мете́лик
metélykmasculine
The English word butterfly is translated into Ukrainian as мете́лик (metélyk). Wiktionary also lists моти́ль (motýlʹ).
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| мете́лик | metélyk | masculine |
| моти́ль | motýlʹ | dialectal, masculine |
The term refers to the insect known as a butterfly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word моти́ль is a dialectal variation used in certain regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun мете́лик changes to мете́лика in the genitive case, such as when saying 'of a butterfly'.
How do you pronounce it?
metélyk
Did you know?
- The root of the word мете́лик is related to the verb 'to sweep' or 'to stir up', suggesting the way the insect's wings move through the air.
- In some Ukrainian folk traditions, seeing a butterfly entering a house is viewed as a sign of a visiting soul or a blessing from ancestors.
- Unlike English, which uses 'butterfly' as a single unit, the Ukrainian word мете́лик focuses on the action of fluttering rather than the consumption of butter.
Examples in context
- When you see a метелик fluttering around, it's as if nature itself is painting a masterpiece.When you see a butterfly fluttering around, it's as if nature itself is painting a masterpiece.
Example conversation
Serhii and Iryna are walking in a summer garden.
- Сергій SerhiiДивись, Ірино, який гарний мете́лик!Dyvys', Iryno, yakyy harnyi metelyk!Look, Iryna, what a beautiful butterfly!
- Ірина IrynaТак, він справді чарівний.Tak, vin spravdi charivnyy.Yes, it is truly magical.
- Сергій SerhiiВін полетів на ту троянду.Vin poletiv na tu troyandu.It flew to that rose.
- Ірина IrynaСергію, він занадто швидкий.Serhiyu, vin zanadto shvydkyy.Serhii, it is too fast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
