ля́лька
ljálʹkafeminine
The English word "doll" is translated into Ukrainian as ля́лька (ljálʹka). Wiktionary also lists ку́кла (kúkla).
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ля́лька | ljálʹka | feminine |
| ку́кла | kúkla | feminine |
The term refers to a toy in the form of a human.
Which one should you use?
ля́лька is the most common and standard word for a doll in Ukrainian. In contrast, ку́кла often refers more specifically to a puppet, a mannequin or a more stylized/artificial figure compared to the general term ля́лька.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ля́лька is ля́льки. When the doll is the direct object of a sentence (e.g., 'I see a doll'), ля́лька changes to ля́льку.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ljálʹka.
Did you know?
- Traditional мотанки are intentionally made without a face. This was done to ensure the doll did not have a soul, which prevented it from becoming a vessel for demons.
- In Ukrainian, the word ля́лька is also used to describe a beautiful, well-dressed woman, often in a complimentary but sometimes slightly patronizing way.
- In traditional Ukrainian culture, ля́лька-мотанка is a ritual doll made by winding and tying fabric without using a needle. These dolls were historically believed to protect the home and family from evil spirits.
Examples in context
- Ця лялечка дуже гарна.This doll is very beautiful.
- Олеся подарувала мені нову лялю.Olesia gave me a new doll.
- Покажи своїх ляльок!Show me your dolls!
- Де моя улюблена ля́лька?De moya ulyublena lyalka?Where is my favorite doll?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
