Traveling to a new country is always an exciting adventure, and getting to know the language and culture of the locals makes it even more so. Ukraine is famous for its multifaceted culture, hospitality and open-minded people. Learn some basic Ukrainian phrases to make your stay in Ukraine more comfortable and enjoyable

Choose a tour in Ukraine for any taste

CHOOSE A TOUR

There is nothing better than seeing a smile on people's faces when you try to speak their language. Ukrainians appreciate it when foreigners try to speak their language, even if it's just simple phrases like “Good afternoon” or “Thank you.” We have collected for you the key expressions that will come in handy while traveling in Ukraine: from greetings and polite questions to phrases that will help you in a restaurant or in an emergency. Regardless of your level of Ukrainian, these phrases will help you feel like a part of the local culture and make your trip unforgettable.

Ukrainian greetings and polite words

Слава Україні! [Slava Ukrayini!] - Glory to Ukraine! - is a patriotic Ukrainian greeting, an expression of respect for Ukraine.

Привіт [Pryvit!] - Hello- is a simple, informal greeting when meeting, used among friends or acquaintances.

Дякую [Dyakuyu!] - Thanks - is an expression of gratitude. A word that expresses gratitude for a service or help.

Earlier we wrote about the most beautiful Ukrainian cities

Буль ласка [Bud' laska] - Please - is an expression of politeness. It is used for polite requests or as a response to “thank you.”

When traveling to Ukraine, ensure peace of mind and safety during your trip with a Mini-CASCO insurance policy. This is the best choice for foreigners who rent a car or come by their own transport, because this insurance covers the main risks, including minor damage to the car that may occur due to accidents, bad roads or unforeseen situations.

До побачення [Do pobachennya!] Goodbye!- means a formal goodbye, used when someone is leaving, leaving, etc.

This list can be continued with important phrases such as “How much does it cost?”, “Help!”, which will help you easily adapt to the Ukrainian environment. Even knowing a few phrases will show respect for the country's culture and help you establish friendly relations with the locals.

Вибачте [Vybaʹchte!] - Excuse me - this phrase is universal and is used in various situations: to apologize for an inconvenience or to get someone's attention on the street or in a store.

Ukrainian addresses/questions

Як справи? [Yak spravy] - How are you? - is a question about the state of affairs or health. It is considered a standard question at a meeting, expressing a certain respect for a person.

We told you some impressive facts about Ukraine in our previous article

When traveling or staying in Ukraine during unstable times, take care of your safety in advance. An insurance policy covering war risks is a reliable protection against unforeseen situations related to military operations in Ukraine.

Скільки це коштує? [Skilʹky tse koshtuye?] - How much does it cost?. This is a useful question for those who are planning to shop or want to know the price of goods in stores or markets.

Чи говорите Ви англійською? [Chy hovoryte vy anhliysʹkoyu] - Do you speak English? - which means: a request for knowledge of the English language. This phrase is useful if you are looking for someone who can help you in English. Ukrainians are often learning English, especially young people, so the chances of finding an English-speaking interlocutor are high.

Я хочу замовити ... [Ya khochu zamovyty...] - I want to order... - is a phrase for ordering food or drink.

This phrase is useful in a restaurant or cafe when you want to place an order.

Я не розумію [Ya ne rozumiyu] - I don't understand - the phrase indicates that the interlocutor doesnot understand.

This phrase will help you communicate that you did not understand what was said or do not speak the language sufficiently.

Read more about what to see in Ukraine for those who visit it for the first time here

Мене звати ... [Mene zvaty...] - My name is... is a way of introducing yourself, your own name.

It is one of the basic phrases for meeting new people. These basic phrases cover the basic needs of travelers: introductions, asking for help, shopping, and orientation. Even if you are not fluent in Ukrainian, trying to use these phrases will create a positive impression and endear you to the locals.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Ukrainian requests for help

Мені потрібна допомога [Meni potribna dopomoga ] - I need help - means a request for assistance. The phrase is indispensable in unforeseen situations when you need support, such as in cases related to health or orientation.

Де знаходиться? [De znakhodytsya...?] - Where is...? - means a request for location. It is an important phrase for tourists to ask about the location of a hotel, restaurant, or sightseeing spot.

Допоможіть мені знайти [Dopomozhitʹ meni znayty...] - Help me find... also means asking for help in finding something. The phrase is ideal for tourists when you are looking for a street, hotel, pharmacy or some kind of attraction.

Чи можна сфотографуватися? [Chy mozhna sfotohrafuvatysya?] - Can I take a picture? - means asking for permission to take a picture. This phrase can be useful if you want to take a photo of someone or ask them to take a photo with you.

Де знаходиться аптека? [De nayblyzhcha apteka?] - Where is the nearest pharmacy? - means asking for the specific location of a pharmacy. This is a useful phrase for tourists if they need medicine or medical assistance.

Ukrainian optimistic phrases

Все добре! [Vse dobre] - Everything is fine! - means an answer to a question about one's health or state of affairs.

It is a simple answer that can be used in response to “How are you?” or as a reassurance that everything is under control. It is used to confirm that everything is fine.

Гарного дня! [Harnogo dnya!] - Have a good day! - means a good day.It is a polite way of ending a conversation or saying goodbye, expressing wishes for the day.

Дякую за допомогу! [Dyakuyu za dopomohu!] - Thank you for your help! means gratitude for the help provided. This phrase is useful in any situation where you want to thank someone for their support or service.

Knowing these phrases will help you feel more confident in Ukraine. Locals are often happy to respond to foreigners' attempts to speak their language, which creates a warm atmosphere of communication and friendship. Learning even a few words and expressions can make your trip unforgettable!

We sincerely invite you to an unforgettable journey through Ukraine - a country where everyone will find something amazing, special, “different”... From majestic castles to turbulent mountain rivers, from ancient temples to modern megacities - every tour on Visit Ukraine will reveal new facets of this incredible land.

Just a reminder! The main Christmas tree of the country will soon be installed in the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv, which will be open to Kyiv residents and guests.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.