How to Express Quantity and Measures in Bulgarian

Understanding Quantity Expressions in Bulgarian

In Bulgarian, expressing quantity involves using specific words and structures to indicate amounts, measurements, and numbers. This is essential for everyday conversations, shopping, cooking, and more.

Basic Quantity Words

Here are some common Bulgarian words used to express quantity:

• много (mnogo) – many, much
• малко (malko) – few, little
• няколко (nyakolko) – several
• доста (dosta) – quite a few, enough
• целият (tseliyat) – the whole, entire

Using Numbers with Nouns

When using numbers with nouns in Bulgarian, the noun form changes depending on the number. For example:

• 1 книга (1 kniga) – one book
• 2 книги (2 knigi) – two books
• 5 книги (5 knigi) – five books

Note that for numbers greater than one, the noun usually takes the plural form.

Expressing Measurements in Bulgarian

Measurements in Bulgarian use specific units and often require the use of prepositions or case changes.

Common Units of Measurement

• килограм (kilogram) – kilogram
• грам (gram) – gram
• литър (litr) – liter
• метър (metar) – meter
• сантиметър (santimetar) – centimeter

Using Measurements in Sentences

To express measurements, you typically place the quantity before the unit, for example:

• 2 килограма ябълки (2 kilograma yabalĸi) – 2 kilograms of apples
• 500 грама сирене (500 grama sirene) – 500 grams of cheese
• 3 литра вода (3 litra voda) – 3 liters of water

The noun following the measurement is usually in the genitive case or a form indicating quantity.

Useful Phrases for Expressing Quantity and Measures

Tips for Learners