зараз
zaraz[ˈzarɐz]
The Ukrainian word for 'now' can be expressed in several ways, most commonly as зараз (zaraz). Wiktionary also lists тепе́р (tepér) and ни́ні (nýni).
Meaning: at the present time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| зараз | zaraz | [ˈzarɐz] (narrow) |
| тепе́р | tepér | |
| ни́ні | nýni |
The term is used to describe the present time. Depending on the context, зараз can refer to the immediate present or imply that an action will happen 'in a moment' or 'shortly'.
Which one should you use?
зараз is the most common way to express 'now' in everyday spoken Ukrainian, typically referring to the immediate present or a current state. In contrast, тепер is used to highlight a change from a previous state to a new one, similar to saying 'nowadays' or 'at this point in time' (for example, 'I used to smoke, but now I don't').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are reading news, literature or working in an official context, you may encounter the more formal or literary term нині. For highly formal situations, the word Наразі is also used.
How do you pronounce it?
zaraz
Did you know?
- The word зараз has a close relative, зара́з, which shifts the meaning from 'now' to 'all at once' or 'suddenly'.
- The word нині is so deeply tied to literary tradition that using it in a casual conversation at a cafe would sound like you are reciting a poem or a historical chronicle.
- The word зараз is likely a loan from the Polish word zaraz, though it has become a staple of the Ukrainian language.
Examples in context
- Я зараз в Римі.I am in Rome now.This sentence shows how to use зараз to state a current location.Tatoeba #5801764 by deniko, translation #2054381 by remo
- Я зараз не п'ю.I don't drink now.This sentence demonstrates using зараз to describe a current habit or state.Tatoeba #5975902 by deniko, translation #5975647 by CK
- Я хочу це зараз.I want it now.This sentence shows the use of зараз to express an immediate desire.Tatoeba #5897466 by deniko, translation #5853158 by CK
- Зараз я зайнятий.I am busy now.
- Тепер я можу грати в футбол.Now I can play football.
- 1311 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking in their living room.
- Олександр OleksandrТи зараз вільна?Ty zaraz vil'na?Are you free now?
- Олена OlenaТак, я зараз вдома.Tak, ya zaraz doma.Yes, I am home now.
- Олександр OleksandrДавай зараз подивимось фільм.Davay zaraz podyvymos' film.Let's watch a movie now.
- Олена OlenaЧудова ідея!Chudova ideya!Great idea!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries зараз, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries зараз, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
