How to Conjugate Regular Verbs in the Present Tense in Bulgarian

Understanding Present Tense in Bulgarian Verbs

In Bulgarian, the present tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening or habitual actions. Unlike English, Bulgarian verbs conjugate according to the person and number, and the endings change depending on the verb group.

Regular Verb Groups in Bulgarian

Bulgarian regular verbs are divided mainly into two conjugation groups based on their infinitive endings: verbs ending in -а or -я (first conjugation) and verbs ending in -е or -и (second conjugation). Each group has its own set of endings in the present tense.

First Conjugation Verbs (ending in -а/-я)

These verbs typically end in -ам in the first person singular present tense. For example, the verb говоря (to speak) is conjugated as follows:

• Аз говоря (I speak)
• Ти говориш (You speak)
• Той/Тя/То говори (He/She/It speaks)
• Ние говорим (We speak)
• Вие говорите (You all speak)
• Те говорят (They speak)

Second Conjugation Verbs (ending in -е/-и)

These verbs usually end in -я or -и in the first person singular. For example, the verb чета (to read) is conjugated as:

• Аз чета (I read)
• Ти четеш (You read)
• Той/Тя/То чете (He/She/It reads)
• Ние четем (We read)
• Вие четете (You all read)
• Те четат (They read)

Present Tense Endings for Regular Verbs

Here is a summary of the present tense endings for regular verbs in Bulgarian:

• Аз (I) – -ам / -я / -а
• Ти (You singular) – -аш / -яш / -еш
• Той/Тя/То (He/She/It) – -а / -я / -е
• Ние (We) – -аме / -яме / -ем
• Вие (You plural) – -ате / -яте / -ете
• Те (They) – -ат / -ят / -ят

Tips for English Speakers Learning Bulgarian Verbs

Bulgarian verbs do not change for gender in the present tense, which simplifies learning. However, pay attention to the verb stem changes and endings. Practice by conjugating common regular verbs and using them in simple sentences.

Practice Exercise

Try conjugating the regular verb работя (to work) in the present tense:

1. Аз работя
2. Ти работиш
3. Той/Тя/То работи
4. Ние работим
5. Вие работите
6. Те работят