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The Perfect Ukrainian Phrase for Every Occasion

Ukraine is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture, and traditions. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveler, or an expat, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Knowing at least one Ukrainian phrase to use in different situations will not only help you communicate more effectively but also show that you respect the local culture and traditions.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common Ukrainian phrases that you should know to get by in Ukraine.

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Table of Contents

Ukrainian Greetings

The best Ukrainian phrase to say hello

What is the best Ukrainian phrase to say goodbye?

What is the best Ukrainian phrase to say sorry?

Common Ukrainian Phrases for tourists

Shopping

Asking for help

Eating out

What is the perfect Ukrainian phrase for making friends?

What is the perfect Ukrainian phrase to flirt with someone?

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Ukrainian Greetings

Even if you’re not fluent in the Ukrainian language, you can still make a good impression by learning a few basic greetings. Here are a few expressions to learn and remember.

What is the best Ukrainian phrase to say hello?

If you want to learn Ukrainian, it’s probably best to start with the simplest word in the Ukrainian language: Hello.

The most common and simple way to greet someone in Ukrainian is to say “Привіт” (pronounced “Pryvit”). This phrase can be used in any situation, no matter what time of day it is or how familiar you are with the person you’re greeting.

Here are some other options:

  • Здрастуйте (Zdrastuyte) – Formal greeting
  • Вітаю (Vitayu) – More formal, used in official situations or when meeting someone for the first time
  • Доброго дня (Dobroho dnya) – Literally means “Good day,” used during daytime
  • Доброго вечора (Dobroho vechora) – Literally means “Good evening,” used during the evening

What is the best Ukrainian phrase to say goodbye?

Are you leaving a restaurant or ending an interaction with a local? Learn Ukrainian phrases to say goodbye!

The most common way to say goodbye in Ukrainian is “До побачення” (pronounced “Do pobachennya”). This phrase can be used in any situation, formal or informal, with friends or strangers.

Here are some other useful greetings:

  • Бувайте (Buyvayte) – Formal way of saying goodbye
  • Поки (Poky) – Informal way of saying goodbye, more commonly used with friends or family
  • До зустрічі (Do zustrichi) – Literally means “Until we meet again,” used as a more optimistic way of saying goodbye

What is the best Ukrainian phrase to say thank you?

The most common Ukrainian phrase for thank you is “Дякую” (pronounced “Dyakuyu”). This phrase can be used in any situation, whether you are thanking someone for a favor or a service.

Here are a few other related words:

  • Спасибі (Spasybi) – Similar to “thank you,” but less formal
  • Вам дуже вдячний/вдячна (Vam duzhe vdachnyy/vdachna) – Literally means “I’m very grateful to you,” used in more formal situations
  • Дуже дякую (Duzhe dyakuyu) – Literally means “Thank you very much,” used to express deeper gratitude

    Image by Ketut Subiyanto, via Pexels

What is the best Ukrainian phrase to say sorry?

The most common Ukrainian phrase to say sorry is “Вибачте” (pronounced “Vybachte”). This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, whether you are apologizing for a mistake or expressing regret.

You can also use some of the following:

  • Прошу вибачення (Proshu vybachennya) – More formal way of saying sorry
  • Вибач, будь ласка (Vybach, bud laska) – Literally means “Sorry, please,” used as a more polite way of saying sorry
  • Вибачайте (Vybachayte) – Another formal way of saying sorry

Common Ukrainian Phrases for tourists

Traveling to Ukraine as a tourist can be a truly rewarding experience. From the stunning architecture of Kyiv and Lviv to the beautiful Black Sea coast, there is something for everyone in this vibrant country.

However, if you want to make sure that you get the most out of your visit, it’s essential that you learn the Ukrainian language or, at least, some basic Ukrainian phrases to get by!

In this section, you will find the perfect Ukrainian phrase for every situation.

Shopping

Shopping is an important part of any travel experience, and in Ukraine, there are plenty of markets, malls, and shops to explore. Here are some useful Ukrainian phrases to help you get by while shopping:

  • Скільки це коштує? (Skilky tse koshtuye?) – This Ukrainian phrase literally means “How much does this cost?” This phrase can be used to ask about the price of an item.
  • Чи можна знижку? (Chy mozhna znyzhku?) – Literally means “Can I get a discount?”
  • Я шукаю… (Ya shukayu…) – Literally means “I’m looking for…” This phrase can be used to ask for help finding a specific item.

