благодать
blahodat
The English word grace is translated into Ukrainian as благодать (blahodat).
Благодать is most commonly used in religious contexts to refer to divine grace or to describe a state of profound peace and contentment, such as bliss.
Meaning: elegant movement, poise or balance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of благо, meaning good or blessing and дать, meaning to give. It literally translates to 'a gift of goodness'.
Which one should you use?
While благодать refers to spiritual grace or a state of bliss, the word грація is used specifically when talking about physical elegance, poise or movement.
How do you pronounce it?
blahodat
Did you know?
- In a non-religious context, someone might exclaim яка благодать! when experiencing a moment of pure sensory pleasure, such as a perfect summer breeze.
- The root благо in благодать is also the foundation for the Ukrainian word благодійність, which means 'charity' or 'philanthropy'.
- The word благодать is a borrowing from Old Church Slavonic, the liturgical language used across many Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Example conversation
Serhiy and Nataliia are watching a ballet performance.
- Сергій SerhiiПодивись, яка благодать у її танці!Podyvis, yaka blahodat u yiyi tantsi!Look, what grace there is in her dance!
- Наталія NataliiaТак, вона рухається дуже легко.Tak, vona rukhayetsya duzhe lehko.Yes, she moves very effortlessly.
- Сергій SerhiiЦе виглядає абсолютно природно.Tse vyhlyadaye absolyutno pryrodno.It looks absolutely natural.
- Наталія NataliiaСправжня майстерність та елегантність.Spravzhnya maysternist ta elehantnist.True mastery and elegance.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries благодать, CC BY-SA 4.0.
