ка́ва
kávafeminine
The English word coffee is translated into Ukrainian as ка́ва (káva).
ка́ва is the standard noun used to refer to the beverage. If you specifically mean espresso, the term Еспресо is used.
Meaning: beverage (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Ukrainian uses different forms of the word depending on its role in a sentence. Use the genitive form ка́ви when expressing a quantity, such as 'a cup of coffee'. Use the accusative form ка́ву when the coffee is the direct object of a verb, for example, in the sentence 'I drink coffee'.
How do you pronounce it?
káva
Did you know?
- When you are served ка́ва in Ukraine, it is common practice to receive a small glass of water to sip between mouthfuls to cleanse your palate.
- The phrase ка́ва по-віденськи refers to a specific style of coffee topped with whipped cream, reflecting a historical Austrian influence.
- Ukrainian has a dedicated word кавярня for a coffee shop, which differs from a general кафе by focusing specifically on coffee as the primary offering.
Examples in context
- Чи можу я замовити каву, будь ласка?Can I order coffee, please?
- Дякую за цю чудову каву!Thank you for this wonderful coffee!
- Давай зустрінемося і поп'ємо каву/кофе!Let's meet up and have coffee!
- Ця ка́ва дуже смачна.Tsya kava duzhe smachna.This coffee is very tasty.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- Наталія NataliiaПривіт, Андрію! Хочеш ка́ву?Pryvit, Andriyu! Khochesh kavu?Hi, Andriy! Do you want coffee?
- Андрій AndriiПривіт, Наталіє! Так, будь ласка.Pryvit, Nataliyye! Tak, bud laska.Hi, Natalia! Yes, please.
- Наталія NataliiaТобі ка́ва з цукром чи без?Tobi kava z tsukrom chy bez?Do you want coffee with sugar or without?
- Андрій AndriiМені, будь ласка, без цукру.Meni, bud laska, bez tsukru.Without sugar for me, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coffee” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
