10 Brilliant Bulgarian Idioms You Can’t Translate to English
Discover the quirky charm and cultural depth behind Bulgaria’s most untranslatable idioms—where language, humor, and heritage collide.
The beauty of language often lies in its quirks—those turns of phrase that are so woven into the fabric of daily life and humor that they defy direct translation. Bulgarian, a South Slavic tongue rich in history and character, brims with such idioms. Some draw on folklore, others on culinary oddities or wry observations about life, but all offer vivid glimpses into how Bulgarians think and express themselves. Here, we unravel ten of the most emblematic Bulgarian expressions that leave English speakers both amused and mystified.
1. “Голям праз!” (Golyam praz!) – Big leek!
Literal translation: “Big leek!”
Meaning: This expression is used to indicate complete indifference—whether something happens or not, it makes no difference. Imagine someone overly dramatic about minor issues, and a Bulgarian might retort, “Big leek!”—the equivalent of “So what?” or “Big deal!” in English.
Cultural tidbit: While leeks are widely appreciated in Bulgarian cuisine, here they become a humorous symbol of irrelevance.
Usage example:
– “They say it’s going to rain tomorrow!”
– “Голям праз!”
2. “Пращам за зелен хайвер” (Prashtam za zelen hayver) – Send someone for green caviar
Literal translation: “I am sending someone for green caviar.”
Meaning: To deceive someone, to send them on a fool’s errand, or to distract them with something nonexistent. There’s no such thing as green caviar, much like the English “wild goose chase.”
- The phrase is often used when someone is intentionally misled or tricked into looking for something that does not exist.
Sample scenario: Imagine a friend persuades you to search for a non-existent shop sale. Later, realizing the joke, you might exclaim, “You sent me for green caviar!”
Origin note: The phrase’s fishy imagery mirrors English idioms like “red herring,” but with a distinctive local flavor and legend.
3. “Честито на патерици!” (Chestito na pateritsi!) – Congratulations on crutches
Literal translation: “Congratulations on crutches!”
Meaning: Used when offering belated congratulations. The “crutches” suggest your wishes are limping in a bit late, but they arrive nonetheless.
- Practical and witty, this phrase is the friendly answer to belated birthday wishes or late congratulatory remarks.
Usage example:
– “Sorry, I forgot your birthday. Happy birthday!”
– “Честито на патерици!”
4. “Айляк” (Aylak) – Living the idle life
Literal translation: “Aylak” has no concrete translation—its meaning is rooted in a lifestyle of relaxed leisure and contented idleness.
Meaning: To be free of worry or duty; to be “chilling” or simply taking it easy. Though historically slang, “айляк” has surged back in popularity among all generations.
- Not quite laziness, but an intentional enjoyment of a worry-free existence.
Usage scenario: A sunny afternoon spent in the park, no plans, no rush—just “айляк.”
5. “Куче марка” (Kuche marka) – Dog’s brand
Literal translation: “Dog’s brand.”
Meaning: Describes an item of unknown or dubious origin, typically of poor quality. Used to refer to generic gadgets, random household items, or unbranded products.
- Originally referred to a phonograph record with a dog logo, but over time came to mean anything shapeless, suspect, or off-brand.
Usage example:
– “Where did you get that phone?”
– “Oh, it’s some dog’s brand, I’m not sure.”
6. “Как я караш?” (Kak ya karash?) – How are you driving it?
Literal translation: “How are you driving it?”
Meaning: A colloquial way to ask “How’s it going?” The idiom is flexible and can invite a short status update or a deeper conversation about life’s ups and downs.
- Infuses daily small talk with a local twist, referencing maneuvering through life as if it’s a vehicle.
Usage example:
“Hey, how are you?” – “Как я караш?”
7. “Мани, мани” (Mani, mani) – Don’t even ask!
Literal translation: “Remove, remove.”
Meaning: Used as a dismissive response, especially if someone’s been asked “How are things?” and things aren’t great. Equivalent to “Don’t ask!” or “Better not to talk about it.”
- Often accompanied by a wave of the hand or eye roll for extra effect.
Dialogue example:
– “How’s work?”
– “Мани, мани!”
8. “На баба ти хвърчилото” (Na baba ti hvarchiloto) – Your grandma’s kite
Literal translation: “Your grandma’s kite.”
Meaning: Used to express outright disbelief or to call someone’s story nonsense. Like saying “When pigs fly!” or “That’s baloney!”
