When you find yourself in a situation where you need to urge someone to do something quickly, knowing how to say “hurry up” in Ukrainian can come in handy. Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine, spoken by around 45 million people. Depending on the context and the level of formality, there are different ways to express “hurry up” in Ukrainian. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of conveying this phrase, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Expressions:
When speaking to someone in a formal setting or addressing a person who is older or holds a higher position than you, it is important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to say “hurry up” in Ukrainian:
- Поспішайте, будь ласка (Pospishayte, bud’ laska) – This phrase translates to “Hurry up, please” in English. It is a polite and respectful way to express urgency.
- Будь ласка, поспішайте (Bud’ laska, pospishayte) – This variation places emphasis on the “please” at the beginning of the sentence, reinforcing politeness while indicating the need for speed.
Informal Expressions:
When talking to friends, family members, or peers, you can utilize more casual language to express a sense of urgency. Here are a few informal ways to say “hurry up” in Ukrainian:
- Поспішай (Pospishay) – This is the casual singular form of “hurry up.” It is commonly used when addressing a single person who is your equal or someone younger than you.
- Поспішайте (Pospishayte) – This is the plural form of “hurry up” in an informal setting. It is used when addressing a group of people or multiple individuals.
- Тишком тишком (Tyshkom tyshkom) – This expression is often used among friends and has a playful tone. It translates to “hurry up” but carries a connotation of speeding up discreetly or slyly.
Regional Variations:
While Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine, there are some regional variations in the way people express “hurry up.” These variations showcase the richness and diversity present in the language across different regions of Ukraine. Here are a couple of examples:
Варто побвздюхатися (Varto pobvzdjuhatysya) – This expression is commonly used in western Ukraine and translates to “You should hurry up.” It implies a sense of necessity and urgency.
Полетимо (Polethymo) – This expression, found more frequently in central and eastern Ukraine, loosely translates to “Let’s fly.” It suggests the need to move swiftly and efficiently, adding a touch of excitement to the phrase.
Remember that regional variations are not always necessary as people from different regions within Ukraine generally understand each other well. These variations, however, can add depth and diversity to your Ukrainian language skills.
Learning how to say “hurry up” in Ukrainian can be useful in various situations, from daily conversations to urgent requests. Practice using these expressions with native speakers to refine your pronunciation and deepen your understanding of Ukrainian culture.
Keep in mind that being respectful and polite, even when expressing urgency, is always important. So next time you need to say “hurry up” in Ukrainian, choose the appropriate form and make sure your tone and body language convey your message clearly.
