Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of Bulgarian culture, as they are in many cultures. Bulgarians greet each other with a handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. It is customary for women to wait for men to initiate the handshake.
In addition to the handshake, Bulgarians may kiss each other on the cheek, starting from the left side. In more formal settings, Bulgarians may also say “Zdravei,” which means hello.
Greeting With a Handshake
A handshake is the typical greeting when meeting someone for the first time. However, handshakes and/or cheek-kissing can be exchanged if you’re already acquainted. For example, two women kiss three times on alternating cheeks (right-left-right), whereas two men shake hands.
Titles are important in Bulgarian culture, so use the politely appropriate honorific (Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.) and their surname when addressing someone you don’t know well or anyone older than you. Small gifts or flowers are generally appreciated when attending social or business encounters in Bulgaria; it is appropriate to present any gift with both hands.
Greeting With a Hug
Greeting with a hug is a common feature of Bulgarian culture. It is often the preferred greeting among family and friends and is sometimes exchanged between strangers.
In Bulgaria, physical contact with someone you do not know well is considered rude. However, when entering a tight space, such as on public transport or someone’s home unannounced, you may be expected to exchange hugs with those around you to minimize the disruption caused by your presence and show respect for those you’re sharing space with.
Typically, men will place their hands on the side of their chests when approaching someone for a hug to indicate that the hug is platonic rather than romantic. This gesture is essential to avoid any misunderstanding or misinterpretation that may arise if one party expects something more intimate than friendship. Likewise, women may hug both men and women, although it is still etiquette to ask permission before engaging in physical contact; if consent has been denied, then verbal greetings such as “zdravei” (hello) are appropriate instead.
When hugging an elder or any person with a higher social standing than you, it is polite not to be too exuberant or over-enthusiastic; instead, a more restrained form of physical affection should be employed, such that your hug remains respectful boundaries. When exiting from these kinds of situations too, it is customary for one person to thank another for their presence either verbally expected: phrases such as “razkazka po dobre” (goodbye) are common here too.
Greeting With a Kiss
When meeting or greeting people, a light kiss on the right cheek is customary in Bulgaria. Men greet with a handshake and occasionally a light embrace. If you are female, wait for the other person (especially men) to extend his/her hand first. Usually, women are expected to wait for permission to initiate physical contact.
It’s considered polite and respectful not to start with direct physical contact between sexes. Bulgarians typically address others by first name only in informal settings if they know the other person well enough. Still, it is more common to use titles such as gospodin (mister) and gospodinka (miss). Formal introductions should start with surnames until/unless otherwise invited by the other party.
For example:
- Zdraveite! would mean an informal “hello.”
- Dobur den would mean formal “good day” in Bulgarian.
- You might also hear zarajdane, which means hello -locally used in certain areas of Bulgaria like Sofia city and Plovdiv city regions.
Table Manners
Table manners are an essential part of Bulgarian culture. It is considered good manners to arrive at the table on time and to present a gift, usually liquor or flowers, to the host.
At the table, wait for the host before beginning to serve yourself, and try to keep your elbows off the table. It is considered good manners to compliment the host’s cooking. With these tips, you will be sure to navigate the table with ease:
- Arrive at the table on time.
- Present a gift to the host.
- Wait for the host before beginning to serve yourself.
- Keep your elbows off the table.
- Compliment the host’s cooking.
Table Etiquette
Dining in Bulgaria is a social experience, and as such, it has its customs and etiquette that should be followed. Table manners in Bulgaria reflect traditional values and an appreciation of food and hospitality; it is, therefore, essential to demonstrate good munkalapszemle behavior.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Wait until everyone is seated before starting the meal.
- Maintain good posture while dining; sit upright and keep your elbows off the table. Covering your mouth with your hand when chewing or coughing is considered polite.
- Tableware should be used with hands only, not with utensils.
- Pass food around the table clockwise, beginning with the person on your left before offering it to yourself.
- Don’t start eating until the hostess has indicated that you can do so; often, this will be done by saying “bon appetit” or something similar. Once everyone has been served, a toast may be proposed.
- Keep conversations polite and exciting; don’t discuss religion or politics, as it may offend others at the table.
