article.
2. How is Bulgarian Internet and Text Slang Formed?
Bulgarian internet slang phrases do not follow the grammar and spelling rules of the language. In fact, they usually imitate the spoken language and jargon. They’re used mainly by young people in their online communication, but that doesn’t mean these people are illiterate. Slang is simply a tool used to make conversation much easier, save time while texting, and give communication a more informal feel. For this reason, many Bulgarian words are shortened to form slang terms.
Here are some text slang examples in Bulgarian to show you how this works:
Bulgarian slang
English translation
How is it formed?
Examples
мое (moe)
can, may
Мое is formed by removing the letter Ж from the word може (mozhe), meaning “may” or “can.”
Мое да дойда. Moe da doyda. I may come.
Note: In Bulgarian, there’s a personal pronoun мое (moe), which means “my” for neuter gender. Make sure not to confuse this pronoun with the slang term. Example:
мое дете (moe dete) – “my child”
ноо (noo)
very
Ноо comes from the reduction of the word много (mnogo) meaning “much” or “very.”
ноо ясно noo yasno obviously
къф (kaf)
who, what
Къф comes from the reduction of the word какъв (kakav) meaning “who” or “what.”
къф e този? Kaf e tozi? Who is this?
Note:Because of the soundlessness of в at the end of the word какъв, the slang term къф reflects the sound f that can be heard in speech.
асам (asam)
I am
Асам comes from merging of the words аз and съм (az sam) meaning “I am.”
Асам добре. Asam dobre. I am okay.
ае (ае)
come on, let’s
Ае comes from the reduction of the word хайде (hayde) meaning “let’s.”
Ае да ходим. Ae da hodim. Let’s go.
кво (kvo)
what
Кво comes from the reduction of the word какво (kakvo) meaning “what.”
Fortunately, many Bulgarian internet slang words are influenced by English slang, and there are some that are directly taken from English. This makes them easily recognizable by English speakers. Here are some of the most popular English text slang words widely incorporated into Bulgarian slang.
English slang used in Bulgarian
fr (friend)
bb (bye-bye)
pas (password)
brb (be right back)
pic (picture)
pls (please)
10x (thanks)
U? (And you?)
U2 (You, too)
x3m (еxtreme)
Here are some examples of how these English abbreviations are used in Bulgarian text slang, along with their English meaning:
Zdr fr, kak e? (From: Здравей, приятелю, как си? – Zdravey, priyatelyu, kak si?)
Hello friend, how are you?
Dai mi pas da vl9za pls.10x (From: Дай ми парола да вляза, моля. Благодаря. – Day mi parola da vlyaza, molya. Blagodarya.)
Give me a pass to enter, please. Thanks!
Prati mi pic pls. (From: Прати ми снимка, моля. – Prati mi snimka, molya.)
Send me a pic, please.
4. Bulgarian Internet and Text Slang Directly Influenced by English
There are many Bulgarian slang words that transliterate English words. This is especially true for computer terms, such as: log, browse, download, etc. These words are adapted for the Bulgarian language by attaching Bulgarian verb endings to them.
Here are some examples:
Bulgarian slang term
English translation
чатя (chatya)
to chat
даунлоудвам (downloadvam)
to download
логвам (logvam)
to log in
сийдвам (seedvam)
to seed
регвам (regvam)
to register
бъгвам (bagvam)
to bug
→ Interested in using a Bulgarian keyboard to write some of the Bulgarian internet slang terms we’ve covered? Learn how to download a Bulgarian keyboard in this article from BulgarianPod101!
Try it yourself #2
We have a short exercise for you. Try to replace the English words with their Bulgarian translation in the following sentences:
След малко ще(to chat). Sled malko shte. I will chat in a while.
Много пъти се(to log in)днес. Mnogo pati se … dnes. I have logged in multiple times today.
В момента(to download)един файл. V momenta… edin fail. I am downloading a file now.
You can find the answers at the end of this article.
5. Bulgarian Internet and Text Slang Abbreviations
Here are some of the most popular Bulgarian internet slang term abbreviations.
Bulgarian abbreviation
English translation
How is it formed?
Examples
ББ (BB)
bye-bye
ББ comes from the abbreviation of the English “bye-bye,” transliterated in Bulgarian.
ББ, до скиф. BB, do skif. Bye-bye, see you.
БР (BR)
bravo
БР comes from the reduction of the word браво (bravo).
БР, ноо добре. BR, ноо добре. Bravo, very good.
ДДЗ (DDZ)
I don’t know
ДДЗ comes from the abbreviation of the phrase де да знам (de da znam) meaning “I don’t know.”
ДДЗ къф e този. DDZkaf e tozi. I don’t know who this is.
ЗДР (ZDR)
hi
ЗДР comes from the reduction of the word здравей (zdravey) meaning “hi.”
ЗДР, как е? ZDR kak e? Hi, how are you?
ЗН (zn)
I know / meaning
ЗН comes from the reduction of the word знам (znam), and based on the context it means either “meaning” – значение (znachenie) – or “I know.”
ЗН кво да прая. Zn kvo da praya. I know what to do.
ИНТ (int)
interesting
ИНТ comes from the reduction of the word интересно (interesno) meaning “interesting.”
ИНТ кво стана после? Int kvo stana posle? Interesting, what happened next?
КО ПР(ko pr)
What do you do?
КО ПР comes from the reduction of the phrase какво правиш (kakvo pravish) meaning “What do you do?”
ЗДР, КО ПР? Zdr, ko pr? Hi, what do you do?
НЗ (nz)
I don’t know / it doesn’t matter
НЗ comes from the abbreviation of either the phrase не зная (ne znaya) meaning “I don’t know” or the phrase няма значение (nyama znachenie) meaning “it doesn’t matter.”
НЗ закво говориш Nz za kvo govorish. I don’t know what you are talking about.
НП (np)
no problem
НП comes from the abbreviation of the phrase няма проблем (nyama problem) meaning “no problem.”
НП, споко! Np spoko! No problem, calm down!
ЧЧ/44(ch-ch)
bye-bye
ЧЧ or 44 comes from the abbreviation of the phrase чао-чао (chao-chao) meaning “bye-bye.”
44, до скиф. Ch-ch, do skif. Bye-bye, see you.
6. Internet and Text Slang Written in Latin Letters
Many Bulgarian internet abbreviations and slang terms are borrowed directly from English. They’re written in Latin letters, and English speakers can easily recognize them and understand their meaning.
Here are some examples:
Bulgarian abbreviation
English translation
Bulgarian translation
ASL
Age, Sex, Location
Възраст, пол, място (Vazrast, pol, myasto)
ASAP
As soon as possible
Възможно най-бързо (Vazmozhno nay-barzo)
ATM
At the moment
В момента (V momenta)
AYT
Are you there
Там ли си? (Tam li si)
BBL
Be back later
Ще се върна по-късно (Shte se varna po-kasno)
BY
Bye
Довиждане/чао (Dovizhdane/chao)
BRB
Be right back
Ей сега се връщам (Ey sega se vrashtam)
BTW
By the way
Между другото (Mezhdu drugoto)
CUL8R
See you later
Ще се видим по-късно (Shte se vidim po-kasno)
DND
Do not disturb
Не безпокойте (Ne bezpokoyte)
FYI
For your information
За твоя информация (Za tvoya informatsiya)
G2G
Got to go
Трябва да тръгвам (Tryabva da tragvam)
GR8
Great
Страхотно (Strahotno)
LOL
Laughing out loud
Бурен смях (Buren smyah)
ILU
I love you
Обичам те (Obicham te)
ILU2
I love you too
И аз те обичам (I az te obicham)
SRY
Sorry
Съжалявам (Sazhalyavam)
W8
Wait
Чакай (Chakay)
USU
Usually
Обикновено (Obiknoveno)
JAM
Just a minute
Само минутка (Samo minutka)
N/A
Not applicable
Не е в наличност (Ne e v nalichnost)
OMG
Oh, my God!
