міцного здоров'я
mitsnoho zdorov'ya
The Ukrainian phrase for "good health" is міцного здоров'я (mitsnoho zdorov'ya).
міцного здоров'я is a wish for someone to remain strong and free from illness. It is commonly used as a standalone well-wish in cards, toasts or when parting ways with someone, especially elderly people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "strong health".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is in the genitive case. This is because it is an elliptical expression of the wish "[I wish you] strong health".
How do you pronounce it?
mitsnoho zdorov'ya
Did you know?
- The word здоров'я shares a common root with the English word 'sound', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'to be healthy' or 'to be whole'.
- The adjective міцного (strong) in this phrase is the same word used to describe a 'strong' brew of coffee or tea, implying a concentrated quality.
- In traditional Ukrainian folk songs, variations of this wish often appear, linking 'health' to the concept of a 'firm' or 'solid' foundation for one's life.
Examples in context
- Бажаю вам міцного здоров'я.Bazhayu vam mitsnoho zdorov'ya.I wish you good health.
- Бажаю тобі та твоїй родині міцного здоров'я.Bazhayu tobi ta tvoyiy rodyni mitsnoho zdorov'ya.I wish you and your family good health.
Example conversation
Maria and Dmytro are saying goodbye after a visit.
- Марія MariiaДмитро, дякую за зустріч!Dmytro, dyakuyu za zustrich!Dmytro, thank you for the meeting!
- Дмитро DmytroБув радий тебе бачити, Маріє.Buv radyi tebe bachyty, Mariye.I was glad to see you, Maria.
- Марія MariiaБажаю тобі міцного здоров'я та успіхів!Bazhayu tobi mitsnoho zdorov'ya ta uspikhiv!I wish you good health and success!
- Дмитро DmytroДякую, і тобі того ж!Dyakuyu, i tobi toho zh!Thank you, and the same to you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries здоров'я, CC BY-SA 4.0.
