оди́н
odýn
The English word "one" is translated into Ukrainian as оди́н (odýn). Wiktionary also lists одини́ця (odynýcja).
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| оди́н | odýn | |
| одини́ця | odynýcja | feminine |
оди́н is the cardinal number one. It can be used to describe both masculine and neuter nouns.
Which one should you use?
While оди́н is the cardinal number one, одини́ця refers to a single unit or an item in a set.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on the gender of the noun it modifies. The masculine form оди́н changes to одна when modifying a feminine noun, and it changes to о́дне when modifying a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
odýn
Did you know?
- In Ukrainian schools, a grade of одиниця is the worst possible mark a student can receive. This is the opposite of the US system, where being 'number one' is the highest achievement.
- The root of оди́н is linguistically tied to the concept of being 'alone'. This mirrors how 'one' and 'alone' share a distant historical connection in English.
- While оди́н is used for counting, Ukrainian uses the distinct word самотній to describe someone who is 'one' in the sense of being lonely. This word carries a deep emotional weight that the cardinal number does not.
Examples in context
- Я хочу купити один автомобіль.I want to buy one car.
- Її команда виграла одну гру.Her team won one game.
- У мене є один брат.I have one brother.
- Я щойно прочитав цю книгу.I've just read this book.
- Можеш взяти ще трохи цукру?Can you take a little more sugar?
- Це – єдиний виноградник у моєму селі.This is the only vineyard in my village.
- У мене є лише оди́н брат.U mene ye lyshe odin brat.I have only one brother.
Example conversation
At a small café, a man is ordering food.
- Наталія NataliiaВи готові замовити?Vy hotovi zamovyty?Are you ready to order?
- Андрій AndriiТак, я хочу оди́н сендвіч.Tak, ya khochu odin sendvich.Yes, I want one sandwich.
- Наталія NataliiaДобре, Андрію. Буде готово скоро.Dobre, Andriyu. Bude hotovo skoro.Okay, Andriy. It will be ready soon.
- Андрій AndriiДякую вам, Наталіє.Dyakuyu vam, Nataliye.Thank you, Nataliya.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