О, Господи! (O, Gospodi!)
Try it yourself #3
Now, you can try to replace all of the bolded Bulgarian phrases with the corresponding slang terms from the table above in the following dialogues:
ЗДР,там ли си?
ZDR, tam li si? Hi, are you there?
В момента съм зает. Ще се върна по-късно. V momenta sam zaet. Shte se varna po-kasno. I’m busy right now. I will come back later.
ОК,ще се видим по-късно. OK, shte se vidim po-kasno. OK, see you later.
***************
ЗДР, скъпи,там ли си?
ZDR, skapi, tam li si? Hi, honey, are you there?
Съжалявам, в моментане мога.Трябва да тръгвам. Sazhalyavam, v momenta ne moga. Tryabva da tragvam. I’m sorry, I can’t right now. I got to go.
Чакай… само минутка. Chakay… samo minutka. Wait… just a minute.
Ко?
Ko? What?
Обичам те! Obicham te! I love you!
И аз те обичам! I az te obicham! I love you too!
Чао! Chao! You can find the answers at the end of this article.
7. Other Common Internet and Text Slang Expressions
Let’s look at a few more groups of Bulgarian internet slang words and phrases you’re likely to see while texting or messaging your Bulgarian friends.
Combinations of Bulgarian and English Words
The modern Bulgarian slang language contains many terms that combine Bulgarian and English words, or English loan words such as:
Bulgarian slang
English translation
How is it formed?
ae da 4at (ae da chat)
Let’s chat.
Ae comes from the abbreviation of the Bulgarian word хайде (hayde) meaning “let’s,” and 4at comes from the English word “chat.”
sa ne mi se talk, sry (sa ne mi se tolk, sry)
I don’t want to talk now, sorry.
Sa comes from the abbreviation of the Bulgarian word сега (sega) meaning “now,” and the English words “talk” and “sorry” (sry) are used.
np, thx mnoo za pic (np, thx mnoo za pic)
No problem, thanks a lot for the picture.
Np comes from the abbreviation of the English phrase “no problem.”
Thx comes from the reduction of the English word “thanks.”
Mnoo comes from the reduction of the Bulgarian word много (mnogo) meaning “much” or “many.”
Za in Bulgarian means “for.”
Pic comes from the English word “picture.”
Emoticons Used in Bulgarian
Bulgarian teens often use emoticons or emojis to express their feelings. Here’s a list of the most common ones.
Emoticon
Meaning
🙂
smile
😀
big smile
🙁
sadness
😛
stick out a tongue
😉
wink
:>
irony
:‘(
crying
:*
kiss
{ }
hug
{{**}}
kisses and hugs
Do you want to express deep feelings for a loved one? You can take a look at our comprehensive blog post on Bulgarian love and romance phrases, and try using them in conjunction with some of the emoticons above!
8. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian
BulgarianPod101 prepared this extensive Bulgarian internet slang words guide to help you understand most of the Bulgarian internet slang terms used today. Our list covered terms used not only by the young people, but also by Bulgarians who often chat or work on a PC.
If you liked this article and would like to continue learning with us, make sure to create your free lifetime account today. We provide an array of fun and practical learning materials, including themed vocabulary lists, video and audio lessons, and grammar resources. We look forward to having you with us!
Before you check your answers below, let us know in the comments how confident you feel about using text and internet slang in Bulgarian now. Do you have any questions or concerns on the topic?
Answers to Exercise #1
cwete – c stands for ц (ts) and w stands for в (v),so the word is цвете (tsvete) meaning “flower.”
6tastie – 6t stands for щ (sht), so the word is щастие (shtastie) meaning “happiness.”
4owe4e – 4 stands for ч (ch) and w stands for в (v), so the word is човече (choveche) meaning “man,” used to address someone.
Answers to Exercise #2
След малко ще чатя. Sled malko shte chatya. I will chat in a while.
Много пъти се логвам днес. Mnogo pati se logvam dnes. I have logged in multiple times today.
В момента даунлоудвам един файл. V momenta downloadvam edin fail.
Idioms are a part of our daily speech. Knowing the most popular Bulgarian idioms opens the door to free communication with your Bulgarian friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers. But whether we like it or not, there are some Bulgarian words with no English equivalent that Bulgarian language learners have to pay special attention to. Since they don’t have a literal English translation, the only way to understand them is to learn their meanings.
To make things more fun for you, we at BulgarianPod101.com have included the literal meaning for each of the Bulgarian untranslatable words in this article, alongside their actual meanings. We have also included sample sentences for context. At the end of this article, you’ll have the opportunity to test your knowledge through our practical exercises and to check your answers.
We believe that the more fun and entertaining the Bulgarian language learning process is, the easier it is to memorize new things. So, let’s have a fun time going through this advanced lesson together.
Learning doesn’t have to be boring!
Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
If I tell someone misleading information, the person will eventually use this idiom to describe the situation.
For example, imagine I tell a friend that a certain store is offering great discounts today on certain products. When he arrives there to buy the goods on sale, he finds out that there are no discounts at all offered that day. Disappointed, he calls me on the phone, saying: Прати ме за зелен хайвер. (Prati me za zelen hayver.) – “Send me for green caviar.” In other words, he is looking for something that does not exist.
Usage in a Sentence:
Прати ме за зелен хайвер! В магазина изобщо нямат намаленията, за които ми каза.
Prati me za zelen hayver! V magazina izobshto nyamat namaleniyata, za koito mi kaza. “Red herring! The store has none of the discounts you told me about.”
Additional Notes:
It’s interesting to note that the English and Bulgarian versions of this idiom are both related to fish.
In English, the phrase is connected to the fact that herring fish turns red during canning. It’s then used for training dogs to follow tracks. However, sometimes thieves also use red herring to confuse the dogs.
In Bulgarian, there is a legend behind this idiom. There are different kinds of caviar—black, red, but no green. The story says that a married woman had a lover with whom she wanted to spend a lot of time. So, she pretended to be ill and told her husband to search for the only cure for her illness—the green caviar.
Meaning: 1. I have the opportunity to treat someone the way I want.
2. I caught someone in the act.
Example Situation:
I might use this phrase if I caught someone doing something wrong.
For example, imagine I notice that the amount of honey in the jar I saved for the winter season is decreasing every day. When I ask my family who is eating honey from the jar, they all deny it. One early morning, I find my son with a big spoon over the open lid of the jar. I react with the words: Падна ли ми в ръчичките? This means, “At last, I caught you. Now, there will be some kind of punishment.”
Usage in a Sentence:
This Bulgarian idiom is most commonly used when a criminal is finally caught. The policeman would say:
Падна ли ми в ръчичките най-после? Сега ще си получиш заслуженото.
Padna li mi v rachichkite nay-posle? Sega shte si poluchish zasluzhenoto. “Did you finally fall into my hands? Now, you will get what you deserve.”
You finally fell into my hands!
Additional Notes:
In English, this idiom is typically used in reference to information that has fallen into the wrong hands. But in Bulgarian, it usually refers to a wrongdoer who is caught in the act.
3 – Като паднал от Марс
Literal Translation: Like having fallen from Mars
Meaning: 1. A person who is strongly surprised by something unexpected
2. A person who doesn’t know or hasn’t heard of something
Example Situation:
A teacher explains some new material to her students, but one of the students is distracted and doesn’t hear anything she says. After she finishes the explanation, she asks the distracted student a question about the information she just taught. He cannot answer and only blinks with wide-open eyes. In this case, the phrase Като паднал от Марс would be used to show that the question is about a topic the student is not familiar with at all.
Usage in a Sentence:
Иване,като паднал от Марс си! Нали току-що обяснявах този въпрос. Нищо ли не чу?
Ivane, kato padnal ot Mars si! Nali toku-shto obyasnyavah tozi vapros. Nishto li ne chu? “Ivan, you are like someone who has fallen from Mars! I just explained that question. Didn’t you hear anything?”
