Essential Bulgarian Words for Beginners

Legend has it that the great and mighty gladiator Spartacus was born in what is now known as Bulgaria. I guess that makes him Bulgarian, right? Well, history says he was born in the Thrace region, which is modern-day Bulgaria, so yeah he is Bulgarian!

Bulgaria is tucked away in the Balkans of Southeastern Europe, bordered by Greece and Turkey. It’s the kind of country that looks like a postcard from every single angle. It’s got everything: ancient castles, jagged mountains, and crystal-clear glacial lakes. You can also visit the colorful Rila Monastery (named after the hermit John of Rila), the "flying saucer" looking Buzludzha Monument, or the ancient streets of Plovdiv.

But before you go exploring these postcard views, you'll probably want to know how to talk to the locals. After all, you can't exactly ask Spartacus for directions!

Warning: In Bulgaria, nodding your head means “no” and shaking your head means “yes.”