весе́лка
vesélkafeminine
The English phrase 'rainbow' can be translated into Ukrainian as весе́лка (vesélka) or ра́йдуга.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| весе́лка | vesélka | feminine |
| ра́йдуга | rájduha | feminine |
Both words refer to the multicolored arch visible in the sky after rain.
What does it mean word for word?
The word весе́лка is etymologically connected to the root for 'joy' or 'fun' (веселий), which suggests the image of a 'joyful' or 'cheerful' arc.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word весе́лка is a feminine noun. Its plural form is весе́лки. The word ра́йдуга is also a feminine noun, and its plural form is ра́йдуги.
How do you pronounce it?
vesélka
Did you know?
- The word ра́йдуга shares its root with ра́йду́жка, the word for the 'iris' of the eye. Both words describe a colorful circle.
- The word ра́йдуга is conceptually linked to ра́й, which means 'paradise'. This suggests that the rainbow was viewed as a glimpse of a heavenly realm.
- In Ukrainian folklore, the весе́лка was often envisioned as a celestial bridge that connected the earth to the heavens or the world of the gods.
Examples in context
- Вчора після дощу на небі з'явилася прекрасна веселка.Yesterday, after the rain, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