Additional Notes:
This untranslatable Bulgarian idiommay also refer to something that confuses a person so much that they cannot handle it. Just imagine arriving on another planet where everything is different, and then having to get used to all the new things around you!
As having fallen from Mars…
4 – Падна ми пердето.
Literal Translation: My curtain fell.
Meaning: I have started to speak or act without hesitation and without any thought of the consequences.
A boss invites one of his employees to come and talk with him. When the employee enters the office, his boss starts arguing with him; he says that the project is going too slowly and that he isn’t working conscientiously enough. The employee then starts yelling at his boss about his poor working conditions, how he has to stay at work late into the evening without receiving the salary he deserves, that he cannot pay enough attention to his family because of work, etc. The employee’s reaction could be described as падна ми пердето. He no longer cares about the consequences of the conversation, such as being fired.
Usage in a Sentence:
Отидох при шефа и като ми падна пердето… Казах му всичко, което мисля за него и фирмата му. Изобщо не ме интересува, ако иска да ме уволнява.
Otidoh pri shefa, che kato mi padna perdeto… Kazah mu vsichko, koeto mislya za nego i firmata mu. Izobshto ne me interesuva, ako iska da me uvolnyava. “I went to the boss, and he blew my top… I told him everything I thought about him and his company. I don’t care at all, even if he fires me.”
To blow one’s top…
Additional Notes:
When a person tries to restrain themself in a stressful situation but at some point explodes with anger and starts speaking and acting without inhibition, Bulgarians use this idiom. It means that the person no longer worries about the consequences of his words or actions.
5 – Дръж ми шапката.
Literal Translation: Hold my hat.
Meaning: I don’t care.
Example Situation:
A soccer coach quarrels with the team after they lose the match. All the players bow their heads, except for the goalkeeper, who acts as if he hadn’t participated in the game at all and had nothing to do with the team’s failure. In this case, Bulgarians would say that he was pretending to be дръж ми шапката.
Usage in a Sentence:
Иване, стига си се правил на дръж ми шапката. Ти пропусна да хванеш 3 топки във вратата.
Ivane, stiga si se pravil na drazh mi shapkata. Ti propusna da hvanesh 3 topki vav vratata. “Ivan, don’t pretend not to care at all. You missed three balls in the door.”
You missed three balls in the door.
Additional Notes:
This Bulgarian is somewhat related to the previous one. However, while падна ми пердето means that one speaks and acts without thinking of the consequences, дръж ми шапката refers to a person who pretends not to care (though they may actually care). That’s why this idiom is typically used with the Bulgarian verbs преструвам се and правя се:
Преструвам се на дръж ми шапката. Prestruvam se na drazh mi shapkata. I pretend to hold my hat.
Правя се на дръж ми шапката. Pravya se na drazh mi shapkata. I pretend to hold my hat.
BulgarianPod101.com has a great lesson covering idioms that use the word “hat,” one of which isдръж ми шапката. You can check it out here.
6 – Фасулска работа
Literal Translation: Bean work
Meaning: Very easy work
English Equivalents: Piece of cake / Easy as pie
Example Situation:
A mother asks whether her child has done his homework. The child answers that he’s almost done with it. He says that only the math problems are left, but they are фасулска работа, which means that he’ll do them very easily and quickly because he understands them well.
Usage in a Sentence:
Не се притеснявай, мамо, тези задачи са фасулска работа. Бързо ще ги реша.
Ne se pritesnyavay, mamo, tezi zadachi sa fasulska rabota. Barzo shte gi resha. “Don’t worry, mom; these math problems are a piece of cake. I will solve them quickly.”
Additional Notes:
It’s interesting to note that the Bulgarian and English versions are both connected with a favorite food. Bulgarians love боб чорба (bob chorba), meaning “bean soup,” which is considered one of the traditional national dishes.
➜ If you’re interested in learning about other traditional Bulgarian dishes, you can check this Bulgarian food guide on BulgarianPod101.com.
7 – На баба ти хвърчилото
Literal Translation: Your grandmother’s kite
Meaning: I don’t believe what you’re saying. / You’re talking nonsense. / Impossible!
Example Situation:
A guy is bragging about going on a date with a famous person’s sister. His friend catches him lying and says на баба ти хвърчилото!
Usage in a Sentence:
На баба ти хвърчилото! Той няма сестра!
Na baba ti hvarchiloto! Toy nyama sestra! “This is nonsense! He doesn’t have a sister!”
Additional Notes:
There is a similar “grandma-related” phrase in Bulgarian that expresses even bigger doubt over the credibility of the information that one has just heard: баба ти трънкина (literally “your blackthorn grandma,” meaning “nonsense”). For example, a person who is watching the evening news may suddenly comment баба ти трънкина when he disagrees with what’s been said.
What is the curious relationship between grandmas and disbelief? If you know, leave your answer in the comments below.
8 – Хем боли, хем сърби.
Literal Translation: It hurts and itches at the same time.
Meaning: This refers to when a person wants something, but at the same time, this person doesn’t like the potential risk or discomfort involved with attaining it. As such, they cannot make a decision.
Example Situation:
A little child eagerly wants to go and pet a large dog, but he’s also afraid of being bitten by the dog. His mother then says хем боли, хем сърби.
Usage in a Sentence:
Нали искаше да отидеш при кучето? Защо не отиваш? Страх ли те е? Хем боли, хем сърби.
Nali iskashe da otidesh pri kucheto? Zashto ne otivash? Strah li te e? Hem boli, hem sarbi. “You wanted to go to the dog, didn’t you? Why don’t you go? Are you scared? It hurts and itches at the same time.”
Someone stands quietly behind the corner, waiting for his friend to pass by. When the friend suddenly sees the hidden man, he is startled at first. But then he realizes that this is someone he knows, and he saysизкара ми акъла.
Usage in a Sentence:
Защо си се скрил там? Направо ми изкара акъла.
Zashto si se skril tam? Napravo mi izkara akala. “Why did you hide there? You freaked me out.”
Additional Notes:
There is a similar Bulgarian idiom with the same meaning: Изкара ми ангелите. (Izkara mi angelite.) – “You took my angels out.”
10 – На всяко гърне мерудия
Literal Translation: For every pot, parsley
Meaning: This refers to a person who pokes his nose into other people’s business. It can also refer to someone who pretends to be knowledgeable in all matters.
Two friends are discussing politics, and a third person interrupts and starts telling them exactly how things are in politics. The following day, these two friends meet to talk about the weather. The same person passes by again, interrupts them, and informs them of the latest weather forecast. On the third day, they talk again on another topic, but he again interrupts them and begins to speak with great eloquence on the new topic. Bulgarians call such a person на всяко гърне мерудия.
Usage in a Sentence:
Спри да се месиш в нашите разговори. Искаш да бъдеш на всяко гърне мерудия.
Spri da se mesish v nashite razgovori. Iskash da badesh na vsyako garne merudiya. “Stop interfering with our conversations. You want to have a finger in every pie.”
Additional Notes:
There is a similar Bulgarian idiom that says: на всяка манджа мерудия (na vsyaka mandzha merudiya) – “to every dish, parsley.” It has the exact same meaning as на всяко гърне мерудия, but it emphasizes that there is a dish in the pot. A person who pokes his nose in other people’s business can be said to be putting the same spice everywhere.
2. Practical Exercises on Untranslatable Bulgarian Idioms
Let’s now practice the untranslatable Bulgarian idioms that we covered!
Exercise 1. Choose the untranslatable phrase in Bulgarian that best fits each situation described below.
Situation 1: There is a new student in class who is a foreigner and doesn’t speak English well. The other students try to communicate with him, but he doesn’t respond to their questions. What Bulgarian idiom would you use to describe this new student?
Situation 2: John thinks that the project his boss assigned to him is very easy. How would he describe the project in Bulgarian?
Situation 3: Hanna is walking in the forest and suddenly sees a large snake on the road, just a few meters from her. What Bulgarian idiom would she use to describe how scared she is?