- Respect etiquette when leaving the table – excuse yourself before getting up if you need to use rest facilities or attend to other needs (e.g., making phone calls). Offer a courtesy nod or bow when thanking those at the table for their hospitality, even if they are not present.
Eating Habits
Customs and culture largely dictate eating habits in Bulgaria. In the home, a typical meal will usually start with an appetizer, followed by a hot main course and then a dessert such as fruit or cake. Most meals will be eaten around a table, sitting on chairs or benches, with everyone washing their hands before beginning. At most meals, an individual host should be appointed to direct the meal by filling people’s plates and selecting what each person is offered. Depending on where you are staying, this can be a mother, father, or older brother. If you are unsure, follow someone else’s lead in the group if they have similar habits.
Bulgarian hand gestures while eating are common both at home and in public settings and include things such as:
- touching one’s forehead to signify agreement
- using their thumbs when taking glasses of soup or drinks from the table
Table manners should also be respected when eating at more formal occasions such as restaurants or when invited to someone’s home for dinner. For example, tables should not be banged upon with cutlery (unless it is done light-heartedly), elbows should stay off of the table unless it is necessary to reach something, bread should not be dipped into the sauce but eaten separately with knife and fork, food cannot be taken from another person’s plate without asking permission first, etc.
Show politeness toward your host by accepting their offer of food after your initial refusal and never complain about the taste of food; instead, compliment it whenever possible even if you don’t like it very much – Bulgarians take pride in hospitality so being appreciative goes a long way!
Toasting Customs
It is customary to use a brief toast to open the meal, and many tables will have a traditional toast repeated each time. In Bulgaria, toasts are typically made with rakia, an alcoholic drink similar to vodka. Guest will also commonly drink wine or beer.
Toast should be sincere and kept short. The host should propose the first toast and raise the glass with his or her right hand, ask each guest to stand, then take a sip of the beverage and say, “Na zdrave!” This phrase means “to health,” and it’s customary after every sip to look around at the other diners in silent acknowledgment by slightly raising the glass again. Raising your glass too high may give the impression that you are showing off or bragging about your financial position, so it is best to avoid this action.
It is polite to respond with “zdrave” after these brief acknowledgments by similarly looking around at other guests, slightly raising your glass in response, and taking a sip of beverage afterward.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an essential part of Bulgarian culture and etiquette. It is customary for guests to bring a gift to their hosts when invited to their homes. In addition, though not necessary, small tokens such as flowers, a bottle of wine, or chocolates are very much appreciated.
However, when giving a physical gift, it is important to remember the cultural customs and etiquette associated with gift-giving in Bulgaria.
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving plays a vital role in Bulgaria, and a guest is expected to bring a token of appreciation for the host. The best gifts to give are usually wines, locally made spirits, or chocolates. It is considered polite to decline the gift when it is first offered and for the recipient to accept it on further prompting by the giver.
Giving presents also plays an essential role in Bulgarian festivals and celebrations, including Birthdays, Weddings, Christenings, and New Year’s Day. A typical gift for special occasions might include perfumes, accessories for clothing or cosmetics for women, and clothes, wallets, or tools for men. If you are invited to a christening event, children’s gifts will range from toys to books or clothing, depending on their age.
When it comes to corporate gift giving, avoid strong alcoholic beverages as they may be seen as offensive or even illegal in some companies depending on regulations. Instead, consider chocolates or flowers as suitable alternatives that are likely gladly accepted by work colleagues or business partners alike.
Appropriate Gifts
When invited to someone’s home in Bulgaria, it is polite to bring a small gift of appreciation for the host. Typical gifts may include chocolates, flowers, or pastries. A bottle of wine is also an option and may be appreciated by adult hosts. However, it is best to avoid giving alcohol as a gift if invited to a family gathering, as many Eastern Orthodox Christians do not consume alcohol.
Small appliances such as coffeemakers or mixers are appropriate gifts for formal occasions. Perfumes and cosmetics are also acceptable choices if it is known that the female recipient wears these products. Items made of silver also make appropriate gifts in various situations. Expensive presents should only be given if they are received from business contacts, close friends, and family members; otherwise, low or mid-priced items are best.
