Чао
chaocasual, slang
A common casual way to say hello in Bulgarian is Чао (chao), borrowed from Italian and used for both hello and goodbye. Здрасти (zdrasti) is the relaxed standard, and Ей (ey) is a quick "hey".
Meaning: casual greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Bulgarian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Чао | chao | casual, slang |
| Здрасти | zdrasti | informal |
| Ей | ey | casual, slang |
Чао (chao) is friendly and fits friends and peers. Здрасти (zdrasti) is used with anyone you know, while a stranger or an older person gets Добър ден (dobar den).
Which one should you use?
The same Чао (chao) also works when parting, so the meaning depends on the moment: arriving or leaving.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Slang greetings among friends are not for teachers, officials or elders, who expect the full Здравейте (zdraveyte).
Did you know?
- Bulgarian shares Чао (chao) with many European languages, all taking it from the Venetian s-ciào, itself from "schiavo", "your servant".
Examples in context
- Чао, как си?chao, kak siHi, how are you?
- Здрасти, Мария!zdrasti, MariyaHello, Maria!
- Ей, какво става?ey, kakvo stavaHey, what is up?
Example conversation
Ivan meets his friend Georgi on the street in Sofia.
- IvanЧао, Георги!chao, GeorgiHi, Georgi!
- GeorgiЕй, Иване, как си?ey, Ivane, kak siHey, Ivan, how are you?
- IvanДобре съм, ти?dobre sam, tiI am fine, you?
