зайчик
zaychyk
The English word "bunny" is translated into Ukrainian as зайчик (zaychyk).
зайчик is used to refer to a young rabbit or a small hare. It is a diminutive form, which gives it a more affectionate and cute quality compared to the standard word for a rabbit.
Meaning: young rabbit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While зайчик specifically refers to a "bunny" or a small hare, the word кролик is the standard, more formal term for a domestic rabbit.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
зайчик is an informal and affectionate term. Because it is a diminutive, it is warmer than the standard term кролик.
How does it change in a sentence?
зайчик is the singular masculine form of this diminutive noun. The plural form is зайчики.
How do you pronounce it?
zaychyk
Did you know?
- Ukrainian children often use the phrase зайчик when referring to a 'sunbeam' or a small reflection of light on a wall.
- Ukrainian folklore frequently portrays the character of the заєць (the root of зайчик) as a clever trickster who outsmarts larger animals.
- While 'bunny' is almost always cute in English, calling someone a зайчик in Ukrainian can be used as a romantic pet name for a partner.
Examples in context
- Зайчик, я дуже тебе люблюBunny, I love you very much
- Маленький зайчик стрибає по траві.Malen'kyi zaichyk strybaie po travi.A little bunny is jumping in the grass.
- Дитина малює білого зайчика.Dytyna maliuie biloho zaichyka.The child is drawing a white bunny.
Example conversation
Dmytro and Natalia are looking at a pet store window.
- Дмитро DmytroНаталіє, глянь на того білого зайчика!Nataliye, hlian' na toho bilogo zaychyka!Nataliya, look at that white bunny!
- Наталія NataliiaОй, він такий маленький і пухнастий.Oi, vin takyi malenkyi i pukhnastyi.Oh, he is so small and fluffy.
- Дмитро DmytroТи хочеш завести такого зайчика вдома?Ty khochesh zavesty takoho zaychyka vdoma?Do you want to have a bunny like that at home?
- Наталія NataliiaТак, це було б чудово!Tak, tse bulo b chudovono!Yes, that would be wonderful!
