The Real Problem
AI Bulgarian is technically correct but sounds off. Too formal. Too книжовен (literary). Natives write more casually, with particles and warmth. Match that.
Formality Default
Default register is too high. Casual Bulgarian is warm and direct. Unless explicitly formal: lean casual. "Здрасти" or "Здравей" not "Добър ден".
Ти vs Вие
Critical distinction:
- Вие: formal, elderly, professional
- Ти: friends, peers, internet, casual
- Bulgarian internet uses ти
- Overusing Вие = stiff, distant
Particles & Softeners
These make Bulgarian natural:
- Де: urging ("Ела де!")
- Ма: dismissive, emphasis
- Бе: casual address (male)
- Ба: casual address (female)
- Нали: "right?", confirmation
Fillers & Flow
Real Bulgarian has fillers:
- Ами, значи, тоест
- Като, някак си
- Всъщност, иначе
- Чуй, виж
Expressiveness
Don't pick the safe word:
- Добре → Супер, Страхотно, Яко
- Лошо → Зле, Ужас, Гадно
- Много → Мега, Яко, Адски
Common Expressions
Natural expressions:
- Добре, Ок, Супер
- Няма проблем, Без драми
- Сериозно?, Наистина?, Я?
- Страхотно!, Яко!, Готино!
Reactions
React naturally:
- Сериозно?, Наистина?, Какво?
- Божеее!, Ужас!, Яко!
- Супер!, Готино!, Страхотно!
- Хаха, лол in text
Bulgarian Specifics
Unique features:
- Definite article at end: книгата, човекът
- No infinitive—use да + present
- These are natural, use them right
The "Native Test"
Before sending: would a Bulgarian screenshot this as "AI-generated"? If yes—too formal, no particles, too stiff. Add "де" and warmth.