Signification
Most common informal way to say goodbye.
Contexte culturel
Bulgarians often repeat 'Чао' multiple times when hanging up the phone, sometimes saying it 3 or 4 times in a row as the call fades out. While Italians use 'Ciao' for both hello and goodbye, Bulgarians strictly use it for goodbye. Using it as 'hello' is a hallmark of a beginner learner. In Sofia and Plovdiv, 'Чао' is universal. In very small, traditional villages, older people might still prefer the Slavic 'Сбогом' (Farewell) or 'Довиждане'. In Bulgarian Facebook groups, 'Чао' is often used sarcastically to 'dismiss' someone after a heated argument, implying 'I'm done talking to you'.
The Double Chao
If you want to sound extra friendly or like a local, say it twice: 'Чао-чао!'
Not for Hellos
Never use it when entering a room. It's a one-way ticket out!
Signification
Most common informal way to say goodbye.
The Double Chao
If you want to sound extra friendly or like a local, say it twice: 'Чао-чао!'
Not for Hellos
Never use it when entering a room. It's a one-way ticket out!
The 'Ayde' Combo
Combine it with 'Айде' to sound like you've lived in Sofia for years.
Respect the Elders
When in doubt with someone over 60, use 'Довиждане'.
Teste-toi
Which is the most appropriate situation to use 'Чао'?
You are leaving a meeting with the President of a bank.
A bank president requires the formal 'Довиждане'. 'Чао' is too informal.
Complete the common phone call ending.
Добре, ще се видим утре. ____, чао!
'Айде' is the most common particle used before 'чао' to signal you are hanging up.
Match the goodbye to the person.
1. Best Friend, 2. Grandmother, 3. Shop Assistant (young)
Friends get 'Чао', grandmothers usually get 'Довиждане', and shop assistants can be either depending on the vibe.
Finish the dialogue naturally.
Иван: Тръгвам към София. Мария: Приятен път! Иван: Благодаря! ____!
Ivan is leaving, so he needs a goodbye. 'Чао' is the most natural fit here.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Чао'
Friends
- • Parties
- • Cafes
- • Walking
Family
- • Leaving home
- • Phone calls
- • Bedtime
Casual Work
- • Lunch break
- • End of day
- • Slack/Chat
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are leaving a meeting with the President of a bank.
A bank president requires the formal 'Довиждане'. 'Чао' is too informal.
Добре, ще се видим утре. ____, чао!
'Айде' is the most common particle used before 'чао' to signal you are hanging up.
1. Best Friend, 2. Grandmother, 3. Shop Assistant (young)
Friends get 'Чао', grandmothers usually get 'Довиждане', and shop assistants can be either depending on the vibe.
Иван: Тръгвам към София. Мария: Приятен път! Иван: Благодаря! ____!
Ivan is leaving, so he needs a goodbye. 'Чао' is the most natural fit here.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's like saying 'Bye' instead of 'Goodbye'.
Yes, with colleagues you know well, but avoid it with clients or senior management.
It is spelled Ч-А-О.
It's a rhythmic habit that sounds more affectionate and final.
The formal equivalent is 'Довиждане'.
Yes, if the restaurant is casual. In a fine-dining place, 'Довиждане' is better.
No, nowhere in Bulgaria is it used as a greeting.
Only in informal writing like texts, chats, or casual emails.
'Чао' is for daily use; 'Сбогом' is for final, often sad, goodbyes.
It's technically an informal loanword, but it's often categorized as slang because of its casual nature.
Expressions liées
Довиждане
contrastGoodbye (formal)
До скоро
similarSee you soon
Айде
builds onCome on / Let's go
Сбогом
contrastFarewell
Лека нощ
specialized formGood night
Всичко хубаво
similarAll the best
