дорогий
dorohyy
The English word "darling" is translated into Ukrainian as дорогий (dorohyy).
дорогий is an affectionate term of address used for a person who is very dear to someone. Depending on the context, it can also mean "expensive".
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Which one should you use?
While дорогий is the standard form, it is polysemous and can mean either "dear/darling" or "expensive" depending on the situation. For added warmth or tenderness when addressing a loved one, you can use the diminutive form дорогенький.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the gender and number of the people being addressed: use дорога when addressing a woman, and use дорогі when addressing more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
dorohyy
Did you know?
- While дорога is the female form of 'darling', it is also the word for 'road' or 'way'. Context is the only way to tell if someone is calling their partner 'dear' or talking about the street.
- In some sarcastic contexts, calling someone дорогий can be used ironically to imply they are acting 'too precious' or high-maintenance, similar to how an English speaker might use 'dear' condescendingly.
- The word дорогий shares a common ancestor with words in Baltic languages. This reflects the deep historical ties between the Slavic and Baltic linguistic branches.
Examples in context
- Мила, я тебе безмежно кохаю.Darling, I love you immensely.
- Зайчик, дякую тобі за те, що завжди поруч.Darling, thank you for always being by my side.
- Мій дорогий, ти вже повернувся?Mii dorohyi, ty vzhe povernuvsia?My darling, are you back already?
Example conversation
A couple is having breakfast together at home.
- Марія MariiaДобрий ранок, мій дорогий!Dobryi ranok, mii dorohyi!Good morning, my darling!
- Олександр OleksandrПривіт, Маріє. Що на сніданок?Pryvit, Mariie. Shcho na snidanok?Hello, Maria. What is for breakfast?
- Марія MariiaЯ приготувала каву та тости.Ya pryhotuvala kavu ta tosty.I prepared coffee and toast.
- Олександр OleksandrДякую, ти найкраща!Diakuiu, ty naikrashcha!Thank you, you are the best!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries дорогий, CC BY-SA 4.0.
