So you want to learn Bulgarian? Why not spice it up with some slang words? Grammar and formal phrases are important, but slang words will give you a cool edge and help you connect with locals even more. Today, I’ll introduce you to Bulgarian slang words and phrases that will make your conversations more interesting, relatable, and fun!
In this article we’ll go through 11 Bulgarian slang words that will make you feel more comfortable when speaking with Bulgarians. Whether you’re chatting with a close friend or trying to speak like a native at a party with locals, these words will take you one step closer to them. Are you interested? Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
Why Bulgarian Slang Words?
Learning Bulgarian slang words doesn’t just help you speak more naturally— it also gives you an insight into the culture, everyday life, and humor of the Bulgarian people. Just like slang in English, Bulgarian slang is full of personality and context and is often used to express ideas in a more relaxed way.
Imagine speaking only textbook English in casual conversations. Would look too formal, right? The same applies to Bulgarian. Even if you’re just visiting for a short time, knowing a few of these slang words will help you communicate better and connect more, so let’s get into some common words, their meanings, and how to use them in real life!
How Context Matters In Bulgarian Slang
As we said, Bulgarian slang, like English slang, relies heavily on context. The same word can have a positive, neutral, or negative meaning depending on the situation. For example, gotin (готин) can describe someone you admire or be used sarcastically if someone is trying too hard to impress others. Remember, context matters!
You might hear some slang words in Bulgarian media, movies, music, or even on the streets, but it’s important to know when and where to use them. Being too formal can sound distant, and using slang in the wrong setting can sound disrespectful. It’s all about finding the right balance and understanding the scenario, which will help you communicate better.
Bulgarian Slang Words
Now, let’s see some of the commonly used Bulgarian slang words and try to apply them to real-life situation examples.
1. Bro, Dude, Buddy – Brat, Pich, Chovek (Брат, Пич, Човек)
Brat (брат) and pich (пич) are like the English slang words “dude” and “bro,” and the word for “buddy” is more like chovek (човек), which actually means “person.” It may sound weird, but it is what it is, right?
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How’s it going, bro? | Как си, брат? | Kak si, brat? |
Use these words if you want to sound friendly and relaxed, but be careful and use them only with people you know well or are comfortable with.
2. Cool, Awesome – Gotino (Готино)
Gotino (готино) is one of the most used Bulgarian slang words. It means “cool” or “awesome” and can be used to describe a person, an event, or even a new gadget.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| You look awesome! | Изглеждаш готино! | Izglezhdash gotino! |
It’s a versatile word that can be used in many situations. Whether you’re complimenting someone or giving props for something you enjoyed, “готин” is your go-to word.
3. Lit, Cool – Yako (Яко)
Like gotino (готино), yako (яко) can be used to say “cool”. It’s a super flexible word we use to describe something that’s really cool or exciting. Think of it as the Bulgarian equivalent of saying something is “lit” or “awesome.”
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| This party is lit! | Това парти е яко! | Tova parti e yako! |
This is a word you’ll use in casual conversations with friends, especially when you’re describing something exciting or incredible.
4. I’m Having Fun – Kefya see (Кефя се)
If you’re having a good time, you can say kefya se (кефя се). This phrase means “I’m enjoying this” or “I’m having fun.”
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m really enjoying this music! | Кефя се на тази музика! | Kefya se na tazi muzika. |
5. To Flirt, Hit On Someone – Zabivam (Забивам)
If you’re telling your friends that you’re trying to flirt and get someone’s attention zabivam (забивам) is the word you’re looking for. It’s the same as “hitting on someone” in English and is often used in Bulgaria.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Yesterday, I was hitting on this woman. | Вчера забивах тзаи жена. | Vchera zabivah tazi zhena. |
Perfect for casual conversations about flirting at a party or in chat on social media.
6. Atractive Girl, Chick – Matska (Мацка)
Matska (Мацка) is a casual word Bulgarians use, often in a playful or informal way, when flirting or speaking about a really attractive woman.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| This chick is very cool. | Тази мацка е много яка. | Tazi matska e mnogo yaka. |
Like the English word “chick,” this term might be okay to use in some situations, but be mindful of the situation and who you’re speaking with. It’s important to note that this word can sometimes be seen as objectifying, so use it with caution!