Asking for help

Asking for help is a crucial skill when traveling, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar place. If you’re traveling alone in Ukraine, make sure you learn these lifesaving expressions:

  • Допоможіть, будь ласка (Dopomozhit’, bud laska) – This Ukrainian phrase literally means “Help me, please” and it can be used to ask for help with anything.
  • Де знаходиться… (De znakhodytsya…) – Literally means “Where is…” This phrase can be used to ask for directions to a specific place.
  • Я не розумію (Ya ne rozumiyu) – Literally means “I don’t understand.” This Ukrainian phrase can be used to ask for clarification or help understanding something.

Eating out

Trying out new foods and restaurants is one of the most enjoyable parts of travel. In Ukraine, there are plenty of traditional dishes to try, including borscht, varenyky, and salo.

Here are some useful Ukrainian phrases to help you while eating out:

  • Я би хотів/хотіла замовити… (Ya bi hotiv/hotila zamovity…) – Literally means “I would like to order…”, and it’s the most popular Ukrainian phrase to order food.
  • Чи є у вас вегетаріанські страви? (Chy ye u vas vegetarians’ki stravy?) – Literally means “Do you have vegetarian dishes?”
  • Дякую за їжу (Dyakuyu za yizhu) – Literally means “Thank you for the food.” This phrase can be used to show gratitude after a meal.

Ukrainian Phrases for Socializing

Given how nice and welcoming Ukrainian people are, socializing in this country is a truly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to meet and connect with new people, but you also get to learn more about the language and culture of Ukraine.

Whether it’s exchanging greetings or talking about hobbies, learning how to communicate in Ukrainian will open up many opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals and other travelers alike.

If you want to learn the Ukrainian language to make friends or find love, make sure you learn Ukrainian phrases for socializing:

What is the perfect Ukrainian phrase for making friends?

  • Які ваші захоплення? (Yaki vashi zahoplennya?) – What are your interests?
  • Яка у вас професія? (Yaka u vas profesiya?) – What is your job?
  • Чи хотіли б ви повеселитися разом? (Chi hotili b vy poveselitisya razom?) – Would you like to hang out?
  • Що ви любите робити у вільний час? (Shcho vy lyubite robyty u vilnyy chas?) – What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Які ваші улюблені місця в місті? (Yaki vashi yulubleni mistya v misti?) – What are your favorite places in the city?
  • Що ви порадите подивитися в місті? (Shcho vy poradyte podyvytysya v misti?) – What would you recommend to see in the city?
  • Чи любите ви спорт? (Chi lyubite vy sport?) – Do you like sports?

    Image by Aline Viana Prado, via Pexels

What is the perfect Ukrainian phrase to flirt with someone?

  • Чи не підете ви зі мною на келих? (Chi ne pidete vy zi mnoyu na kelykh?) – Would you like to go for a drink with me?
  • Ви дуже привабливі. (Vy duzhe pryvablyvi.) – You are very attractive.
  • Чи є у вас пара? (Chi ye u vas para?) – Are you single?
  • Я б хотів (хотіла) вас кудись запросити. (Ya b hotiv (hotila) vas kudys zaprosyty.) – I would like to invite you somewhere.
  • Чи не захочете ви зі мною погуляти? (Chi ne zakhochete vy zi mnoyu pohulyaty?) – Would you like to take a walk with me?

Learn Ukrainian Now

Did you know that Listen & Learn is the leading language learning provider for people who want to learn the Ukrainian language from a communicative perspective?

With a variety of highly interactive courses that are fun and engaging for all types of learners, Listen & Learn has helped Ukrainian language students for over 15 years.

Here are some of the advantages of learning Ukrainian with us:

  1. Our online and immersive courses are tailored to help you quickly acquire an excellent command of the Ukrainian language while having fun.
  2. With our highly qualified teachers and cutting-edge technology, we make it easy to learn Ukrainian no matter your skill level or experience.
  3. Our interactive lessons include audio, video, and written materials that provide a comprehensive overview of the language, enabling you to understand it faster than ever before.
  4. Plus, our flexible scheduling allows you to choose when and where you want to study so that learning fits into your life rather than disrupting it.

→Sign Up Now: Free Trial Ukrainian Lesson With a Native Teacher!←

Learning Ukrainian is a great way to make friends, find love or simply explore the culture of this vibrant country. With our highly qualified teachers and innovative technology, Listen & Learn can help you quickly learn the Ukrainian language while having fun.

What are you waiting for? Contact us today and access a free trial Ukrainian lesson!