In Bulgarian we use two different verb aspects to distinguish actions focused on the processfrom actions focused on the result. Most English verbs can be translated two ways depending on the context in which we use them. For example, findcan be translated as “намирам” or “намеря“. Review the following table with the differences between the two verb aspects:
| Imperfective aspect (правя, намирам, отивам) | Perfective aspect (направя, намеря, отида) |
| – action in progress – focus on the action – it can be done multiple times – can be used alone or with verbs like започвам and спирам (start or stop doing something) | – action is completed – focus on the completion – it’s done once – never used alone; can be used with modal verbs (мога, трябва, искам) |
| правя: Искам да правяторти и други десерти. (I want to be making cakes and other desserts. → It’s a long process, it’s the making that’s important, not to have it done.) | направя: Искам да направяторта утре. (I want to make a cake tomorrow. → I will have it done tomorrow. The cake will be ready tomorrow.) |
| намирам: Винаги намирамвреме за себе си. (I always find time for myself. → It’s something I always do, it’s not something that’s expected to end.) | намеря: Трябва да намерявреме за себе си днес. (I have to find time for myself today. → I have to do it today. It’s the end result that is important, not the process itself.) |