Do They Speak English In Bulgaria? – With Key Phrases

Yes, they absolutely speak English in Bulgaria. As an English-speaking traveller, you will have much better chances of communicating in English in Bulgaria than in many other countries in Europe – such as France, Italy and Spain. English speakers are more concentrated in the capital and in the tourist areas such as the ski resorts and the coast. And while not all of them are proficient in English, their level is mostly good enough, and you will certainly be able to understand each other.

What languages are spoken in Bulgaria?

The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian, a South Slavic language. They use the Cyrillic alphabet, that was created in Bulgaria in the 9th century AD. Since it is very different from the Latin alphabet, reading proves difficult, and it might be a bit frustrating at first. However, the majority of signs (in public transport for example) are also written in English, or at least spelled with Latin letters. Moving around the big cities or tourist areas therefore should not be a problem.

Older generations usually have a good understanding of Russian, so if you also have some basic knowledge of it – this is a great way to communicate with them. Another commonly spoken language is Turkish, but that is primarily within the Turkish minority or in the Rhodope mountain.

Do they speak English in Bulgaria?

English is the most widely spoken foreign language in Bulgaria. Especially among the younger people, the percentage of English speakers is as high as 80%. It is being taught at every school nowadays and from a young age as well. While not everyone is proficient, you will still manage to understand each other. You will find people in larger cities and tourist areas with a strong command of English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and places frequented by tourists.

Do they speak English in Sofia?

Yes, they speak English in Sofia. It is the capital and the most populous city of Bulgaria. Today, the city is a cosmopolitan urban center with quite diverse population. The city has a growing expat community, including professionals and students from various countries. The city is full of young professionals, many of whom either work for international companies or have studied abroad, or both. You won’t have a problem navigating Sofia or needing help there. For instance, most of the restaurants, especially those in the downtown area, have menus in English and English-speaking staff.

If you want to go out of the big city and explore a unique place just over an hour away:

Do they speak English on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast?

If you visit Bulgaria in the summer to spend some time on the Black Sea Coast and book a hotel, you will have no problem at all, because the people at the reception will speak English at a good level. In the bigger hotel complexes, there are also animation services for kids, for example, and they all speak foreign languages – mostly English and very often German, as well.

Here you will most likely be able to understand each other even though their level of English is rarely proficient.

A lot of foreign tourists visit the Bulgarian coast and many of them come from the Netherlands, Germany, UK, Norway or Sweden. Because of that, people working in this sector always speak a foreign language – mostly English, followed by German. Menus at restaurants and bars often are offered at least in English, but quite likely in a second language, too. Everyone working on the coast will know some English, from the cleaning staff to reception to sea rescuers, they won’t be proficient, but will be good enough to give you information and help you with what you need.

If you’re not sure where on the Bulgarian coast to spend your beach holiday, this is for you.

Basic phrases for your trip to Bulgaria

Making an effort to use basic phrases in Bulgarian is always highly appreciated by the locals, and it is also quite funny to immerse yourself in a local language, that is so different from your own. It’s also helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Bulgarian if you plan to travel to less touristy areas or want to immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture. Here are some easy phrases for you to try on your trip to the Eastern European country.

Hello/ Hi: Здравей (Zdravey) / Здрасти (Zdrasti)

To say Hello, say “zdra-vei” or “zdra-sti”

Bye: Довиждане (Dovizhdane)/ Чао (Chao)

Bye in Bulgarian is pronounced “do-vizh-da-ne”, but you can also say Chao – “cha-o”, which is less formal.

Thank you: Благодаря (Blagodarya)/ Merci

To say thank you, say “bla-go-da-rya”. It is quite a long word, I know, but locals love it when you know it. Alternatively, you can also say “merci” as it is very commonly used.

Excuse me: Извинете (Izvinete)

When you need to get someone’s attention or apologize, say “iz-vi-ne-te”

Yes: Да (Da)

Say “da” for yes.

PRO TIP: Bear in mind that nodding doesn’t always mean agreement in Bulgaria. In fact, Bulgaria is one of the very few countries where most of the time, the shake of the head up and down means “no”. And a shake of the head from side to side indicates “yes”. That may lead to some very confusing situations.

No: Не (Ne)

Say “ne” for no.

Cheers: Наздраве (Nazdrave)

Say “naz-dra-ve” when making a toast. This is a word you’ll hear all the time in restaurants, and it is actually a really easy one to learn. It means “to your health” just like in many other languages, like Salud in Spanish.

Do you speak English: Говорите ли английски? (Govorite li angliyski?)

Asking someone if they speak English is probably the most useful phrase. Say “go-vo-ri-te li an-gliy-ski” in Bulgarian.

To sum it all up:

Nowadays, English is widely spoken in Bulgaria, especially in the capital Sofia and in the major tourist areas. In rural areas or among older generations, the proficiency in English is generally lower. However, basic communication in English is often possible. Overall, people are friendly and willing to communicate with visitors, so you will definitely manage to understand each other and have a good time.

Only if you are going to more rural and off the grid areas, you might struggle to find English speakers.