ци́ган
cýhanmasculine
The English phrase "gypsy" can be translated into Ukrainian as ци́ган (cýhan). Wiktionary also lists ци́ганка (cýhanka).
Meaning: a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ци́ган | cýhan | masculine |
| ци́ганка | cýhanka | feminine |
The word refers to a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group. In formal contexts, the term ром is used to refer to the Roma.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form ци́ган is the default, while ци́ганка is used specifically when referring to a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the masculine noun is ци́гани, and the adjective used to describe things related to the Romani people is ци́ганський.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is cýhan.
Did you know?
- In Ukrainian, the word ци́ган is often used as a metaphor for someone who is cunning or a trickster, regardless of their ethnicity.
- The term ци́ганка carries a heavy cultural weight in Ukrainian folklore, often implying that a woman possesses the supernatural ability to see the future.
- The historical use of ци́ган in the poetry of Taras Shevchenko often frames the figure as a symbol of absolute 'freedom' and 'rebellion' against social norms.
Examples in context
- Моя сусідка вчителька циганського походження.My neighbor is of Roma (Gypsy) origin.
- Ця група ромів подорожує містами Європи.This group of Roma (Gypsies) is traveling across European cities.
- Я побачив цигана на вулиці з гармонікою.I saw a Gypsy on the street with an accordion.
- Мій друг радів, коли його покликали до циганського табору.My friend was happy when he was invited to a Gypsy camp.
- Цей ци́ган дуже талановитий.Tsey tsyhan duzhe talanovytyy.This gypsy is very talented.
- Він знає старого ци́гана.Vin znaye staroho tsyhana.He knows an old gypsy.
Example conversation
Two neighbors are talking about a man they saw in town.
- Олександр OleksandrТи бачила того ци́гана на площі?Ty bachyla toho tsyhana na ploshchi?Did you see that gypsy in the square?
- Наталія NataliiaТак, він стояв біля магазину.Tak, vin stoyav bilya mahazynu.Yes, he was standing near the shop.
- Олександр OleksandrЦей ци́ган здавався дуже привітним.Tsey tsyhan zdavasia duzhe pryvitnym.That gypsy seemed very friendly.
- Наталія NataliiaЯ теж так подумала.Ya tezh tak podumala.I thought so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gypsy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
