Героям слава
Heroiam slava
The English phrase "glory to the heroes" is translated into Ukrainian as Героям слава (Heroiam slava).
This phrase is used as a patriotic salute to honor fallen soldiers or those who have sacrificed themselves for the nation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the dative plural noun Героям (to the heroes) and the nominative noun слава (glory).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations exist, such as Слава героям Київщини! for the Kyiv region and Слава героям Львівщини! for the Lviv region.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Героям is the dative plural form of герой (hero), which indicates the recipients of the glory.
How do you pronounce it?
Heroiam slava
When do people say it?
This phrase is a patriotic salute. When someone says Слава Україні! (Glory to Ukraine!), the standard and expected response is Героям слава! (Glory to the heroes!).
Did you know?
- The word слава shares the same Proto-Slavic root as the English word 'slav', linking the concept of 'glory' to the ethnic identity of the people.
- While the phrase is now a universal symbol of national unity, it was originally a specific political slogan created by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists in the 1930s.
- In many public settings, the phrase is not just spoken but performed as a rhythmic call-and-response ritual where a crowd shouts Героям слава! in unison after hearing Слава Україні!
Examples in context
- Слава Україні! Героям слава!Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!This sentence shows the common pairing of the salute to Ukraine with the response for the heroes.Tatoeba #4840786 by Lumo, translation #10708410 by Ooneykcall
- Слава українській армії, слава загиблим героям!Glory to the Ukrainian army, glory to the fallen heroes!
- Слава Героям! Щира повага вам за вашу відданість та самопожертву!Glory to the Heroes! Sincere respect to you for your dedication and self-sacrifice!
- Героям слава.Heroiam slava.Glory to the heroes.
- Ми кажемо: Героям слава!My kazhemo: Heroiam slava!We say: Glory to the heroes!
Example conversation
Andrii and Iryna are standing at a memorial.
- Андрій AndriiСлава Україні!Slava Ukraini!Glory to Ukraine!
- Ірина IrynaГероям слава!Heroyam slava!Glory to the heroes!
- Андрій AndriiЦе дуже важливий день для нас.Tse duzhe vazhlyvyy den dlya nas.This is a very important day for us.
- Ірина IrynaТак, ми повинні пам'ятати про них.Tak, my povynni pamyataty pro nykh.Yes, we must remember them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries героям слава, слава, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
