Signification
Stating one's poor health condition
Contexte culturel
Bulgarians often use 'Болен съм' as a valid reason to skip social events without further explanation. It is rarely questioned. There is a superstition that talking too much about being healthy might 'jinx' it, so people are often quite open about being 'болен'. Presenteeism (going to work while sick) is becoming less common in urban Bulgaria, but in older generations, saying 'Болен съм' but still working is seen as a sign of strength. Saying 'Болен съм' to a Bulgarian grandmother will inevitably result in being told to eat 'пилешка супа' (chicken soup) and 'греяно вино' (mulled wine).
Gender is Key
If you only learn one thing, remember that women MUST say 'Болна съм'.
Don't start with 'Съм'
Never say 'Съм болен'. It sounds like Yoda or a very old poem. Always 'Болен съм'.
Signification
Stating one's poor health condition
Gender is Key
If you only learn one thing, remember that women MUST say 'Болна съм'.
Don't start with 'Съм'
Never say 'Съм болен'. It sounds like Yoda or a very old poem. Always 'Болен съм'.
The 'Draft' Myth
If you tell a Bulgarian you are sick, they might blame 'течение' (a draft). Just nod and agree!
Use 'Май'
Adding 'Май' (maybe/seems) before 'съм болен' makes you sound very native when you're just starting to feel symptoms.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'болен' based on the speaker's gender.
Мария казва: 'Днес съм ______.'
Maria is a female name, so the feminine form 'болна' is required.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'We are sick'?
'Болни' is plural, and 'сме' is the 'we' form of the verb 'to be'.
Complete the dialogue.
Шеф: Защо не си на работа? Служител: Съжалявам, ______ съм.
The employee is explaining why they are not at work, so 'болен' (sick) is the logical choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the doctor and he asks 'Какво ви е?'
When a doctor asks what's wrong, you state your condition.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gender Agreement in Bulgarian
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesМария казва: 'Днес съм ______.'
Maria is a female name, so the feminine form 'болна' is required.
How do you say 'We are sick'?
'Болни' is plural, and 'сме' is the 'we' form of the verb 'to be'.
Шеф: Защо не си на работа? Служител: Съжалявам, ______ съм.
The employee is explaining why they are not at work, so 'болен' (sick) is the logical choice.
You are at the doctor and he asks 'Какво ви е?'
When a doctor asks what's wrong, you state your condition.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is correct and used for emphasis. 'Болен съм' is just more common.
Use the past tense: 'Бях болен' (masc) or 'Бях болна' (fem).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
You can say 'Малко съм болен' or 'Не ми е много добре'.
No, 'болен' is the state of being sick. 'Болка' is the noun for pain.
Ask 'Болен ли си?' (to a man) or 'Болна ли си?' (to a woman).
Usually, 'болен' refers to physical health. For mental health, people might say 'Депресиран съм' or 'Не съм добре психически'.
The plural is 'болни'. Example: 'Ние сме болни'.
Young people use 'Дроб съм' (I'm a lung) or 'Леш съм' (I'm a carcass) to mean they feel terrible.
Use the verb 'Разболявам се'.
The most common response is 'Бързо оздравяване!' (Get well soon!).
No, you wouldn't say food is 'болен'. You would say it is 'развалена' (spoiled).
Expressions liées
Лошо ми е
similarI feel bad / I feel sick (nauseous)
Настинал съм
specialized formI have a cold
Здрав съм
contrastI am healthy
Оздравявам
builds onI am getting better
Боли ме глава
similarMy head hurts