When attending a wedding reception or other celebratory event, cash donations can be given along with a traditional wedding gift; however, care should be taken when presenting money gifts as the amount should reflect the status of the giver (e.g., those from wealthier social circles will generally give larger monetary gifts). When attending these events, uncertain about proper donation amounts, it can often be helpful to ask local friends for guidance about socially-acceptable amounts for contributing gift money in such cases.
Unacceptable Gifts
In Bulgaria, it is essential to give appropriate gifts according to their cultural customs and etiquette. Although gift-giving is not a strong part of the Bulgarian culture, giving a small token when visiting or when invited to someone’s home for dinner or another gathering is still polite.
When giving gifts, some items are considered inappropriate and should not be shared, such as weapons, religious artifacts, flowers (especially chrysanthemums), or items from animals. It is also crucial to remember color symbolism in Bulgaria; white stands for death, so if you plan on bringing flowers, avoid white flowers at all costs. Anything in the color Red should be avoided as well since it has negative connotations, and the same goes for anything black, which symbolizes bad luck. Books should also be avoided since they represent incompleteness and bad luck, so it’s better to save those for special occasions like birthdays instead of general visits.
Social Interaction
Social interaction in Bulgaria is informal and friendly. People generally address each other by their first name or the informal pronoun ‘ti.’ Men and women typically greet each other with a handshake, and women often kiss each other on the cheek. Respect is shown by maintaining eye contact when listening or talking, and social conversations are usually initiated by topics such as travel, sports, and the weather.
Conversation Topics
When talking to a Bulgarian, stick to topics such as culture, travel, and art. Avoid discussing politics and religion, as those can be sensitive topics among Bulgarians, especially with people you have just met.
One activity sure to spark conversation is admiring the natural beauty of Bulgaria. Some common topics include:
- the scenic Black Sea coastline adorned with unspoiled forests and quaint towns,
- the rough terrain of Pirin Mountain in the southwest,
- the heavily forested Balkan Mountains in central Bulgaria.
Another pleasant topic can be weaving folk tales about ancient historical sites like Ottoman mosques and Roman ruins throughout Bulgaria, which provide insight into its turbulent history. Also, be sure to ask about Bulgarian music customs, such as jazz tours of Sofia or traditional folk tunes sung by locals living in rural mountain villages.
Bulgarians highly respect intellectual conversations and appreciate when guests bring up interesting topics they are informed on. However, it is typical for Bulgarians to ask personal questions that involve circles wider than family and close friends, so if you feel uncomfortable answering certain questions, it’s best to politely avoid them instead of becoming tense or rigid.
Other conversation starters could be about favorite summer activities like mountain climbing or black sea beach barbecues, which are popular for vacationing locals during the warmer months. With friendly dialogue ranging from cultural curiosities to family stories told through generations, engaging in conversations with Bulgarians can be an enjoyable experience!
Personal Space
In Bulgaria, interpersonal distances are relatively short, with most people standing less than two feet away from each other when conversing. It means that Bulgarians don’t adhere particularly to the concept of personal space and generally stand close when talking. As a result, it is not uncommon for a friend or acquaintance to stand very close to you while engaging in conversation.
In more intimate contexts such as family or romantic relationships, the personal touch is incorporated into social interaction more extensively. It could range from simply touching an arm when making a point during the conversation to much closer physical contact, such as holding hands with friends or family members of the same gender. In these contexts, it is acceptable for individuals to get close enough – even momentarily – to brush against one another in passing.
However, like in most countries, touching an unknown person or someone outside your immediate circle is traditionally seen as impolite and disrespectful regardless of the context and should be avoided altogether. If an individual does make contact with you physically during a communication exchange without your permission, it would be wise to remain respectful but strongly indicate that this type of physical contact is not welcome.
Dress Code
Bulgarians pay close attention to their appearance, so expect to dress formally when attending social engagements. Men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear a formal dress or skirt and blouse. Avoid wearing overly casual clothing in public since this is seen as disrespectful.
Bulgarians place great importance on respectful behavior when interacting with others. For example, entering someone’s home without taking off one’s shoes is considered rude. Similarly, never turn down food or drink when your host offers; even if you are not hungry, it should be accepted in good graces.
It is customary to bring a gift when visiting people’s homes for the first time; however, most Bulgarians prefer practical gifts that can be used rather than things like flowers or chocolates. If invited to dinner in someone’s home, it is polite to offer assistance with preparations; for instance, helping serve food and clear dishes after the meal has finished.
