пита́ти
pytátyimperfective
The English verb 'ask' (request an answer) is translated into Ukrainian as пита́ти (pytáty) or запита́ти.
Meaning: request an answer (verb)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| пита́ти | pytáty | imperfective |
| запита́ти | zapytáty | perfective |
Which one should you use?
пита́ти is the imperfective form, used to describe the process of asking or to indicate that an action is repeated. запита́ти is the perfective form, used for a single, completed act of asking a question.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask a person, use the accusative case. When asking about a specific topic, use the preposition про followed by the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
pytáty
Did you know?
- In Western Ukrainian dialects, пита́ти can be used to mean 'to look for' or 'to inquire after' someone's location.
- When asking a question very politely, Ukrainians often avoid the direct verb and instead use the phrase дозвольте запита́ти, meaning 'allow me to ask'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on seeking permission before intruding on someone's privacy.
- The noun пита́ння, derived from the verb пита́ти, describes both 'a question' and 'a problem' or 'an issue'.
Examples in context
- Я хотів би запитати вас про ваші плани на майбутнє.I would like to ask you about your plans for the future.
Example conversation
Irina and Serhiy are discussing a difficult project.
- Ірина IrynaСергію, я хочу тебе пита́ти.Serhiyu, ya khochu tebe pytaty.Serhiy, I want to ask you.
- Сергій SerhiiТак, Ірино, слухаю тебе.Tak, Irino, slukhayu tebe.Yes, Irina, I'm listening.
- Ірина IrynaДе ми знайдемо цю інформацію?De my znaydemo tsyu informatsiyu?Where will we find this information?
- Сергій SerhiiЯ подивлюся в інтернеті.Ya podivlyusya v interneti.I will look it up on the internet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