Situation 4: Tom has had an argument with his girlfriend, and he is very upset about it. But when he comes home, he wants to hide his emotions from his parents, so he pretends to…
Situation 5: John wants to joke with James, so he says that James’s girlfriend Laura is waiting for him at the bus stop near his house. James immediately runs toward the bus stop, but when he arrives, he sees that Laura is not there. What Bulgarian idiom would James say to John when he gets back?
Exercise 2. Link the correct Bulgarian idiom with its corresponding meaning.
Изкара ми акъла
A man who pokes his nose into other people’s business
Дръж ми шапката
I have started to speak or act without any thought of the consequences
Падна ми в ръчичките
A person who is strongly surprised by something unexpected
На всяко гърне мерудия
I caught someone in the act
На баба ти хвърчилото
Someone or something scared me suddenly
Пращам за зелен хайвер
I deceive someone about something
Фасулска работа
A person who wants something, but at the same time, doesn’t like the potential risk or discomfort involved with attaining it
Падна ми пердето
Very easy work
Като паднал от Марс
This is nonsense!
Хем боли, хем сърби
I don’t care
You can check your answers at the end of this article.
3. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian
BulgarianPod101 has prepared this overview of the top ten untranslatable idioms in Bulgarian to help you understand your Bulgarian interlocutors better. Since idioms are an important part of daily speech and are often used by Bulgarians to express their experiences and emotions, knowing at least some of them will greatly facilitate your communication with native speakers. Maybe you would be interested to also take a look at some of the Bulgarian travel guides we prepared for you.
The Bulgarian language is rich with beautiful untranslatable Bulgarian words. If youwould like to learn more of them, we recommend creating your free lifetime account to get started. To learn languages and make the most of your learning experience, you can also upgrade to Premium PLUS so that you can use our MyTeacher service. This will give you access to an experienced teacher who will guide you through the depths of the Bulgarian language. He or she will help you learn and use many more Bulgarian phrases with no translation in other languages.
We would be happy to hear your feedback about this article. Did you find it fun and interesting? Which Bulgarian idiom(s) translated into English do you intend to include in your daily conversations?Please don’t 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.
4. Answers to Practical Exercises
Exercise 1.
Situation 1: Като паднал от Марс Situation 2: Фасулска работа Situation 3: Изкара ми акъла Situation 4: Дръж ми шапката Situation 5: Прати ме за зелен хайвер
Exercise 2.
Изкара ми акъла
A man who pokes his nose into other people’s business
Дръж ми шапката
I have started to speak or act without any thought of the consequences
Падна ми в ръчичките
A person who is strongly surprised by something unexpected
На всяко гърне мерудия
I caught someone in the act
На баба ти хвърчилото
Someone or something scared me suddenly
Пращам за зелен хайвер
I deceive someone about something
Фасулска работа
A person who wants something, but at the same time, doesn’t like the potential risk or discomfort involved with attaining it
Падна ми пердето
Very easy work
Като паднал от Марс
This is nonsense!
Хем боли, хем сърби
I don’t care
Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
This extensive overview contains a list of Bulgarian movies we recommend you watch. Some of them were created in the 20th century while Bulgaria was under communism, while others are modern movies that will help you listen to and learn modern Bulgarian.
We’ve included three movies produced in the 21st century that reflect the specifics of modern life. All of them are dramas.
Dramas also played an important role during the period of communism, hinting at ideas that people couldn’t share openly because they were afraid of the Communist Party. For this reason, we’ve added one drama from that time period as well.
From 1944 to 1990, many Bulgarian comedies were released. In this comprehensive overview, BulgarianPod101 presents three of them.
There are many historical movies that describe the nation’s most glorious moments in history, as well as the difficult periods of the Byzantine and the Ottoman yoke that caused Bulgaria centuries of suffering. We’ll be presenting three of the most popular ones here.
This list of Bulgarian films will not only help you understand the history, society, mindset, and modern life of Bulgarian people better, but it will also help you improve your listening comprehension of the Bulgarian language. In turn, this will make it easier to understand the spoken language when communicating with your Bulgarian friends. Moreover, you can watch most of these Bulgarian movies online for added convenience!
Keep reading to find out more about these movies, such as their plots and their most popular quotes. We’ve also included links (where possible) to full versions of the movies on YouTube. Let’s start our movie evening now!
This movie is a co-production of Bulgaria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
A man has been murdered and his brother Plamen Goranov becomes a suspect. He denies his guilt, and the investigation is suspended because of a lack of evidence. However, the case is transferred to a new investigator, Alexandra, who eagerly wants to resolve it. She interrogates all the relatives and friends of the murdered man during the day, while at night she interrogates Plamen. Because she has too much work, she doesn’t have enough time for her family and feels lonely. Plamen is also lonely and he starts to cherish every meeting with Alexandra.
An interesting fact about the movie:
It’s worth noting that the movie is based on a real case from the investigative practice of Boyko Rashkov. In addition, the movie received four awards in Varna’s film festival in 2006.
Quote: Ще кажете ли нещо? Край на разпита!
Romanization:Shte kazhete li neshto? Kray na razpita!
Meaning: Will you say something? The end of interrogation!
Movie #2 Monkeys in Winter (2006)
Bulgarian Title: Маймуни през зимата
Romanization: Maimuni prez zimata
English Title: Monkeys in Winter
This movie reveals the stories of three young women—Dona, Lukrecie, and Tana—who are very different from each other yet still connected by the Bulgarian winter:
Dona is a cheerful Roma woman who has three children from three different fathers. In order to provide a better future for her children, she begins to live with a disabled man without realizing the consequences of that decision. Her story takes place in the 1960s.
The story of Lukrecie, on the other hand, takes place in the 1980s. She is an ambitious law student who is in love with a Frenchman. However, Lukrecie becomes pregnant and mistakenly perceives her pregnancy as an obstacle to achieving her dreams.
The story of Tana takes place in 2001. She has everything she needs to be happy: a good marriage, a great house, and financial stability. Her only problem is that she cannot have a child. A friend advises her to go to a spa where a skillful masseur works.
These three stories reflect the tragic results of misunderstandings in male-female relationships, especially when it comes to the bearing of children.
An interesting fact about the movie:
This Bulgarian film received many awards in different film festivals, including those abroad.
Quote: Я каква си хубава, като са ти омити очите!
Romanization:Ya kakva si hubava, kato sa ti omiti ochite!
Meaning: How beautiful you are when your eyes are washed!
Movie #3 Warming Yesterday’s Lunch (2002)
Bulgarian Title: Подгряване на вчерашния обед
Romanization: Podgryavane na vcherashniya obed
English Title: Warming Up Yesterday’s Lunch
A woman decides to speak after more than forty years of silence and reveals secrets that confuse the authorities, who decide to take action against her. This movie follows a series of events, in which the difference between good and evil is completely erased.
Katerina Vandeva is a descendant of an old Komitas family who lives high in the mountains of Macedonia. Her life was so difficult that she gradually lost the femininity in herself. As a little girl, she was punished in a Macedonian school for writing in Bulgarian. Then, she was humiliated in the local police station and finally sent to a labor camp. What is the cost of survival? A film crew tries to reconstruct the pieces of Katerina Vandeva’s life from her own memories in order to answer this question.
An interesting fact about the movie:
This movie received many awards. It was proposed for a foreign-language film Oscar nomination in the Program of the Palm Springs Film Festival in 2003.
Quote: Сънувам кошмари… че преустановяват всички полети и оставам тук завинаги!
Romanization:Sanuvam koshmari… che preustanovyavat vsichki poleti i ostavam tuk zavinagi!
Meaning: I have nightmares…that all the flights have been suspended and I have to stay here forever!
