Asking things

Asking Things in Bulgarian

This lesson introduces you to basic question phrases in Bulgarian, ideal for absolute beginners (A1 level). You'll learn common ways to ask about someone's name, whereabouts, timing, origins, and correctness, essential for everyday communication.

Key Question Phrases

• Как се казвате? — "What is your name?" (formal)
• Откъде сте? — "Where are you from?"
• Кога е срещата? — "When is the meeting?"
• Къде е тоалетната? — "Where is the restroom?"
• Защо учиш български? — "Why are you learning Bulgarian?"
• Какво обичаш да правиш? — "What do you like to do?"

Understanding Bulgarian Question Structure

Bulgarian questions often begin with interrogative pronouns like "как" (how), "къде" (where), "кога" (when), "защо" (why), and "какво" (what), similar to English. Unlike English, Bulgarian typically does not invert the word order for questions but keeps the subject-verb order, making the interrogative word the initial focus.

For example, in English, you say, "Where is the restroom?" while in Bulgarian, it's Къде е тоалетната? (literally "Where is restroom-the?"). Note that the Bulgarian language uses definite articles attached at the end of nouns — here, тоалетната (the restroom) — a feature not present in English.

Useful Vocabulary for Asking Questions

• Как — how
• Къде — where
• Кога — when
• Защо — why
• Какво — what
• Ти/Вие — you (informal/formal)
• Съм — I am (to be)

Notes on Differences Between English and Bulgarian

English uses auxiliary verbs for most questions, like "do" or "is" (e.g., "Do you like...?" or "Is it...?"), but Bulgarian forms questions simply by intonation and interrogative words without auxiliary verbs. The sentence structure remains subject + verb + object, which is generally more straightforward.

Also, Bulgarian formal speech employs the respectful "Вие" form (you, formal), important in polite interactions and reflected in questions such as Как се казвате? (formal "What is your name?").