підтримати
pidtrýmaty[pʲidˈtrɪmɐte]
To back up (in the sense of making a copy for security) is expressed in Ukrainian as підтримати (pidtrýmaty).
While the word підтримати is a common mistake for this meaning, the correct terms depend on whether you are using formal language or technical slang.
Meaning: To copy as a security measure (verb)
Which one should you use?
There is a sharp distinction between supporting a person and backing up data. The word підтримати is used when you want to support or sustain a person or an idea. To express the technical action of making a backup copy of digital files, you should use зробити резервну копію or Створити копію.
How do you pronounce it?
pidtrýmaty
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use підтримати when referring to digital files. This word actually means 'to support' or 'to sustain' a person or an idea. Use зробити резервну копію for data instead.
Did you know?
- The verb тримати inside the phrase підтримати is used in many idioms, such as тримати язик за зубами, which means 'to keep one's tongue behind the teeth' or 'to keep a secret'.
- The word підтримати literally translates to 'to hold under', which is why it describes the act of physically or metaphorically sustaining something from below.
- In very informal technical slang, Ukrainians may simply use the English word 'backup' transliterated into the Cyrillic alphabet, rather than using the formal резервна копія.
Examples in context
- Створи резервну копію важливих документівCreate a backup of important documents
- Я зберег копію на флешціI backed up a copy on a flash drive
- Чи можете ви, будь ласка, зробити резервну копію моїх файлів?Could you please back up my files?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about computer security in the office.
- Марія MariiaАндрію, ти встиг підтримати свої документи?Andriyu, ty vstyh pidtrymaty svoi dokumenty?Andriy, did you manage to back up your documents?
- Андрій AndriiНі, я ще не мав часу.Ni, ya shche ne mav chasu.No, I haven't had time yet.
- Марія MariiaЦе ризиковано, зроби це зараз.Tse ryzykovano, zroby tse zaraz.It's risky, do it now.
- Андрій AndriiДякую, Маріє, я зроблю це негайно.Dyakuyu, Mariye, ya zroblu tse nehayno.Thank you, Maria, I will do it immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry підтримати, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