2. Historic Films
Movie #4 The Weddings of Yoаn Assen (1975)
Bulgarian Title: Сватбите на Йоан Асен
Romanization:Svatbite na Yoan Asen
English Title: The Weddings of Yoаn Assen
This historic movie was made in 1975. It presents the events that took place in Bulgaria at the beginning of the 13th century after the death of Bulgarian tsar Kaloyan. The pretender to the throne, Boril, expels Kaloyan’s nephews John Assen and Alexander from the Bulgarian kingdom. However, years later, John Assen comes back and becomes the tsar as a rightful heir to the throne.
Because of the long, unsuccessful wars with the surrounding enemies of Bulgaria, John Assen wants to keep the peace in the kingdom at all costs. To achieve that goal, he gets married several times to daughters of other kingdoms’ rulers. He even decided to send the woman he loved to a convent.
An interesting fact about the movie:
Apostol Karamitev, the actor who played John Assen, died during the filming. Kosta Tsonev, who played his brother Alexander up to that point, took on both roles.
Quote: Когато размишлявам, стигам до заключение, че никой никога не е водил битки за нищо друго освен за плячка или защита.
Romanization:Kogato razmishlyavam, stigam do zaklyuchenie, che nikoy nikoga ne e vodil bitki za nishto drugo osven za plyachka ili zashtita.
Meaning: When I think about it, I come to the conclusion that no one has ever fought for anything else but loot or protection.
Movie #5 The Goat Horn (1972)
Bulgarian Title: Козият рог
Romanization:Koziyat rog
English Title: The Goat Horn
This classic Bulgarian film recreates events from the 17th century while Bulgaria was under the Ottoman yoke. While a countryman named Karaivan grazes his goats, the Ottomans rape and kill his wife Maria. The man gets his little daughter, also named Maria, and moves far away to live in the mountains in full isolation there. He raises his daughter as a man to avenge the oppressors, and she starts killing them one by one. Nobody knew who this mysterious killer was and Bulgarian people thought that the “Goat Horn” was their avenger and protector from the Ottoman enemies.
An interesting fact about the movie:
After the movie was released in 1972, it was successful not only in Bulgaria but also abroad. It was the Bulgarian submission for the Academy Awards, but it didn’t get nominated. However, Turkey opposed the distribution of The Goat Horn due to the disadvantageous position in which their country’s history was represented. Despite that, the movie was shown in 62 countries.
Quote: Мъж ще те направя… или ще те хвърля на кучетата, да знаеш… Тоя свят не е за жени!
Romanization:Mazh shte te napravya… ili shte te hvarlya na kuchetata, da znaesh… Toya svyat ne e za zheni!
Meaning: I will turn you into a man…or I will throw you to the dogs, you know… This world is not for women!
Movie #6 Time of Parting (1988)
Bulgarian Title: Време разделно
Romanization:Vreme razdelno
English Title: Time of Parting
The story takes place in three villages—Prosoyna, Zagrad, and Podvis—which are located along a river. In the spring, the janissary Karaibrahim arrives in the Rhodope valley together with a detachment of 120 horsemen with a mission to Islamize the local Orthodox Bulgarians. At that time, the shepherd Manol and priest Aligorko are at the cemetery performing an old local custom of digging up the bones of a deceased person—in this case, Manol’s wife. The Ottomans stop alongside them, asking them about the names of nearby villages.
When both Bulgarian men return back to Podvis, they inform grandfather Galushko The White about the arrival of Karaibrahim and his people, letting him know that they have settled in the huge konak of Suleiman Agha in the village of Prosoyna.
The villagers of the valley decide to hide all the women and children. Karaibrahim gathers the village chiefs, reaching out to Suleiman Agha for assistance. But the Aghafears rising against the Padishah. Then, the chiefs gather in the konak and tell Karaibrahim that they would not give up their faith and that the time of parting has come.
An interesting fact about the movie:
Time of Parting is a novel written by Prof. Anton Donchev in 1964. He wrote it in just 45 days. The events described by Donchev took place in 1666 at the site of the current town of Yakoruda.
Quote: Слава на тия, които не дадоха вярата си!
Romanization:Slava na tiya, koito ne dadoha vyarata si!
Meaning: Glory to those who did not give up their faith!
3. Drama
Movie #7 Adaptation(1979)
Bulgarian Title: Адаптация
Romanization:Adaptatsiya
English Title: Adaptation
Veronica is a mentally ill woman who is hospitalized in a specialized clinic. All the patients have to share their personal stories and reveal their fears. Unlike the others, Veronica fails to overcome herself during the meetings. Dr. Bankov has his own life, but he spends most of his time with the sick patients. During the treatment, Veronica falls in love with him—and this is the key to her soul.
→ You can learn more medical-related vocabulary in the following lesson from BulgarianPod101.
An interesting fact about the movie:
The character Dr. Bankov is based on a real person—the psychiatrist Dr. Georgi Kamenov—who is one of the founders of the first psychotherapeutic group in Bulgaria.
Quote: Не можем само да се крием зад тази фраза “Болест на времето.”
Romanization:Ne mozhem samo da se kriem zad tazi fraza “Bolest na vremeto.”
Meaning: We can’t only hide behind this phrase “The disease of time.”
4. Comedies
Movie #8 King for a Day (1983)
Bulgarian Title: Господин за един ден
Romanization:Gospodin za edin den
English Title: King for a Day
One of the most popular Bulgarian comedy movies, this film illustrates Bulgaria in the 1920s. The main character is Purko, a poor country musician who constantly tries to find new ways to outwit life and feed his large family. He has to go through a series of funny (and sad) adventures during his fight against poverty, until one day his dream comes true: he becomes a well-dressed city gentleman. However, this illusion soon collapses, and the only thing Purko is left with is his clarinet.
An interesting fact about the movie:
Purko’s main partner in King for a Day is the so-called Little Elephant from Strandzha Mountain—a three-month-old colorful piglet of the “Semi-wild Strandzha” breed. But the pig turned out to be so wild that they could barely catch it; a backup had to be found, which was another colorful and intelligent piglet.
Quote: Кокошка отвсякъде може да долети, яйцето не може.
Romanization:Kokoshka otvsyakade mozhe da doleti, yaytseto ne mozhe.
Meaning: A hen can fly in from anywhere, but an egg can’t.
Courtesy of the Bulgarian National Film Center, the entire movie can be watched on YouTube.
Movie #9 The Double (1979)
Bulgarian Title: Двойникът
Romanization:Dvoynikat
English Title: The Double
Denev is a scientist and an expert in his field, but he has no free time in which to write his doctorate. For this reason, he agrees to the idea of switching places with his cousin Ivan. It’s difficult for anyone to catch onto their game, as there is great resemblance between them.
Ivan is a store manager, well-versed in scams, and has great success with women. But once he enters into his cousin’s academic environment, his task turns out to be more difficult than he supposed. At first uncertain, Ivan steps into his new role with increasing enthusiasm and a desire to gain material benefits from everything he encounters.
Quote: Знаеш ли, братчед, кое отличава хората от животните? Алкохолът! Нито едно животно не пие.
Romanization:Znaesh li, bratched, koe otlichava horata ot zhivotnite? Alkoholat! Nito edno zhivotno ne pie.
Meaning: Do you know, cousin, what distinguishes humans from animals? Alcohol! No animal drinks alcohol.
Movie #10 With Children at the Seaside (1972)
Bulgarian Title: С деца на море
Romanization:S detsa na more
English Title: With Children at the Seaside
This comedy is one of the best movies for learning the Bulgarian language. A group of families with children are on vacation in Nessebar. The movie consists of two parts: 1) the story of Ognyan and Elena, and 2) the story of Uncle Mancho and the photo camera.
Part 1 – Elena, the older sister of one of the kids, and Ognyan become friends. He also becomes the kids’ idol, because he’s a strong and brave swimmer; Ognyan further wins their affection by telling them about his friendship with a dolphin. One night, Ognyan and Elena are late. The children don’t dare go home, because Elena’s parents know that the kids are with her. The children all get punished, but no one reveals the secret. The next day, they go to look for Ognyan. To their surprise, they find him with another girl and hear him telling the same story about the dolphin. Disappointed, the children turn their backs.
