життя
zhyttia
The English word 'life' is translated into Ukrainian as життя (zhyttia).
The word життя is the most common and general term used to refer to the state of being alive.
Meaning: the state of being alive (noun)
Which one should you use?
While життя is the standard term, the diminutive form життячко can be used to express endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the singular, the form життя serves as both the nominative and the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
zhyttia
Did you know?
- The word життя shares a root with the Ukrainian word жито, which means 'rye'. This reflects an ancient agrarian connection where the growth of grain was synonymous with survival and life.
- If you want to talk about a 'lifetime' or the duration of one's life, Ukrainians often use the word вік, which literally means 'age' or 'century'.
- There is a formal religious doublet житіє that refers specifically to a hagiography or the written life story of a saint.
Examples in context
- Вода – це життя.Water is life.This sentence shows how to state that water is life using життя.Tatoeba #5978170 by deniko, translation #3861611 by Hybrid
- Життя це цирк.Life is a circus.This sentence uses життя to describe life as a circus.Tatoeba #7611066 by deniko, translation #2672076 by _undertoad
- Життя – не казка.Life isn't like a fairy tale.This sentence illustrates the use of життя to say that life is not a fairy tale.Tatoeba #5835781 by deniko, translation #5835780 by OsoHombre
- Життя – найбільший скарбLife is the greatest treasure.
- 511 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Serhii and Mariia are talking about their future plans.
- Сергій SerhiiЯ хочу змінити своє життя.Ya khotchu zminyty svoye zhyttya.I want to change my life.
- Марія MariiaЦе дуже сміливе рішення, Сергію.Tse duzhe smilyve rishennya, Serhiyu.That is a very brave decision, Serhii.
- Сергій SerhiiТак, мені потрібно більше радості в житті.Tak, meni potribno bilshe radosti v zhytti.Yes, I need more joy in life.
- Марія MariiaЯ підтримую тебе, Марією!Ya pidtrymuyu tebe, Mariyeyu!I support you, Mariia!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries життя, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
