Signification
Asking for the identity of an object.
Contexte culturel
Pointing with your index finger is common when asking 'Какво е това?', but in very formal settings, it's more polite to use an open hand. When asking about food, Bulgarians will often offer you a taste immediately after answering. There is a shared vocabulary for many objects (like 'kafe', 'chai', 'pazar'). Asking 'Какво е това?' might reveal a word you already know from another language. The 'reversed' head gestures for yes/no can make the answer to 'Какво е това?' confusing for foreigners.
The Pointing Rule
Always point clearly when using this phrase to ensure the listener knows exactly which object you mean.
People vs. Objects
Remember: 'Какво' for things, 'Кой' for people. Using 'Какво' for a person can be seen as very rude.
Signification
Asking for the identity of an object.
The Pointing Rule
Always point clearly when using this phrase to ensure the listener knows exactly which object you mean.
People vs. Objects
Remember: 'Какво' for things, 'Кой' for people. Using 'Какво' for a person can be seen as very rude.
The Nod
If someone answers your question with a head shake, they might actually be saying 'Yes'. Listen to their words carefully!
Teste-toi
Complete the question with the correct verb.
Какво ___ това?
The verb 'е' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be', used for 'this'.
Which phrase should you use to ask about a person?
You see a new colleague and want to know who they are.
'Кой' is used for people, 'Какво' for objects.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Какво е това? B: Това ___ баница.
The answer mirrors the question's verb.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see many strange fruits at the market.
Use the plural form 'Какви са тези?' for multiple objects.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesКакво ___ това?
The verb 'е' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be', used for 'this'.
You see a new colleague and want to know who they are.
'Кой' is used for people, 'Какво' for objects.
A: Какво е това? B: Това ___ баница.
The answer mirrors the question's verb.
You see many strange fruits at the market.
Use the plural form 'Какви са тези?' for multiple objects.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you are already pointing at the object, 'Какво е?' is a common shorthand.
'Това' is the correct written form. 'Т'ва' is how it sounds when spoken quickly.
Use 'Какво е онова?' (Kakvo e onova?).
You can still say 'Какво е това?', but 'Какъв е този шум?' (What is this noise?) is more specific.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral and polite enough for any public setting.
Because when you don't know what the object is, you can't know its gender, so Bulgarian defaults to the neuter.
No, for price ask 'Колко струва това?'.
The plural is 'Какви са тези?'.
Only in very old books, poems, or by very elderly people in villages.
You say 'Как се казва това?'.
Expressions liées
Кой е това?
similarWho is this?
Какво става?
builds onWhat's happening?
Какво означава това?
specialized formWhat does this mean?
Какво е онова?
contrastWhat is that?
Какви са тези?
specialized formWhat are these?
