Signification
Wasting time or being idle.
Contexte culturel
In village life, crows were often seen as pests or omens. Counting them instead of working was a sign of a 'хаймана' (a loafer or wanderer). Today, the phrase is used ironically in office culture to describe 'burnout' or the boredom of repetitive tasks. Similar bird-related idioms exist across the Balkans, reflecting a shared agricultural history where observing nature was the primary alternative to labor. Bulgarian teachers are known for being strict. 'Броенето на гарги' is a standard part of the classroom vocabulary to keep students focused.
Use it for yourself
It sounds very natural and humble if you admit you were 'counting crows' when you missed a detail.
Watch the tone
If said too sharply, it can sound like you are calling someone lazy. Keep it light.
Signification
Wasting time or being idle.
Use it for yourself
It sounds very natural and humble if you admit you were 'counting crows' when you missed a detail.
Watch the tone
If said too sharply, it can sound like you are calling someone lazy. Keep it light.
The 'Definite' Rule
Always remember the '-те' at the end of 'гаргите'. It's the secret to sounding like a native.
The Plovdiv Alternative
If you are in Plovdiv, try 'бием айляк' for a more local, cool vibe.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Спри да ______ гаргите и започни да пишеш!
The subject is 'ти' (you), so the verb 'броя' must be in the second person singular: 'броиш'.
What does 'броя гаргите' mean in this context?
Вчера в офиса нямаше ток и цял ден брояхме гаргите.
In this context, the lack of electricity meant no work could be done, leading to idleness.
Match the Bulgarian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
'Броя гаргите' is the idiomatic equivalent of daydreaming or being idle.
Choose the best response for Maria.
Иван: 'Мария, защо гледаш през прозореца?' Мария: '...'
Looking out the window is the classic physical action associated with this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Idle vs. Busy
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesСпри да ______ гаргите и започни да пишеш!
The subject is 'ти' (you), so the verb 'броя' must be in the second person singular: 'броиш'.
Вчера в офиса нямаше ток и цял ден брояхме гаргите.
In this context, the lack of electricity meant no work could be done, leading to idleness.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
'Броя гаргите' is the idiomatic equivalent of daydreaming or being idle.
Иван: 'Мария, защо гледаш през прозореца?' Мария: '...'
Looking out the window is the classic physical action associated with this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is generally too informal and could be seen as disrespectful. Use 'разсеях се' (I got distracted) instead.
No, the idiom is fixed with crows (гаргите). Using other birds will make it literal.
Yes, you will find it in many Bulgarian novels to describe bored or lazy characters.
'Мързелувам' is a general verb for being lazy. 'Броя гаргите' specifically implies being distracted or daydreaming.
Yes: 'Утре само ще броя гаргите' (Tomorrow I will just count the crows/be idle).
No, the number doesn't matter; it's the act of counting that signifies idleness.
Yes, though they might prefer slang like 'цикля', 'броя гаргите' remains a classic understood by everyone.
Yes, you wouldn't use it to describe an animal or an object.
No, it implies the person is awake but not focused.
Yes, in this idiom it is always plural.
Expressions liées
Гледам в тавана
synonymStaring at the ceiling
Убивам времето
similarKilling time
Лапам мухите
synonymCatching flies with one's mouth
Работя като пчела
contrastWorking like a bee
Бия айляк
similarTo enjoy leisure
