хей
hej[xɛj]
The Bulgarian word for "hey" is хей (hej).
хей is an informal interjection used to grab someone's attention or to express surprise, functioning much like the English word "hey".
Meaning: informal greeting (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
хей is an informal term used primarily among younger generations and is influenced by English. It should be avoided in formal settings or when addressing elders. For formal situations, use Здравейте. For common informal greetings among friends, colleagues or peers, Здрасти is a versatile alternative.
How do you pronounce it?
hej
Did you know?
- In Bulgarian social etiquette, if you use an English-influenced interjection like хей with someone older than you, you may be seen as lacking 'vospitanie', or proper upbringing.
- While хей is used by youth, older Bulgarians might use the interjection ей to grab attention. In some contexts, ей can sound more demanding or impatient than the English 'hey'.
- The word хей is often perceived as a 'loanword' sound, meaning Bulgarians recognize it as an imported linguistic habit from English rather than a traditional Slavic exclamation.
Examples in context
- Хей, къде беше?Hey, where've you been?This sentence shows how to use хей to ask where someone has been.Tatoeba #3329085 by korobo4ka, translation #2646065 by CK
- Хей, вали сняг.Hey, it's snowing.This sentence demonstrates using хей to draw attention to something, such as snowing.Tatoeba #3927106 by korobo4ka, translation #3856547 by CK
- Хей, човече, много те моля – напръскай с малко инсектицид зад хладилника.Hey man, I beg you – spray some insecticide behind the fridge.This sentence shows how to use хей when addressing someone informally.Tatoeba #2323830 by korobo4ka, translation #2323858 by korobo4ka
Example conversation
Two friends meet unexpectedly on the street.
- Георги GeorgiХей, Мария! Как си?Hey, Mariya! Kak si?Hey, Maria! How are you?
- Мария MariyaО, Георги! Много се радовах да те видя.O, Georgi! Mnogo se radovah da te vidya.Oh, Georgi! I'm so glad to see you.
- Георги GeorgiАз също. Къде отиваш сега?Az sŭshto. Kŭde otivash sega?Me too. Where are you heading now?
- Мария MariyaОтивам до магазина за малко пазаруване.Otivam do magazina za malko pazaruvane.I'm going to the store for some shopping.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry хей, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
