Ukrainian, an East Slavic language, is the official state language of Ukraine. Known for its melodic and expressive nature, learning Ukrainian can significantly enhance your experience and understanding of Ukrainian culture and history. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Ukrainian, including transliterations for pronunciation help, to facilitate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “Привіт” (Pryvit)
• Good morning – “Доброго ранку” (Dobroho ranku)
• Good afternoon – “Доброго дня” (Dobroho dnya)
• Good evening – “Доброго вечора” (Dobroho vechora)
• Goodbye – “До побачення” (Do pobachennya)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Мене звати [name].” (Mene zvaty [name].)
• This is [name]. – “Це [name].” (Tse [name].)
• I am from [country]. – “Я з [country].” (Ya z [country].)
• I live in [city/place]. – “Я живу в [city/place].” (Ya zhyvu v [city/place].)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Де знаходиться [place]?” (De znakhodytsya [place]?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “Як мені дістатися до [place]?” (Yak meni distatysya do [place]?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Це дорога до [place]?” (Tse doroha do [place]?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “Ви можете показати мені на карті?” (Vy mozhete pokazaty meni na karti?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Вибачте, я не розумію.” (Vybachte, ya ne rozumiyu.)
• Can you please repeat that? – “Ви можете повторити це?” (Vy mozhete povtoryty tse?)
• I mean… – “Я маю на увазі…” (Ya mayu na uvazi…)
• What does [word] mean? – “Що означає [word]?” (Shcho oznachaye [word]?)

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Побачимося пізніше” (Pobachymosya piznishe)
• Take care – “Бережіть себе” (Berezhity sebe)
• Have a good day – “Гарного дня” (Harnoho dnya)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Я хотів би забронювати кімнату.” (Ya khotiv by zabronyuvaty kimnatu.)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Чи можу я подивитися меню?” (Chy mozhу ya podyvytysya meny?)
• I am vegetarian. – “Я вегетаріанець.” (Ya vegetariyanets.)
• The bill, please. – “Рахунок, будь ласка.” (Rakhunok, bud’ laska.)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Скільки це коштує?” (Skilky tse koshtuye?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “У вас є це в іншому розмірі?” (U vas ye tse v inshomu rozmiri?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Я просто дивлюсь, дякую.” (Ya prosto dyvlyus’, dyakuyu.)
• Can I pay by card? – “Чи можу я розрахуватися карткою?” (Chy mozhу ya rozrakhuvatysya kartkoyu?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Ти виглядаєш чудово.” (Ty vyglyadayesh chudovo.)
• I miss you. – “Я скучаю за тобою.” (Ya skuchayu za toboyu.)
• I love you. – “Я тебе кохаю.” (Ya tebe kohayu.)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Ти не хотіла би вийти зі мною?” (Ty ne khotila by vyjty zi mnoyu? For female) / “Ти не хотів би вийти зі мною?” (Ty ne khotiv by vyjty zi mnoyu? For male)

Emergencies

• Help! – “Допоможіть!” (Dopomozhit’!)
• Call the police! – “Викличте поліцію!” (Vyкlychte politsiyu!)
• I need a doctor. – “Мені потрібен лікар.” (Meni potriben likar.)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Де найближча лікарня?” (De najblyzhcha likarnya?)

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Ukrainian. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Ukrainian media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of the Ukrainian language.