8 May 2025

Essential Ukrainian Phrases for Everyday Conversations

Getting ready to travel to Ukraine for vacation or work? Learning just a few basic Ukrainian phrases can make a big difference. Even simple words can help you connect with locals — and they’ll likely enjoy hearing your accent!

This brief guide offers you the most common phrases in Ukrainian that you’ll actually need during your trip. There’s no need to master the Cyrillic alphabet — we provide easy explanations, pronunciation tips, and mark the word stress clearly so you can speak more confidently. Keep these basic Ukrainian phrases handy on your phone or in your wallet. A few words and a friendly smile can lead to great experiences and meaningful interactions with Ukrainian people.

1.Ukrainian How Are You

One of the best ways to start a conversation is with the simple question, 'How are you? In Ukrainian, this phrase is “Як справи?” (Yak spravy?). It’s a simple yet friendly way to show interest in someone’s well-being. Whether you're greeting a friend or starting small talk with a stranger, this phrase is one of the most useful Ukrainian expressions to know. You can respond with “Добре” (Dobre – I’m good) or “Так собі” (Tak sobi – So-so), depending on how you feel. Mastering such everyday Ukrainian expressions helps you build real connections and sound more natural when speaking.

Pronunciation Guide:

Як справи? (Yak spravy?) = "yak SPRAH-vy"
Як ви? (Yak vy?) = "YAK vy"

2. How do you say hello in Ukrainian

Saying "hello " is the first step to starting any conversation, and in Ukrainian, the most common way to greet someone is "Привіт " (Pryvit), which is an informal and friendly greeting. For more formal situations, you can use "Добрий день" (Dobryi den), which means "Good afternoon." These are essential greetings in Ukrainian language that you’ll hear daily, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or just passing by a neighbor. Knowing these simple phrases can help you create a friendly first impression and demonstrate appreciation for the local culture.

Pronunciation Guide:

Привіт (Pryvit) = "pree-VEET"

Добрий день (Dobryi den ) = "DOH-briy dehn"

3.Good Morning in Ukrainian Language

In Ukrainian, the phrase for "good morning " is "Доброго ранку " (Dobroho ranku). It’s a polite and cheerful way to greet someone at the start of the day, whether you're speaking to a friend, a colleague, or a stranger. This expression shows friendliness and positivity, making it a great phrase to use in both formal and informal settings. Using local morning greetings like this can leave a lasting impression and help create a welcoming atmosphere in any conversation.

Pronunciation Guide:

Доброго ранку (Dobroho ranku) = "DOH-broh-hoh RAHN-koo"

When it's time to part ways, knowing how to say “goodbye” in Ukrainian is just as important as a proper greeting. The most common way to say it is "До побачення" (Do pobachennya), which is suitable for both formal and informal situations. If you're with friends or in a casual setting, you might also hear "Бувай " (Buvay) or "Па-па " (Pa-pa), which is more playful. Learning this as one of your basic Ukrainian phrases will help you end conversations politely and leave a positive impression wherever you go.

Pronunciation Guide:

До побачення (Do pobachennya) = "doh poh-BAH-chenn-ya"
Бувай (Buvay) = "boo-VAI"

5.Thanks in Ukrainian language

In Ukrainian, saying "thank you" is simple yet meaningful. The easiest and most popular way to say thank you in Ukrainian is "Дякую" (Dyakuyu). It's a word you’ll use often in everyday interactions, whether you're thanking someone for a favor, a gift, or just a kind gesture. If you want to show even more appreciation, you can say "Велике дякую " (Velyke dyakuyu), which means "a big thank you". This small but powerful expression helps foster positive connections and shows respect for others’ kindness.

Pronunciation Guide:

Дякую (Dyakuyu) = "DYA-koo-yoo"
Велике дякую (Velyke dyakuyu) = "veh-LEE-keh DYA-koo-yoo"

6.How to Say Goodnight in Ukrainian

In Ukrainian, the expression for 'goodnight' is "На добраніч " (Na dobranich), a heartfelt way to wish someone a peaceful night's sleep. It’s used with friends, family, or anyone you’re saying goodbye to in the evening. The phrase expresses good wishes for a peaceful sleep, making it a kind and thoughtful way to end a conversation before bedtime.

Pronunciation Guide:

На добраніч (Na dobranich) = "nah doh-BRAH-neech"

7.Sorry in Ukrainian

When you need to apologize in Ukrainian, the most common phrase is "Вибачте " (Vybachte), which is used in both formal and informal situations. If you're speaking to a friend or someone you're close to, you can simply say "Вибач " (Vybach). Whether you’re apologizing for a small mistake or a more serious matter, this expression is one of the most common phrases in Ukrainian to convey regret and show that you recognize an error. Being polite and sincere while using these words will go a long way in building better relationships.

Pronunciation Guide:

Вибач (Vybach) = "VYH-bach"

8.Good Luck in Ukrainian

To wish someone good luck in Ukrainian, you would say "Удачі " (Udachi), a common way to offer encouragement. It’s a short and encouraging phrase used to wish success or good fortune, often when someone is about to start a new challenge or task. If you want to add a little more warmth, you can say "Бажаю удачі " (Bazhayu udachi), which translates to "I wish you good luck". It's an encouraging expression suitable for both relaxed and professional environments

Pronunciation Guide:

Удачі (Udachi) = "oo-DAH-chee"

9.Have a Good Day in Ukrainian

If you want to wish someone a nice day in Ukrainian, simply say "Гарного дня " (Harnogo dnya). It's a kind and courteous way to express your good wishes. It can be used with anyone, whether you're parting ways in the morning or afternoon. It's a nice gesture that shows you care about the person's day and well-being.

Pronunciation Guide:

Гарного дня (Harnogo dnya) = "HAR-noh-hoh DNYA"

10.How to Say Welcome in Ukrainian

In Ukrainian, the phrase for "welcome " is "Ласкаво просимо " (Laskavo prosymo), a warm greeting often used when inviting someone in. This phrase is commonly used to greet someone when they arrive, whether it's at a home, business, or event. It’s a warm and hospitable way to make someone feel comfortable and appreciated. For a more informal setting, you could also simply say "Вітаємо!" (Vitayemo) – "Welcome!" although "Ласкаво просимо" is the most commonly used expression.

Pronunciation Guide:

Ласкаво просимо (Laskavo prosymo) = "lah-SKAH-voh PROH-sih-moh"

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning a few simple Ukrainian phrases can significantly enhance your experience when traveling or interacting with locals. Whether it's greeting someone with a friendly "Привіт" (Pryvit) or saying "Дякую" (Dyakuyu) to show gratitude, these basic Ukrainian phrases can help create meaningful connections and leave a positive impression.

By practicing these phrases and understanding their pronunciation, you'll not only improve your language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation of Ukrainian culture. So, don’t hesitate to use these basic Ukrainian phrases and enjoy the warmth of the people you meet along the way!