здравей, как си?
zdravey, kak si?
здравей, как си? (zdravey, kak si?) is the Bulgarian way to say "hello, how are you?"
This phrase is used as a common greeting to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being.
Which one should you use?
Use здравей, как си? when speaking to one person you know well. However, you should use здравейте, как сте? when addressing strangers, elders or groups of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to the plural or formal version здравейте, как сте? when you are addressing more than one person or when you want to use a polite register with a single person. The word здравей is the singular, informal form of the greeting.
How do you pronounce it?
zdravey, kak si?
When do people say it?
In Bulgaria, it is common to shake hands when greeting someone formally or for the first time. A common and natural response to как си? is Добре съм, благодаря! (I am well, thank you!).
Did you know?
- The word здравей is actually a command to 'be healthy'. It stems from the imperative form of an archaic verb meaning to possess good health.
- While 'how are you?' is a standard question, in many Bulgarian social contexts, people may offer a much more detailed description of their health than a simple 'fine' in English.
- In very casual settings, Bulgarians may replace здравей with здрасти, which is a shortened, more colloquial version of the greeting.
Examples in context
- Добре съм, благодаря. А Вие?I'm fine, thank you. And you?
- Здравей, как си?Zdravey, kak si?Hello, how are you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries здравей, как, си, CC BY-SA 4.0.
