здраве́й
zdravéj
The English phrase "hi" can be translated into Bulgarian using здраве́й (zdravéj). Wiktionary also lists здра́сти (zdrásti).
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Bulgarian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| здраве́й | zdravéj |
| здра́сти | zdrásti |
These terms are used as friendly, informal greetings to say hello.
What does it mean word for word?
The word здраве́й is a form of a verb meaning "be healthy".
Which one should you use?
While здраве́й is a slightly more traditional greeting, здра́сти is a very common, casual way to say "hi".
How does it change in a sentence?
Use здраве́й when addressing one person you know well. The plural or polite form is здраве́йте, which is used when addressing more than one person or using a formal tone.
How do you pronounce it?
zdravéj
Did you know?
- Bulgarian has a specific distinction where using the polite здраве́йте with a close friend can be interpreted as a joke or a sign that you are suddenly being cold or distant.
- The root of these greetings is related to the word здра́в, which means 'healthy' or 'strong'. This links the act of saying 'hi' to the ancient Slavic concept of physical vigor and resilience.
- Bulgarians may use здраве́йте even when speaking to one person if that person is a stranger, a teacher or a boss. This is not because they are plural, but because the form functions as a 'social distance' marker.
Examples in context
- Здравейте, госпожице Стефанова.Hello, Miss Stefanova.
- Здравейте, колеги!Hello, colleagues!
- Здрасти, Петър!Hi, Peter!
- Здравей, Мария!Hey, Maria!
- Здравейте всички, как сте?Hi, everyone, how are you?
- Здраве́й, как си?Zdravey, kak si?Hi, how are you?
- Здраве́й, дълго не се виждахме.Zdravey, dylgo ne se vizdahme.Hi, we haven't seen each other for a long time.
- Здраве́й, ето твоят подарък.Zdravey, eto tvoyat podaruk.Hi, here is your gift.
Example conversation
Elena and Ivan meet by chance on a street.
- Елена ElenaЗдраве́й, Иван!Zdravey, Ivan!Hi, Ivan!
- Иван IvanЗдраве́й, Елена! Как си?Zdravey, Elena! Kak si?Hi, Elena! How are you?
- Елена ElenaДобре съм, благодаря.Dobre sam, blagodarya.I am well, thank you.
- Иван IvanРадвам се да те видя.Radvam se da te vidya.I am glad to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
