боягу́з
bojahúzmasculine
The Ukrainian word for coward is боягу́з (bojahúz). Wiktionary also lists боягу́зка (bojahúzka) and страхополо́х (straxopolóx).
Meaning: a person who lacks courage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| боягу́з | bojahúz | masculine |
| боягу́зка | bojahúzka | feminine |
| страхополо́х | straxopolóx | masculine |
The term refers to a person who lacks courage.
Which one should you use?
While боягу́з and страхополо́х both mean coward, страхополо́х is more metaphorical and often implies someone who is easily startled or 'frightened easily' rather than a lack of moral courage.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female coward, use the feminine form боягу́зка instead of the masculine боягу́з.
How do you pronounce it?
bojahúz
Did you know?
- Using боягу́з in a heated argument can be seen as a heavy insult to one's honor, whereas страхополо́х might just sound like you are calling someone a 'scaredy-cat'.
- The feminine form боягу́зка uses a suffix that can sometimes be used to diminish the importance or power of a person, adding a layer of belittlement beyond just the gender.
- The word страхополо́х contains the root поло́х, which refers to a sudden alarm or panic. It literally describes someone who spreads alarm or is shaken by it.
Examples in context
- Ти справжній трус!You are a true coward!
- Не будь трусом!Don't be a coward!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
