Learning a new language opens doors to understanding a new culture and its people. When it comes to Bulgarian, a South Slavic language, knowing some fundamental communication and writing phrases is essential to building a foundation for further learning. Below are some key phrases, their definitions, and examples of how to use them.

Здравей (Zdravey) – Hello.
A casual greeting used to say “hello.”
Здравей! Как си днес? – Hello! How are you today?

Как си? (Kak si?) – How are you?
Inquires about someone’s well-being.
Как си? Имаш ли новини? – How are you? Do you have any news?

Добро утро (Dobro utro) – Good morning.
A phrase used to greet someone in the morning.
Добро утро, беше ли ти комфортно на леглото? – Good morning, did you sleep well?

Лека нощ (Leka nosht) – Good night.
A phrase typically used before going to bed.
Лека нощ и сладки сънища. – Good night and sweet dreams.

Извинете (Izvinete) – Excuse me.
Used to politely get someone’s attention, ask for forgiveness, or make your way through a crowd.
Извинете, може ли да минавам? – Excuse me, may I pass through?

Благодаря (Blagodarya) – Thank you.
An expression of gratitude.
Благодаря за помощта, много ми помогна! – Thank you for the help, it was very useful!

Моля (Molya) – Please/You’re welcome.
This dual-meaning word is used to say “please” when requesting something, and “you’re welcome” in response to thanks.
Моля, подай ми книгата. – Please, pass me the book.
Благодаря за кафето. – Моля! – Thank you for the coffee. – You’re welcome!

Да (Da) – Yes.
Used to agree or confirm.
Да, ще дойда на срещата утре. – Yes, I will come to the meeting tomorrow.

Не (Ne) – No.
Used to disagree or deny.
Не, не мога да дойда на киното вечерта. – No, I can’t come to the movies tonight.

Добре (Dobre) – Okay/Well.
It can mean either “okay” in agreement or “well” in terms of feeling good.
Добре, нека да продължим напред с плановете. – Okay, let’s proceed with the plans.
Как си? – Добре съм, благодаря. – How are you? – I’m well, thank you.

Може ли? (Mozhe li?) – Can I/May I?
A question asking for permission.
Може ли да опитам това ястие? – Can I try this dish?

Мисля (Mislya) – I think.
Expressing an opinion or thought.
Мисля, че това е добра идея. – I think that is a good idea.

Искам (Iskam) – I want.
Expressing a desire or wish.
Искам да науча български. – I want to learn Bulgarian.

Наздраве (Nazdrave) – Cheers.
A toast usually said before drinking.
Наздраве! Да пием за нашето здраве. – Cheers! Let’s drink to our health.

Сбогом (Sbogom) – Goodbye/Farewell.
A phrase used when leaving or parting ways.
Сбогом, до скоро! – Goodbye, see you soon!

These phrases are an excellent starting point for anyone interested in learning Bulgarian. Practice them regularly, and soon they will become a natural part of your Bulgarian vocabulary. Remember, the key to learning any language is consistency and willingness to immerse yourself in the language environment. Успех (Uspeh – Good luck)!