When meeting someone for the first time in Bulgaria, it is customary to shake hands firmly while making direct eye contact and introducing oneself with their full name (and patronymic if appropriate). Most Bulgarians begin conversations with polite small talk before diving into deeper topics of discussion; try not to interrupt someone while they are speaking, as this may be seen as rude.
Business Protocol
When it comes to business in Bulgaria, there are some protocols and etiquette that must be followed to ensure a smooth meeting. In addition, knowing the local customs will help you leave a good impression on potential business partners and colleagues.
When greeting someone, a handshake is the standard form of greeting. Eye contact should be maintained during the handshake and should not be too firm or weak. You should also use titles when addressing someone. Last names and professional titles should be used when introducing people.
Business Etiquette
Business in Bulgaria is conducted on a hierarchical and formal basis. Introductions commonly involve shaking hands with the person who speaks the most senior. During introductions, use professional titles and surnames until specifically told to use first names. When addressed, respond accordingly, using “Opitan” (Опитан), which means dignified or respected.
When exchanging business cards in Bulgaria, present yours at the same time as the other person’s, offering it with two hands and holding it at either end so that all words are visible before accepting one another’s card. It is important always to treat someone’s business card with respect – never write on it or put it into a pocket without looking at it first. Maintain eye contact throughout any exchange of business cards.
Although punctuality is expected at a business meeting in Bulgaria, your hosts may be a few minutes late due to their habit of scheduling several meetings in one day unless otherwise noted by invitation. Have all documents handy during any session and wait for your host to begin negotiations – be prepared for these to take some time since Bulgarians prefer not to rush things through as this signals an “unprofessional attitude.” Respect any pauses; they may be intentional breaks, as not all topics need discussion immediately. Finally, demonstrate trustworthiness throughout any meeting, both verbally and non-verbally; this will facilitate agreement quickly and easily.
Business Meeting Protocol
When attending business meetings in Bulgaria, it is essential to know the country’s traditional protocol, customs, and etiquette. For example, businesses in Bulgaria tend to have a formal structure and a hierarchical order, so the most senior staff member should always enter the meeting room first. In addition, it is good etiquette to be on time for all meetings and appointments, as punctuality is taken very seriously in this culture.
It is also important to remember that senior figures will be addressed with titles like Professor (Profesor) or Doctor (Doktor), even if they don’t have medical qualifications. During the conversation, Bulgarians are quite direct but never confrontational; tactfulness should be used when discussing sensitive issues. Small talk and building relationships are key parts of any business negotiation, so you should make an effort to get to know the other members of your team before diving into business strategy ideas; this helps create a feeling of comfort, which strengthens trust between parties and fosters better communication during negotiations.
The usual attire for Bulgarian business meetings consists of formal attire such as suits and ties for men and suits with skirts or trousers for women; however, if your presence at an occasion calls for evening wear, then cocktail dresses are acceptable alternatives. Any Meeting agenda prepared before a meeting will be followed strictly by all parties involved, so make sure you stay aware of discussion points being discussed. Additionally, it may require more than one meeting before a final agreement can be reached; this demonstrates the value each side places on ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
Business Gift Giving
Small gifts are an acceptable extension of courtesy when doing business in Bulgaria. Floral bouquets and chocolate boxes are considered appropriate when meeting with your hosts or associates for the first time. When attending the opening of a company, business partners tend to defer to those more familiar with local etiquette about what type of gift is most suitable. When gifting, emphasis should be placed on quality over quantity. Business cards should be printed in both Bulgarian and English to appear more professional and avoid confusion, as Bulgarian is based on a Cyrillic alphabet.
It is important to note that business gifts among Bulgarians may be viewed differently than in other countries. Bulgarians view it as an investment with expectations of a return on it later, so do not be surprised if they mention this expectation during the gift-giving exchange. As a result, keep costly items such as crystals or clocks out of the equation when purchasing presents.
Common presents include:
- Wine, spirits, tobacco products, note the intricacies surrounding local tastes and customs for each gift item you wish to purchase before buying one for your host or associate(s).
- It is also wise to confirm gift wrapping protocol beforehand by asking the person who will receive the present how they prefer it wrapped up on a timely occasion calls for it (e.g., birthday).