Part 2 – The children take a compromising photo of Uncle Mancho, who is their neighbor from Sofia, with a young woman. Uncle Mancho makes several unsuccessful attempts to take the camera. He finally picks it up, and when he falls off the water bike, the camera goes to the bottom. As compensation, he gives his own camera, apologizing for not finding a color film. The child reassures him that the camera, which is now at sea bottom, has not been loaded either. Uncle Mancho is shocked.
→ Want to brush up on your vocabulary before watching the film? This list prepared by BulgarianPod101 will provide you with useful vacation-related Bulgarian phrases and sentences.
An interesting fact about the movie:
Georgi Partsalev, a favorite actor in the Bulgarian film industry, plays Uncle Mancho in the second part of the film. The children who played in the movie adored Partsalev, and after the end of filming, he gave each of them a personal gift.
Quote: Имам да спя още 10 минути и идвам.
Romanization: Imam da spya oshte 10 minuti i idvam.
Meaning: I have another 10 minutes to sleep and then I will come.
5. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian
We hope you found a film with your name on it while reading through our Bulgarian movies list for language learners. Each of these movies has something special to offer learners, and each one is a great source of new vocabulary and cultural information.
Which of these movies do you most want to watch, and why? Have you seen any of them already? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!
Remember: To make the most of your time studying with BulgarianPod101, create your free lifetime account today! We provide tons of free resources, from vocabulary lists to audio/video lessons. By creating a Premium PLUS account, you also gain access to our MyTeacher service which allows you to study and practice with your own personal tutor.
These days, science says that having fun while learning is the most effective way to memorize a foreign language. This can be explained by the increased levels of oxygen, dopamine, and endorphins one experiences while being entertained. A great example of this is how little kids can learn a foreign language—or even their own—by watching their favorite cartoons. The shows on Bulgarian live TV channels can help you naturally learn Bulgarian vocabulary and figure out how to combine specific words and phrases.
Watching Bulgarian television shows for just one hour a day is enough to start seeing progress in your language skills. Even if you don’t understand all that’s said on your favorite Bulgarian TV series or shows, don’t give up! Keep watching them daily, and you’ll start to understand more and more. Using Bulgarian TV programs as an auxiliary learning method will definitely accelerate your progress.
So, are you ready to make your Bulgarian-learning experience much more fun? BulgarianPod101 can direct you to the best Bulgarian TV shows for you based on what you’re most interested in. Keep reading this Bulgarian National TV show review to find out more.
1. Introduction to the Most Popular Bulgarian TV Shows
There are multiple Bulgarian TV shows available online for you to watch based on your preferences. Choose the genre you’re most interested in, as this will allow you to get used to the specific terminology faster. When you think you’ve mastered a big portion of it, you can choose a TV show from another genre. In this article, BulgarianPod101 will provide you with suggestions for the best Bulgarian TV shows in the following genres:
Comedy
Culinary
Entertainment
Adventure
Political
Sports
Family
→ You can start learning Bulgarian TV vocabulary right now by studying this Bulgarian vocabulary list dedicated to World Television Day.
2. Famous Bulgarian Comedy Shows
If you like comedies and funny TV shows, then these top TV shows in Bulgarian are just for you!
Lords of the Air
Its Bulgarian name is Господари на ефира (Gospodari na efira). This is a humorous show that’s mainly dedicated to replaying mistakes or blunders that were made on other Bulgarian TV channels. Watching this show will help you learn the difference between Bulgarian words that sound similar to each other (like paronyms), as it reveals multiple lapsuses that different television personalities have made.
Ready to start watching some of the Lords of the Air series?
The Comedians
The Bulgarian TV show The Comedians, or Комиците (Komicite), is among the funniest and most popular BTV Bulgarian TV shows. Typically, it consists of jokes about popular Bulgarian people who are usually invited as special guests and as participants on the show.
This live stream Bulgarian TV show continues for one-and-a-half hours and can be watched for free online. Viewers have fun with skits, songs, dances, and special performances that allow them to improve their Bulgarian language skills. Some of the best Bulgarian actors, singers, and showmen—including Lubomir Neykov, Krustyu Lafazanov, Hristo Garbov, Ruslan Maynov, and Nencho Ilchev—participate in this show.
Commonly used words and phrases in The Comedians (Комиците) include:
Не превключвайте канала, дами и господа (Ne prevklyuchvayte kanala, dami i gospoda) — “Do not switch the channel, ladies and gentlemen.”
Започват Комиците (Zapochvat Komitsite) — “The Comedians starts”
Карък (Karak) — “a misfortuned person”
Why not get a taste of The Comedians series before making a decision?
The Channel Show
Its Bulgarian name is Шоуто на Канала (Shouto na Kanala), and this is another one of the best Bulgarian comedy TV shows. It reflects both the political and public events of the previous week, presenting them in a humorous style. This show combines satire, parody, skits, funny news, funny songs, and holiday concerts performed by the show’s small orchestra.
Watching Bulgarian political shows will not only help you expand your vocabulary, but also better understand the political situation in Bulgaria. Moreover, along with the political news and discussions, viewers can get acquainted with famous Bulgarian people.
The Slavi’s Show
Its Bulgarian name is Шоуто на Слави (Shouto na Slavi), and this was an evening TV show hosted by Slavi Trifonov, a Bulgarian singer, TV presenter, and producer. This Bulgarian TV show started at the end of 2000 and lasted until July 31, 2019. Its guests were world-popular celebrities from show business, cinema, music, sports, literature, cultural figures, and even the Bulgarian political elite.
Commonly used words and phrases in The Slavi’s Show (Шоуто на Слави) include:
Новинарник (Novinarnik) — a comic animated version of The Slavi’s Show short news
Запознай се с малките (Zapoznaiy se s malkite) — “Meet the little ones”
This is a section of the show featuring children.
Лигата на необикновените (Ligata na neobiknovenite) — “The League of the Extraordinary”
Celebrities sit in Slavi’s chair and have the right to host the show once.
Достойни за уважение (Dostoyni za uvazhenie) — “Worthy of respect”
These are people who have made someone’s life better.
Гле’й как се пра’и (Gley kak se pray) — “Look how it should be done.”
Нещо лично (Neshto lichno) — “Something personal”
Celebrities tell stories from their lives.
Питай Слави (Pitay Slavi) — “Ask Slavi”
Лице назаем (Litse nazaem) — “Borrowed face”
The show is hosted by celebrities who choose the topics and guests themselves.
Are you more interested in general entertainment shows? Bulgarian television has a great one you’re sure to enjoy.
The Voice of Bulgaria
Its Bulgarian name is Гласът на България (Glasat na Balgariya), and this show is conducted the same way as The Voice in America. This is a TV music reality show that has three phases: Casting in the Dark, the Vocal Duels, and Live Concerts. The singers compete for the prestigious Voice of Bulgaria title.
Commonly used words and phrases in The Voice of Bulgaria (Гласът на България) include:
Финалист (Finalist) — “Finalist”
Вот на публиката (Vot na publikata) — “Audience vote”
Some people just love to learn different recipes and to impress their family with new dishes. If you like to cook, you can combine your favorite hobby with learning Bulgarian by watching the following famous Bulgarian culinary shows.
MasterChef
MasterChef, conducted in the form of a competition, became one of the most dramatic and fascinating TV shows in Bulgaria. The goal of this Bulgarian TV show is to find the best chefs in the country, so only the most talented, creative, and dedicated people with a passion for food take part in it.
This show has the power to turn amateurs into professionals, so it’s worth watching not only to learn Bulgarian culinary vocabulary but also to improve your cooking skills.
Commonly used words and phrases in MasterChef include:
финалистите в шоуто (finalistite v shouto) — “the finalists in the show”
Its Bulgarian name is Бон Апети (Bon Apeti). This culinary show teaches you how to apply the most modern cooking techniques in your kitchen. Moreover, in addition to learning many Bulgarian traditional dishes, you’ll be able to learn about foreign cuisines, such as Middle East pilaf, Italian Stromboli sandwich, saffron ice cream, etc. The show presenter is Ivan Zvezdev.
