дава́й
davájsingular
The English phrase 'come on' can be translated into Ukrainian as дава́й (daváj). Wiktionary also lists дава́йте (davájte).
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| дава́й | daváj | singular |
| дава́йте | davájte | addressee plural |
This expression is used to encourage someone. In a colloquial sense, дава́й is also frequently used to say 'let's go' or 'let's do it' when initiating an action.
What does it mean word for word?
The word дава́й is the imperative form of the verb давати, which literally means 'give'.
Which one should you use?
дава́й is used when speaking to a single person, while дава́йте is used when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form дава́йте when addressing a group of people or when using the polite 'you' (ви) to encourage someone.
How do you pronounce it?
daváj
Did you know?
- In many Ukrainian dialects and informal speech, you might hear people use давай as a standalone way to say 'goodbye' or 'talk to you later' at the end of a phone call.
- In a heated argument, repeating дава́й can transform from a friendly 'come on' into a provocative 'come and get me', essentially daring the other person to fight.
- While дава́й means 'come on', adding the word ну before it to make ну дава́й changes the tone from encouragement to impatience or a challenge.
Examples in context
- Давай! Підемо на вечірку!Come on! Let's go to the party!
- Дава́й, ти зможеш це зробити!Davay, ty zmozhesh tse zrobyty!Come on, you can do this!
- Дава́й швидше, ми запізнюємося.Davay shvydshe, my zapiznyuyemo-sya.Come on, faster, we are late.
- Дава́й, ще один раз!Davay, shche odyn raz!Come on, one more time!
Example conversation
Olena is cheering for Dmytro during a sports competition.
- Олена OlenaДава́й, Дмитре, біжи швидше!Davay, Dmytre, bizhy shvydshe!Come on, Dmytro, run faster!
- Дмитро DmytroЯ намагаюся, але я дуже втомився.Ya nаmagayusya, ale ya duzhe vtomyvsya.I am trying, but I am very tired.
- Олена OlenaДава́й, ще зовсім трохи!Davay, shche zovsim trokhy!Come on, just a little bit more!
- Дмитро DmytroДобре, я спробую фінішувати.Dobre, ya sprobuyu finishuvaty.Okay, I will try to finish.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come on” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