7. Chilling, Relaxing – Aĭlyak (Айляк)
Here’s a great slang word for those laid-back moments. Aĭlyak (айляк) means to relax and do nothing. It’s the Bulgarian slang way to say you’re just “chilling” or “taking it easy.”
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| After work, I’ll just be chilling at home. | След работа ще съм айляк вкъщи. | Sled rabota shte sum aĭlyak vkushti. |
It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or when you’re just enjoying some downtime.
8. I’m Outta Here – Izchezvam (Изчезвам)
Not always everything is super good, right? It’s possible that you not doing well at some place or in someone’s company, or you remember that you have plans tomorrow or you have to go to work early, so you say izchezvam (изчезвам), which means “I’m disappearing”. However, it is commonly used like “I’m outta here” or “I’m leaving.” It’s an unofficial way to announce your exit, like saying “I’ve gotta bounce” in English.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m outta here— gotta get up early tomorrow. | Изчезвам, трябва да ставам рано утре. | Izchezvam, tryabva da stavam rano utre. |
It’s perfect for when you want to casually excuse yourself from a party or gathering.
9. To Work – Bachkam (Бачкам)
The slang term for “working” is bachkam (бачкам) and is used for any type of work or job, just like saying “I’m grinding” in English.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’ve got to grind againg tomorrow. | Утре пак трябва да бачкам. | Utre pak tryabva da bachkam. |
It’s the perfect word to use when you’re talking about work in an informal setting.
10. To Mess Up, Screw Over – Pretsakvam (Прецаквам)
Pretsakvam (Прецаквам) is the slang for “messing something up” or “screwing someone over.” It’s a word you’d use when things don’t go as planned or when someone ruins a situation.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| He’s screwing me over with this deal. | Той ме прецаква с тази сделка. | Toĭ me pretsakva s tazi sdelka. |
This one’s handy when you’re talking about frustrating situations.
11. A Mess – Kasha (Каша)
Kasha (Каша) literally means porridge, but in slang, it means “mess” or “chaos.” It’s like saying, “This is a real mess,” when something is in disarray.
Example:
| English Sentence | Bulgarian Sentence | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| The whole room is a mess! | Цялата стая е каша! | Tsyalata stya e kasha. |
Use this when describing disorganized situations or when things are just out of control.
How To Learn Bulgarian Slang Words
By now, you’re probably eager to start using some of these Bulgarian slang words in your daily conversations. But how do you learn to use them properly? This is where the Ling app comes in handy! With Ling, you can learn Bulgarian slang words, grammar, phrases, and vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.
You’ll listen to native Bulgarian speakers, so you don’t just learn the words but also how they’re pronounced in real conversations. The lessons in Ling cover everything from basic grammar to informal speech. So, if you’re interested in Bulgarian slang or formal Bulgarian, the Ling app has you covered. Plus, you’ll find quizzes, dialogues, and other interactive activities to make learning fun.
How Do You Say “Slang Word” In Bulgarian?
In Bulgarian, the term for “slang word” is жаргонна дума (zhargon-na doo-ma).
FAQs About Bulgarian Slang Words
1. What Does Molya Mean?
In Bulgarian molya (моля) means “please”.
2. How Do You Flirt In Bulgarian?
You don’t need slang words or formal phrases. Just be creative, show your intelligence, and be gentle. You can take a look at some flirting phrases in Bulgarian, but even without them, you can win the girl’s heart anyway.
3. Do Older People Use Slang Words In Bulgaria?
Of course, they do! But their slang words are a little more old-fashioned and closer to folk phrases and Bulgarian idioms.
Wrapping Up
Learning Bulgarian slang words will help you sound like a native, connect with Bulgarians on a deeper level, and get a better understanding of Bulgarian culture. Words like “готин,” “кефя се,” and “пич” will add flavor to your conversations, helping you make good friends and have a nice time with your colleagues at gatherings. Just remember that context is key—use these slang words in the right setting, and you’ll impress your Bulgarian friends in no time!
