Signification
Waiting in a queue or sequence.
Contexte culturel
The question 'Кой е последен?' (Who is last?) is the essential ice-breaker for any queue. It establishes the 'ред' without a physical line. Waiting in line was a major part of life before 1989. This has left a cultural mark where people are very protective of their 'ред'. In modern malls and banks, digital ticket systems have replaced the 'Who is last?' system, but people still use the phrase 'чакам ред' to refer to their number. Cutting in line ('пререждане') is considered extremely rude and often leads to vocal public arguments.
The 'Who is Last' Rule
Always ask 'Кой е последен?' if you don't see a clear line. It's the most important social phrase in Bulgaria.
Don't use 'за'
Remember: 'Чакам ред', NOT 'Чакам за ред'. This is a very common English-speaker mistake.
Signification
Waiting in a queue or sequence.
The 'Who is Last' Rule
Always ask 'Кой е последен?' if you don't see a clear line. It's the most important social phrase in Bulgaria.
Don't use 'за'
Remember: 'Чакам ред', NOT 'Чакам за ред'. This is a very common English-speaker mistake.
Use 'си'
Adding 'си' (чакам си реда) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a sense of 'my own' turn.
Patience is key
Bulgarians might complain while waiting, but they generally respect the 'ред'. Joining the complaining can actually be a way to bond!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Аз ______ ред за хляб.
The correct verb for waiting in a sequence is 'чакам'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am waiting for my turn'?
Select the correct option:
Bulgarian does not use a preposition between 'чакам' and 'ред' in this collocation.
Complete the dialogue at the doctor's office.
Пациент: Извинете, вие ли сте последен? Друг пациент: Да, аз ______ ______.
'Чакам ред' is the most direct answer to confirm you are in the sequence.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Where would you most likely say 'Чакам ред'?
You wait for your turn at the cinema ticket counter.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Waiting Expressions
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesАз ______ ред за хляб.
The correct verb for waiting in a sequence is 'чакам'.
Select the correct option:
Bulgarian does not use a preposition between 'чакам' and 'ред' in this collocation.
Пациент: Извинете, вие ли сте последен? Друг пациент: Да, аз ______ ______.
'Чакам ред' is the most direct answer to confirm you are in the sequence.
Where would you most likely say 'Чакам ред'?
You wait for your turn at the cinema ticket counter.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any situation, from a street market to a government office.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. Use 'чакам ред' or 'чакам на опашка'.
Ask 'Кой е последен?' to find out whose turn it is. The 'ред' still exists even without a physical line.
Yes, it can mean a row of seats or a line of text, but in this phrase, it specifically means 'turn'.
You say 'Твой ред е.'
Not at all. It's just more descriptive of the physical line.
Usually no, unless people are literally lined up in a specific order to board.
Ние чакаме ред (We are waiting for our turn).
Чакам ред от един час.
Younger people might say 'Редя се' or just 'Чакам'.
In many fixed Bulgarian collocations, the article is dropped. It's similar to saying 'go to bed' instead of 'go to the bed'.
Yes, it can be used figuratively for career or life opportunities.
Expressions liées
чакам на опашка
synonymWaiting in a physical line
мой ред е
builds onIt is my turn
пререждам се
contrastTo cut in line
по ред
similarIn order / sequentially
изчаквам
specialized formTo wait out / to wait until the end
