заспокойся
zaspokoysya
'calm down' in Ukrainian is заспокойся (zaspokoysya).
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the prefix за-, which indicates a completion or a change of state and the root спокій, meaning peace or calm.
Which one should you use?
The form заспокойся is the informal version. If you are addressing more than one person or using a formal tone, the form changes to заспокойтеся.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb, meaning 'to calm down', is заспокоїтися. When using the imperative to command someone to calm down, the form changes to заспокойтеся if you are addressing more than one person or using the formal 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
zaspokoysya
Did you know?
- The root спокій is used in the phrase покійник, which means 'a deceased person', because death is viewed as the ultimate state of eternal calm.
- In highly informal settings, friends might use the slangy не кип'ятись, which literally translates to 'do not boil', comparing the person's rising temper to boiling water.
- If you are telling someone to 'calm down' because they are being too loud or energetic rather than angry, you might say не розгойдуйся, which carries the imagery of someone swaying or losing their balance.
Examples in context
- Заспокойтеся, будь ласка. Розмова буде більш ефективною, якщо всі залишимося спокійними.Calm down, please. The conversation will be more effective if we all remain calm.
Example conversation
Serhiy is trying to comfort Natalia during a stressful moment.
- Сергій SerhiiНаталіє, заспокойся, будь ласка.Nataliye, zaspokoysia, bud' laska.Natalia, please calm down.
- Наталія NataliiaЯ не можу, я дуже хвилююся!Ya ne mozhu, ya duzhe khvylyuusia!I can't, I am very worried!
- Сергій SerhiiПросто дихай глибше.Prosto dykhay hlibshe.Just breathe deeper.
- Наталія NataliiaДякую, Сергію, мені стає легше.Diakuiu, Serhiyu, meni staye lehshe.Thank you, Serhiy, I am feeling better.
