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 Basic Ukrainian
by Molly
**Please note that these are my opinions only, not those expressed by anyone in the United States Government or any affliated office. Me. Only me. Comprende? Also, sorry that my columns did not come out the same way as in word. Work with me here, I have limited internet capabilities.**
I live in Southern Ukraine, which is not known for having many enclaves that speak just Ukrainian. In all cities in the south, such is my situation, Ukrainian is not spoken at all. In surrounding smaller towns and villages a language known as szurzhik is spoken, which is a frustrating mixture of Ukrainian and Russian.
However, it is useful to learn some Ukrainian, for a lot of advertisements appear in Ukrainian (it is the national language, after all), and in post offices, bus and train stations, it is typically the only language used on postings and information.
Western Ukraine is typically known for being the “home” of the Ukrainian language and also where it is most widely spoken, although people from other regions swear that they are really speaking Polish and that no one speaks “cheestoy oocryaeenoo movoo” or clean Ukrainian. Despite this setback, I have attempted to learn what little Ukrainian I can remember, because they love it. Ukrainians are typically very excited to hear foreigners speak their language, and will always comment excitedly, “You know Ukrainian!” because it is assumed that any foreigner will only speak Russian (they also, by the way, will express their joy that you speak Ukrainian in Russian). In Western Ukraine it is rumored that using Russian will get you unhappy looks, wrong directions or even reprimands. While this has not been my experience, Ukrainians and foreigners who speak passable Russian swear it is so.
So, let’s say that you want to be like Jonathan Safran Foer (author of Everything is Illuminated) and go back to find your Ukrainian roots, supposing you have any. Otherwise you want to come and meet that gal you’ve been exchanging photos with on www.ukrainianbrides.com. Here is all the Ukrainian you will need in Lviv or other surprisingly beautiful Western cities and towns:
| Ukrainian | English |
| Dobrey Dehn! | Good Day/Hello |
| Dobrey Ranok | Good morning/Hello |
| Dopobachneeya | Goodbye |
| Yak Spravee? | How’s it going? |
| Nee | No |
| Tak | Yes (although only in Lviv) |
| D’yakooyu | Thank you |
| Bud’laska | Please |
| Ya ne rozameeyu | I don’t understand |
| Ne treeba | No need |
| Doozhey Harney | I think it means very beautiful. |
| Skilki Koshtiy? | How much (does it cost)? |
| Yushchenko | The Ukrainian President. |
| Timashchenko | The main proponent of the Orange Revolution |
| Borsch | Borscht: tasty beet soup |
| Vareenikyi | Something like perogi. |
| Samahon | Homemade vodka |
| Smachno! | Delicious! |
| Koka Kola | Coca Cola |
| Pepsi | Pepsi |
| ‘De Toyliet? | Where is the toilet? |
| baboosiya | Babushka |
| greevnya | Ukrainian money |
So I think we are now ready for an advanced lesson:
| At the Hotel | Na Hotele |
| English | Ukrainian |
| I would like a room, please | Viee rozameete angleeskoo movoo? |
| On the third floor would be excellent, thanks | Viee rozameete angleeskoo movoo? Nyet? Mozhee bit viee zhanete rooski izik? Da? Viee zhanete! Harasho! |
| At the Bar | Ha bare |
| English | Ukrainian |
| I want a beer, please | Ya hochoo peevo, bud’laska. |
| Give me a beer, please | Daviete peevo, bud’laska |
| Give me vodka, now, please | Daviete vodky tseras, bud’laska |
| Hey beautiful | Skilki koshtiy? |
And the super advanced lesson.
| English | Ukrainian |
| You know, we have known each other for a really long time and I think that it’s time that we talked about getting you a Visa | Skilki koshtiy? |
| I think that Ukraine is a tremendulously beautiful country with much potential for tourism and economic development | vyee rozameete angleeskoo movoo? |
| I am happy to learn your traditions and customs. I especially want to learn more about your folklore during the 18th century | vyee rozameete angleeskoo movoo? |
| I think that the Ukrainian language is a very beautiful and musical language. It is no wonder that Taras Shevchenko only wrote in Ukrainian and is world renowned | Oocryeenska mova doozhee harney mova. Taras Shevchenko doozhee dobrey (make motion of scribbling pen in air while speaking) |
I hope that the little bit of Ukrainian that I know has helped you to decide to come here and speak this beautiful language for yourself and see the beautiful cities of western Ukraine. Poka!
Editor's Note: I did my best to reformat this to make it as clean as possible, but given the way html is translated into posts, we're stuck with a few of these giant white spaces. Forgive for format, enjoy the content. :)
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