HOW THIS BOOK IS ORGANIZED Speak Bulgarian Like a Native is a self-study reference book that consists of 28 topical units. Each unit includes popular Bulgarian idioms, English translations, definitions in Bulgarian and examples of the idioms used in context. There is also a section at the end of this book called "False Friends" which contains information about idioms that sound similar in Bulgarian and English but differ in meaning. These idioms will be marked with an endnote whenever they come up throughout the text. The authors are working on a new book that will include exercises and will be intended mainly for classroom use. WHO CAN USE THIS BOOK Speak Bulgarian Like a Native is a reference book for upper intermediate and advanced students of Bulgarian who speak English. Teachers of Bulgarian will also find this book useful as additional course material. HOW WERE THE IDIOMS SELECTED The idioms selected for the book are widely used in the contemporary Bulgarian language. Sometimes an idiom has more than one meaning but a second meaning is only included if it is also popular and widely used. The examples are written by the authors but are based on research of the usage of the idioms in the media and everyday life. SOME IMPORTANT NOTES Idioms are fixed expressions that cannot be understood by the meanings of the separate words they are made of. Idioms are sometimes used without any changes but they still comply with the rules of grammar. This book is intended as a quick reference guide, thus, not all possible word forms are included. Therefore, the speaker needs to make the necessary changes - e.g. to use the appropriate verb form or the correct object pronoun. ABOUT THE ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS Whenever possible the idioms are translated with a corresponding English idiom. When it is not possible, a definition in English is given. THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are expressing our special thanks to Milena Mileva-Feno and Barry Feno - our editors and English translators - for their invaluable insights and constant support and encouragement.