Commonly used words and phrases in Bon Apeti include:
It’s fun to watch how people choose their life partner from among multiple options. While you’re engrossed in intrigue and hope that your favorite contestant will win, you’ll learn many new Bulgarian words and phrases.
A Farmer is Looking for a Woman
Going by the Bulgarian name Фермер търси жена (Fermer tarsi zhena), this show follows several ladies as they try to win the heart of a farmer. At the end of the show, he should choose one of them to continue a relationship with. She should agree to live a country life away from the big cities and help him with all the farm work. The first show host was the famous Bulgarian actress Alexandra Sarchadzhieva.
Commonly used words and phrases in A Farmer is Looking for a Woman (Фермер търси жена) include:
Влюбен фермер (Vlyuben fermer) — “Farmer in love”
Финален избор (Finalen izbor) — “Final choice”
Те избраха жените, с които искат да продължат живота си (Te izbraha zhenite, s koito iskat da prodalzhat zhivota si) — “They chose the women they wanted to continue their lives with.”
Пътешествието на мечтите (Pateshestvieto na mechtite) — “The journey of dreams”
Влюбени двойки (Vlyubeni dvoyki) — “Couples in love”
See for yourself what Фермер търси жена is all about and get hooked!
7. A Popular Bulgarian Adventure Series
If you’re an adventurer who likes to travel to different countries, learn about the local culture and customs, meet new people, and see fascinating places, then you’ll definitely like watching an adventure series. Watching this kind of Bulgarian TV series will help you significantly improve your Bulgarian language skills in a variety of topics.
Without Luggage
Going by the Bulgarian name Без багаж (Bez bagazh), this series reveals different exotic places around the world. You’ll meet with the local people and learn more about their lifestyle, culture, and customs. Moreover, you’ll get to see the most exciting places, even if you don’t have the money for tickets!
Would you like to learn more about the rituals of Nkosi, South Africa, master the art of the Ndebele tribe, spend a few hours in Tokyo, or join a walking safari in Kenya? All this is possible thanks to the Bulgarian adventure series Без багаж.
Commonly used words and phrases in Без багаж include:
Предаване за туризъм (Predavane za turizam) — “Tourist show”
Добре дошли (Dobre doshli) — “Welcome”
Уникална религия и култура (Unikalna religiya i kultura) — “Unique religion and culture”
If you like adventures, then watching a Bulgarian survivor show or similar Bulgarian television game shows is a great option for you! Doing so will allow you to get used to some of the most common everyday Bulgarian words, as well as a few topic-specific ones.
Games of the Will
Its Bulgarian name is Игри на волята (Igri na volyata), and in this new Bulgarian TV show, you can watch how three teams compete for better living conditions, with only one of them allowed the privilege of living in luxury. The second team forms a fishing brigade to earn a livelihood, while the third team is abandoned on a deserted beach, where they have to survive without shelter and food. The daily lives of the show’s participants are a constant race with time and circumstances, so it’s very curious to see what every one of them will get in the end. The show’s host is Alexandra Sarchadzhieva.
Commonly used words and phrases in Игри на волята include:
9. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Improve Your Bulgarian Language Skills
We prepared this complete Bulgarian National TV show review to help you choose your favorite of the best Bulgarian TV shows, and to help make the process of language-learning much more fun for you. BulgarianPod101 is here to help you reach your language goals and start speaking freely in Bulgarian.
If you feel like you need personal guidance in the learning process, you can always choose your Bulgarian teacher from MyTeacher. This native Bulgarian language expert will help you cope with all of the challenges you face during the learning process, and will make your Bulgarian lessons your favorite time of the week.
We’re always happy to receive your feedback, so if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the Bulgarian TV shows we listed, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you and will help out the best we can!
Moving to a foreign country is a challenging experience, especially when it comes to searching for a job.
Since Bulgaria entered the European Union in 2007, the country has become a more attractive destination for foreigners to live in. Reasons for this include the thriving economy, reasonable living expenses, and various opportunities for non-natives to find jobs in Bulgaria. Since English is quite popular in the country, some of these jobs don’t even require knowledge of the Bulgarian language.
That said, having some knowledge of Bulgarian will give you a great advantage in your search for work. BulgarianPod101 aims to teach you everything you should know about the Bulgarian language and culture before your move, and today we’ll be discussing your options when it comes to your job search.
In this article, you’ll learn how to find a job in Bulgaria regardless of your current Bulgarian proficiency level. After all, the best way to study and internalize a language is to live among people who speak that language! Working with Bulgarians might just be the key to mastering the language and further advancing your career in this beautiful country.
1. The Best Bulgarian Cities to Find Jobs as a Foreigner
Typically, the big cities in Bulgaria offer many more job opportunities than the smaller towns. The bigger the city is, the more vacancies you’ll find. This means that the Bulgarian capital Sofia is the place that offers the largest variety of job opportunities for foreigners who would like to practice their profession in Bulgaria.
Other cities with multiple job opportunities include Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t find a job in smaller cities and towns, but it’s easier to find opportunities for professional development in bigger cities like the ones mentioned above.
In order to further increase your chances of finding the right job in Bulgaria, you’ll need to have a permanent residence status. This document assures your Bulgarian employer that: you’re serious about your job, that you intend to stay in the country long-term, and that he/she may rely on your commitment to develop the company you’ll be working for.
How are job interviews conducted in Bulgaria?
If you’ve applied for a job in the U.K. or other countries in Europe before, then you already have an idea of how the job interview in Bulgaria could be conducted, as the process is similar. After sending your application, the employer will invite you to an interview if he/she finds you appropriate for the vacancy.
Since many industries in Bulgaria—such as teaching, IT, tourism, etc.—require a fluent level of English, you have a good chance of getting the job even if your Bulgarian isn’t up to par yet. The interviewer will ask you some questions that are typical for a job interview, like:
What is your education?
What is your experience in this field?
Can you work efficiently in a team?
How can you help the company grow?
What is your preferred salary?
If you would like to try taking your job interview in Bulgarian, this lesson from BulgarianPod101 will help you prepare for it with the necessary vocabulary.
2. Bulgarian Websites to Search for Vacancies
There are some great Bulgarian job websites that can help you find vacancies to apply for. Browsing through the available offers and applying to jobs you’re interested in is the most convenient way to get a job. These websites typically offer job categories, so you can save time in your research. You’ll have to go through a quick and easy sign-up process to make a profile and select your preferences. After that, you’ll be notified by email about all new vacancies that meet your criteria.
So, let’s take a look at a list of job websites in Bulgaria you can use to search for jobs as a foreigner:
Jobs.bg: This is the most popular search engine for vacancies and courses. It has an English version and allows you to search by specific location, category, job type, etc.
Rabota.bg: This great website for job searching is only in Bulgarian, so you’ll have to know at least a little Bulgarian to be able to use it. Still, the search engine on this website allows people to use some English keywords to find a job (marketing, expert, IT, Cloud, developer, etc.).
JobTiger: This isanother popular search engine that has an English version. Thanks to the courses available on this website, you can learn how to apply successfully for a job.
Zaplata.bg: This popular job portal has English and Russian versions. It’s considered the biggest website for job opportunities in Bulgaria, so it provides multiple job listings. In addition to available standard jobs, there are vacancies with an URGENT label that need applicants as soon as possible.
Jobs Agents: Here’s another great website with an English version that can help you find a job not only in a specific region of Bulgaria, but also in other countries.
European Job Mobility Portal: This European portal, created by the European Union, is another great tool for finding available jobs in Bulgaria and other European countries. Currently, there are more than 4600 vacancies in Bulgaria listed here.
