Notes on the multiple ambiguity of Bulgarian mnogo

Abstract

This paper discusses the ambiguity of the Bulgarian quantity word mnogo and argues that it is not an intensifier stricto sensu, although it can also have such a usage. Comparing mnogo with its Italian counterparts troppo, tanto, and molto, we show that it corresponds more precisely to Italian tanto (English much), which can be modified by overt intensifiers like così (così tanto) or silent ones like molto/troppo (tanto), etc. (cf. English so/very/too much). However, mnogo can also function as an intensifier, much like Italian molto and English much: toj njama mnogo pari; non ha molti soldi; he doesn’t have much money. As to its interpretation as troppo, we argue that mnogo is modified by the silent degree modifier tvărde, as in: tvărde mnogo.