хоро́брий
xoróbryj
The English word brave can be translated into Ukrainian using several adjectives, most commonly хоро́брий (xoróbryj). Wiktionary also lists відва́жний (vidvážnyj) and сміли́вий (smilývyj).
Meaning: strong in the face of fear (adj)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| хоро́брий | xoróbryj |
| відва́жний | vidvážnyj |
| сміли́вий | smilývyj |
All three forms are used to describe someone who is strong in the face of fear.
Which one should you use?
While all three mean brave, they carry different nuances. відва́жний emphasizes the presence of courage and the ability to act despite danger, often translating as fearless or valiant. сміли́вий is the most common way to describe someone who is bold or shows courage in everyday situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective сміли́вий changes its endings to agree with the noun it describes: use сміли́ва when describing a feminine noun and сміли́ві when describing plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
xoróbryj
Did you know?
- The adjective сміливий is often used to describe a 'bold' or 'daring' personality, but it can also be used sarcastically to call someone 'cheeky' or 'impertinent' if they are being too forward.
- In Ukrainian folklore and historical epics, the term відва́жний is frequently associated with the 'Kozak' warrior caste, giving the word a distinct military and nationalistic resonance.
- Ukrainian has a specific expression, сміливість межує з безглуздям, which translates to 'bravery borders on absurdity'. It is used to warn that someone is being reckless rather than truly brave.
Examples in context
- У вашому вчинку проявляється хоробрий підхід до проблемного питання.Your action demonstrates a brave approach to the problematic issue.
- Він дуже хоро́брий воїн.Vin duzhe khorobryy voyin.He is a very brave warrior.
- Це був хоро́брий вчинок.Tse buv khorobryy vchynok.It was a brave act.
Example conversation
Maria and Serhiy are talking about a rescue dog.
- Марія MariiaПодивись на цього собаку, він такий хоро́брий!Podyvysʹ na tsoho sobaku, vin takyy khorobryy!Look at this dog, he is so brave!
- Сергій SerhiiТак, він врятував людину з води.Tak, vin vryatuv lyudynu z vody.Yes, he saved a person from the water.
- Марія MariiaСергію, ти теж був би таким хоро́брим?Serhiyu, ty tezh buv by takym khorobrym?Serhiy, would you be that brave too?
- Сергій SerhiiЯ думаю, що я б злякався.Ya dumayu, shcho ya b zlyakavsya.I think I would have been scared.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brave” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
