Signification
Expressing lack of knowledge
Contexte culturel
The head nod for 'no' and shake for 'yes' is a famous cultural quirk. When saying 'Не знам', a Bulgarian might nod their head upward once. There is a shared linguistic heritage in the Balkans where 'I don't know' is often used as a polite way to avoid conflict or taking sides. In texting, 'нз' is the common abbreviation for 'не знам', similar to 'idk' in English. In universities, saying 'Не знам' is respected if followed by a logical deduction, showing that you are thinking rather than just memorizing.
Be Honest
Bulgarians appreciate honesty. If you don't know, just say it!
The Person Trap
Never use 'не знам' for people you've met; use 'не познавам'.
Signification
Expressing lack of knowledge
Be Honest
Bulgarians appreciate honesty. If you don't know, just say it!
The Person Trap
Never use 'не знам' for people you've met; use 'не познавам'.
The Shrug
A small shrug with 'не знам' is universally understood in Bulgaria.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'не знам'.
Извинете, аз ___ къде е пощата.
The subject is 'аз' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
Which sentence is correct when talking about a person?
How do you say 'I don't know Maria'?
In Bulgarian, 'познавам' is used for being acquainted with people.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Кога е изпитът? B: ________, трябва да питам учителя.
The context implies the speaker needs to ask someone else because they lack the information.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are asked for your opinion on a complex political issue you haven't followed.
This response explains why you don't have an opinion (you don't follow the news).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesИзвинете, аз ___ къде е пощата.
The subject is 'аз' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
How do you say 'I don't know Maria'?
In Bulgarian, 'познавам' is used for being acquainted with people.
A: Кога е изпитът? B: ________, трябва да питам учителя.
The context implies the speaker needs to ask someone else because they lack the information.
You are asked for your opinion on a complex political issue you haven't followed.
This response explains why you don't have an opinion (you don't follow the news).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. To make it more polite, add 'съжалявам' (I'm sorry).
Yes, but it's redundant. Bulgarians usually drop the 'Аз'.
'Не зная' is more formal and common in writing.
Use 'Нямам представа'.
It's a cultural tradition where an upward nod means 'no'.
No, use 'не мога да свиря' (I can't play).
Yes, 'Де да знам' is very common among friends.
Say 'Още не знам'.
Yes, but follow it with 'но ще проверя' (but I will check).
Yes, it becomes 'не знаех' (I didn't know).
Expressions liées
нямам представа
synonymI have no idea
не познавам
similarI don't know (a person/place)
не разбирам
similarI don't understand
знам
contrastI know
де да знам
specialized formHow should I know
