Significado
Expressing the need for food.
Contexto cultural
The 'Hungry Bear' proverb: 'Гладна мечка хоро не играе' (A hungry bear doesn't dance a horo). This reflects the Bulgarian belief that you cannot expect productivity or joy from someone whose basic needs aren't met. Hospitality is aggressive. If you say you are hungry, you will be fed until you can't move. It is often considered polite to refuse food once before accepting. Food delivery apps like Glovo and Takeaway have made 'Гладен съм' a common phrase used before opening an app. The phrase is often used in office Slack channels to coordinate group orders. In the past, hunger was a communal concern. During harvest, everyone ate together. Saying 'Гладен съм' was a signal for the communal break.
Gender Check
Always remember: Men say 'Gladen', Women say 'Gladna'. It's the most common mistake for A1 learners!
The 'No' that means 'Yes'
If a Bulgarian host asks if you are hungry and you say 'No', they might ask three more times. It's part of the ritual!
Significado
Expressing the need for food.
Gender Check
Always remember: Men say 'Gladen', Women say 'Gladna'. It's the most common mistake for A1 learners!
The 'No' that means 'Yes'
If a Bulgarian host asks if you are hungry and you say 'No', they might ask three more times. It's part of the ritual!
Don't say 'Имам глад'
Even if your native language says 'I have hunger', Bulgarian doesn't. Stick to 'съм' (to be).
Ponte a prueba
Select the correct form for a woman speaking.
Как се казва 'I am hungry' от жена?
Women must use the feminine ending '-на'.
Fill in the missing verb.
Ние ______ гладни.
'Ние' (we) requires the verb form 'сме'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are starving and want to be dramatic.
'Умирам от глад' means 'I'm dying of hunger'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Искаш ли пица? B: Да, много съм _______.
If you want pizza, you are hungry (гладен).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosКак се казва 'I am hungry' от жена?
Women must use the feminine ending '-на'.
Ние ______ гладни.
'Ние' (we) requires the verb form 'сме'.
You are starving and want to be dramatic.
'Умирам от глад' means 'I'm dying of hunger'.
A: Искаш ли пица? B: Да, много съм _______.
If you want pizza, you are hungry (гладен).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is perfectly neutral. However, adding 'Много' (very) or 'Извинете' (excuse me) makes it even better.
Yes! 'Кучето е гладно' (The dog is hungry). Just use the neuter form 'гладно' for animals if the gender is unknown, or match the gender.
'Гладен съм' is a state of being. 'Яде ми се' is a craving or a desire to eat something specific.
Use 'Умирам от глад' (I'm dying of hunger) for a more dramatic effect.
No, 'Гладен съм' already implies 'I am' because of the verb 'съм'. Adding 'Аз' is only for emphasis.
Simply add 'не': 'Не съм гладен' (masc) or 'Не съм гладна' (fem).
No, for thirst you must use 'жаден' (zhaden).
The plural is 'Гладни сме' (We are hungry). It is the same for all-male, all-female, or mixed groups.
The phrase itself is neutral. To be formal, you would use the plural 'Вие' form: 'Гладни ли сте?' (Are you hungry?).
Yes, 'гладен за власт' is a common metaphorical expression in Bulgarian.
Frases relacionadas
Жаден съм
similarI am thirsty
Сити сме
contrastWe are full/satisfied
Яде ми се
similarI feel like eating
Нахраних се
builds onI have eaten my fill