- This idiom is sometimes extended in variations, such as “баба ти трънкина,” which refers to utter nonsense or tall tales.
Example situation: If someone claims to have gone on a date with a movie star, you might respond: “На баба ти хвърчилото!”
9. “Хем боли, хем сърби.” (Hem boli, hem sarbi.) – It both hurts and itches
Literal translation: “It hurts and itches at the same time.”
Meaning: Used when someone is indecisive because a desirable action has both advantages and disadvantages. The phrase captures that nagging feeling of wanting something while simultaneously fearing its side effects.
- Addresses life’s little dilemmas, especially when risk and reward are entwined.
Example: A child who wants to pet a large dog, but is also afraid. The parent jokes: “Хем боли, хем сърби.”
10. “Всичко е ток и жица” (Vsichko e tok i zhitsa) – Everything is electricity and wire
Literal translation: “Everything is electricity and wire.”
Meaning: Life is going smoothly and everything is functioning perfectly. A cheerful, quirky way to say “All is well!” or “Everything’s running like clockwork!”
Usage example:
– “How’s your day going?”
– “Всичко е ток и жица!”
Comparison Table of Selected Bulgarian Idioms and Their Closest English Equivalents
| Bulgarian Idiom | Literal Translation | Closest English Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Голям праз! | Big leek | So what? / Who cares? |
| Пращам за зелен хайвер | Send for green caviar | Wild goose chase / Red herring |
| На баба ти хвърчилото | Your grandma’s kite | When pigs fly / Nonsense! |
| Всичко е ток и жица | Everything is electricity and wire | Everything’s running smoothly |
| Айляк | Idling / Chilling | Chill out / Easy living |
Why So Many Untranslatable Idioms?
These expressions are windows into Bulgarian humor, priorities, and worldview. They often riff on food, elders, objects, and life’s unpredictable turns. Many Bulgarian idioms are economical—just a word or two—but they pack a punch, conjuring scenes and emotions that resist easy translation. What unites them is their function: summarizing complex feelings, social situations, or reactions in a flash, all while drawing on local tradition or shared experience.
- Historical roots: Many idioms are centuries old, passed down through storytelling, proverbs, and folklore.
- Food and nature metaphors: Culinary and rural images—leeks, caviar, wires—reflect a country steeped in agricultural and family traditions.
- Cultural humor: The wordplay and irony in idioms like “Grandma’s kite” showcase Bulgaria’s love of dry, playful humor.
How to Use Bulgarian Idioms in Conversation
- Context is key: Each idiom is suited to specific situations—don’t use “Congratulations on crutches” for a wedding toast!
- Watch for tone: Many idioms are playful or gently sarcastic; use body language and intonation to match their intent.
- Enjoy the ride: Idioms are an entryway into culture, so embrace their oddities while learning about Bulgaria’s unique view of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these idioms widely used among all Bulgarians?
A: Yes, many of these expressions are used by people of all ages, though some—like “айляк”—have more recently recaptured popularity among younger generations.
Q: Why do so many Bulgarian idioms reference food or elders?
A: Bulgarian culture places strong emphasis on food, family ties, and respect for tradition. Food metaphors and references to grandmothers often signal either affection or friendly teasing.
Q: Can these idioms be used in formal writing or professional settings?
A: Most of these idioms are best suited for informal speech among friends, family, or colleagues. In formal contexts, plain language is preferred.
Q: Are there idioms that have the opposite meaning in English?
A: Occasionally, yes. Some Bulgarian phrases can trip up learners because they seem familiar but are used differently, or because their humor is culturally specific.
Q: How can I learn more idioms or practice using them?
A: Reading Bulgarian literature, watching local films and TV, or chatting with native speakers are great ways to pick up idioms in context.
Embracing the Untranslatable: Final Thoughts
These ten idioms offer just a taste of the color and complexity in Bulgarian day-to-day speech. While literal translation may be impossible, each phrase provides a starting point for grasping the heart of Bulgaria’s linguistic playfulness and realism. If you want to make Bulgarian friends smile, drop one of these idioms into conversation—the delight (and laughter) will be instant.
References
- https://www.bulgarianpod101.com/blog/2019/06/28/untranslatable-bulgarian-words/
- https://www.milestoneloc.com/10-untranslatable-bulgarian-expressions/
- https://www.theintrepidguide.com/untranslatable-words-ultimate-list/
- https://talkpal.ai/funny-unconventional-words-in-bulgarian/
- https://ling-app.com/blog/bulgarian-idioms/