3. Other Places to Find Vacancies
Job websites are not the only places where foreigners can find jobs in Bulgaria. Some other sources include newspapers, recruitment agencies, career fairs, and references from friends or relatives. The more options you have for finding a job, the greater your chances are of finding a desired vacancy related to your skills and professional experience. We’ll take a closer look at these other sources below:
Newspapers
Many Bulgarian newspapers provide dedicated sections for job listings. These newspapers include:
There’s also a popular newspaper that’s completely dedicated to ads including those for job listings, where you can find a lot of vacancies every day. This newspaper is Позвънете (Pozvanete), and it’s widely used by job seekers in Bulgaria.
Recruitment Agencies
Many people in Bulgaria prefer to use the services of recruitment agencies, which search for an appropriate job according to your preferences, education, and experience. These agencies have contracts with large companies, which provide them with available vacancies as soon as they arise; they’re committed to finding the right candidates for these positions. After the person is successfully hired, the agency takes a percentage of that person’s first salary as payment. This is a safe and time-saving way to find a desirable position.
Some of these recruitment agencies are specialized in a particular industry. This could be accounting, IT, nursing, construction, catering, tourism, etc. You can search for the best recruitment agency based on your field.
Bulgarian Career Fairs
Bulgaria regularly conducts job fairs that are intended to connect job seekers with their future employers. They are usually free to attend, but some of them may require upfront online registration. During these career fairs, people can meet with a large number of recruiters to get an idea of their companies and what skills are required for specific vacancies. It’s a good idea to attend these fairs with a resume and to arrive well-dressed, as first impressions are very important in business meetings.
➜ In this lesson from BulgarianPod101, you can prepare for your next Bulgarian business meeting and gain the confidence you need to succeed.
Personal Contacts
It would be wise to tell your relatives and friends that you’re looking for a job, as personal contacts and references often play a huge role in finding good jobs. Many employers in Bulgaria don’t post advertisements about job vacancies, but rather tell their acquaintances who may know someone interested in the specific job position. So, the more people know about your need to find a job in Bulgaria, the greater your chances are of getting a call from a potential employer.
4. Language Teaching Jobs
One of the best jobs in Bulgaria for English speakers is being an English teacher. If you have such education, you’re very likely to land a teaching job in public or private schools. However, even without that education, you can find a job in Bulgaria as a private teacher for personal lessons. This is especially true if you have extraordinary English skills and have taken TOEFL, IELTS, or a similar exam to prove it.
Being a teacher in a public sector provides you with many benefits, such as a good salary, paid holidays, social security, etc. The best time to apply for an English school teacher job is in August, as the school boards start to function from the beginning of September after the summer holiday. That said, you’ll still have chances to find vacancies until the beginning of the school year on September 15.
In order to apply for such a job, you need to submit your application along with your resume to the school, which will ask the approved applicants for an interview. During the interview, the applicant may be asked to teach a sample lesson or even to complete a grammar test. It’s common in Bulgaria for school teachers to also give private lessons to earn extra income.
Another one of the best work opportunities in Bulgaria for foreigners is online jobs. The country has a well-developed system of internet suppliers with excellent connectivity, even in the remote and rural regions. If you can continue working from home, you don’t even have to search for a new job when moving to Bulgaria.
What if you would like to search for work from home jobs in Bulgaria that will allow you to practice your profession? You can search for the right job opportunity using the following online job portals:
If you work in the IT sector, you can easily find an online job wherever you live. Many companies have vacancies for web developers, mobile and app developers, SEO consultants, social media marketers, technical support representatives, and similar positions.
6. Health-Related Jobs
Like some other countries around the world, Bulgaria has a lack of medical professionals. This means that people who have education in the field of medicine can easily find work not only in the big Bulgarian cities (Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna), but also in the smaller towns and even villages.
Typically, the salaries of medical doctors in Bulgaria are almost four times the average salary here, so this job ensures a good standard of living. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the salaries of nurses and janitors—they’re often underpaid for their long working hours.
Medical workers receive the following benefits: health insurance, retirement plan, training courses, opportunities for career development, and the opportunity to choose a preferred work type or schedule (full-time job, part-time job, night shift, temporary job, or self-employment).
Foreigners who would like to work as medical professionals in Bulgaria need to have advanced Bulgarian language skills.
Where can you apply for a health-related job in Bulgaria?
There are several online sources where you can search for health-related jobs in Bulgaria. Usually, listings provide a detailed description of the work, the required skills, and other specifics. These sources include:
People searching for part-time jobs in Bulgaria have multiple options, even if they’re not students. This job could be in the fields of:
Babysitting
Office work
Gardening
Security
Working from home as a writer, translator, private teacher, etc.
It all depends on your preferences, financial needs, and other time commitments.
There are some great benefits for foreigners who start working a part-time job in Bulgaria:
Part-time jobs help you gain the set of practical skills needed for your profession.
Working with Bulgarians will greatly improve your Bulgarian language skills. This work will also give you the chance to socialize with local people.
Eventually, part-time jobs could lead to full-time jobs.
Part-time jobs provide you with excellent experience that could be included in your CV and will provide you with recommendations for future full-time jobs.
You can learn the names of different professions in Bulgarian along with their pronunciation in this list from BulgarianPod101.
#1:You can search for part-time jobs in Bulgaria depending on your qualifications and education. You can take advantage of recruitment agencies to help you find a job, or you can search on your own in local newspapers or online job websites and other sources. The other option is to tell your Bulgarian friends that you’re searching for such a job and they may be able to refer you to the right person. If you know a friend who already works a part-time job, you can ask him/her whether there are vacancies within the same company.
#2: Hoping to work only weekends to make some extra money? Things like office cleaning or driving tourists for sightseeing are especially good for English speakers. Also, many students search for native English teachers to take private lessons with, so this is another good option to complement your earnings.
#3: Some other part-time jobs include online tasks like social media advertising, writing web content for different online companies, etc.
#4:Besides online work, there are many other offline opportunities for part-time jobs. These include working in restaurants or fast-food joints, showrooms, grocery stores, fuel pumps, amusement parks, etc. The sky’s the limit.
8. How BulgarianPod101 Can Help You Learn Bulgarian
BulgarianPod101 has prepared this comprehensive guide to help you find your ideal job in Bulgaria. The better your Bulgarian language skills, the greater your chances are of having a great experience as you live and work in Bulgaria. Even though there are opportunities for non-Bulgarian speaking foreigners to find a job in Bulgaria (such as online or part-time jobs), most employers prefer a candidate with good Bulgarian speaking skills.
If you feel that you need personal guidance to learn Bulgarian more quickly and efficiently in order to land a job in Bulgaria, you can turn to MyTeacher. This Premium PLUS service from BulgarianPod101 allows you to learn and practice with a private teacher, who will know how to help you and greatly increase your chances of getting that dream job. Of course, our free lifetime account option also provides tons of useful resources on the Bulgarian language and culture, so make sure to check it out!
Before you go: Do you need any other specific information on how to find a job in Bulgaria? Don’t hesitate to share with us in the comments below—we’ll be glad to help out the best we can.
Guess what? Your language learning goals just got a little easier!
As you’ve probably realized by now, there have been some major improvements made to your dashboard! These updates have been designed to improve your overall experience with the website and help keep you organized and on-track! Here are a few of the changes:
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This may be one of the most rewarding parts of learning a new language. You’ll be able to get to know speakers of other languages on a more personal level. Meeting people from around the world is one of the main reasons people begin to study a language, so don’t ever feel like making new friends isn’t a good enough reason to start studying!
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Whether you decide to live abroad, or you’re just taking a vacation, knowing the local language will give you the ability to better understand the people and culture of a different country. This can open your eyes to not only their country, but your country as well! You can understand how people see your home from their perspective.
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Good news! Studying a new language actually comes with health benefits! Studying a new language helps keep your brain sharp! By studying every day, you’re helping your mind fight off the old age and stay fresh!
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When it comes down to it, learning a new language is just plain fun! There’s always something new to learn and the rewards are endless! Whether your goal is to meet new people or to get a job in a new country, language learning is something that is actually enjoyable!
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