відпу́стка
vidpústkafeminine
The English word vacation can be translated into Ukrainian as відпу́стка (vidpústka) or кані́кули.
Meaning: period of leisure time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| відпу́стка | vidpústka | feminine |
| кані́кули | kaníkuly | feminine, plural |
The term refers to a period of leisure time. To say that someone is 'on vacation' in a professional context, use the phrase бути у відпу́стці.
Which one should you use?
The choice between terms depends on the context of the break. Use відпу́стка for a work-related leave of absence or professional duties. Use кані́кули specifically to refer to school holidays or academic breaks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of відпу́стка is відпу́стки.
How do you pronounce it?
vidpústka
Did you know?
- The term кані́кули is a loanword from the Latin 'canicula', which refers to the 'little dog' or the star Sirius. In ancient Rome, this star marked the hottest days of the year when schools and courts closed.
- Ukrainian has a specific word відгу́л, which refers to a single day off taken to compensate for working during a previous holiday or weekend.
- While відпу́стка is used for work leave, the word відпу́стити from which it derives means 'to let go' or 'to release'. This frames a professional vacation as being released from one's duties.
Examples in context
- Нарешті розпочинається літо! Плануєш довгий відпочинок цього року?Finally, summer is starting! Are you planning a long vacation this year?
- Я з нетерпінням чекаю своїх канікул.I'm looking forward to my vacation.
- Коли ви збираєтесь почати свій відпочинок цього року?When are you planning to start your vacation this year?
- Моя відпу́стка закінчується наступного тижня.Moya vidpuska zakinchuyet'sya nastupnoho tyzhnya.My vacation ends next week.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about their upcoming time off at the office.
- Наталія NataliiaСергію, коли твоя відпу́стка?Serhiyu, koly tvoya vidpuska?Serhiy, when is your vacation?
- Сергій SerhiiЯ йду у відпу́стку з понеділка.Ya idu u vidpusku z ponedilka.I am going on vacation from Monday.
- Наталія NataliiaЦе чудова новина для тебе!Tse chudova novyna dlya tebe!That is great news for you!
- Сергій SerhiiДякую, Наталіє, я дуже втомився.Dyakuyu, Nataliye, ya duzhe vtomivsya.Thank you, Nataliia, I am very tired.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vacation” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
