Добрий день /dobryj den’/ = hello

Ukrainians use different phrases to say “hello”, depending on the time of the day. But “dobryj den” is universal and the most used. You can use it any time.

Дуже добре /Duzhe dobre/ = Very good

And here are two typical answers for “Jak spravy?” for you: “dobre” (=fine) or “duzhe dobre” (=very well).

Дякую /d’akuju/ = thank you

Say “d’akuju” whenever you feel like you want to thank people.

Будь ласка /bud’ laska/ = You’re welcome or Please

1. Did someone just say “d’akuju” to you? Be polite and say “bud’ laska” (=you’re welcome) in response!
2. Also, “bud’ laska” has a different meaning – “please” – like in the phrase “Скажи, будь ласка” – “Tell me, please…”.

Як справи? /Jak spravy/ = How are you?

We use it to ask about how the person is doing. It’s for both formal and informal situations.

Вибачте /vybachte/ = Excuse me

If you step on the foot of a man in the subway, or if you try to pass through a crowd at a concert, you should say “Vybachte” – I’m sorry, Excuse me…

Так /tak/ = Yes

Tak means yes. Sometimes you can hear “da” (it’s Russian, but Ukrainians like to use it too)

ТНі /ni/ = No

Ni means no. Sometimes you can hear also “nye” (it’s a colloquial way to say “no”)

До побачення /do pobachen’:a/ = Good bye!

Oh no! Time to say good-bye? Choose one according to the situation. Use do “pobachen’:a” if you are in a formal situation (airplane, supermarket, business meeting).