вовк
vovk[wɔu̯k]masculine
The Ukrainian word for wolf is вовк (vovk). If unsure, use вовк. Wiktionary also lists вовчи́ця (vovčýcja) and вовчи́ха (vovčýxa).
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| вовк | vovk | [wɔu̯k] (narrow) | masculine |
| вовчи́ця | vovčýcja | feminine | |
| вовчи́ха | vovčýxa | feminine |
Which one should you use?
The masculine form вовк is used when referring to a male wolf or the species in general. To specify a female wolf, you can use either вовчи́ця or вовчи́ха. While both mean she-wolf, вовчи́ця sounds more biological or formal, whereas вовчи́ха is often used in more colloquial or descriptive contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of вовк is вовки.
How do you pronounce it?
vovk
Did you know?
- Ancient Slavic beliefs, preserved in Ukrainian tradition, sometimes viewed the вовк as a guide to the underworld or a symbol of the wild spirit.
- The term вовчи́ха can sometimes carry a derogatory connotation when applied to a woman, much like the English word 'she-wolf' can imply a predatory or aggressive nature.
- In Ukrainian folklore, the wolf is often portrayed as a cunning, almost human-like character, quite different from the purely mindless beast seen in some Western fairy tales.
Examples in context
- У сні я зустрів вовка.I met a wolf in a dream.This sentence shows how to use the form вовк when describing an encounter in a dream.Tatoeba #1585850 by deniko, translation #750227 by sctld
- Том вистрелив у вовка.Tom shot the wolf.This sentence uses the form вовк to describe an action taken against the animal.Tatoeba #6444312 by deniko, translation #6440556 by CK
- Ти вовк в овечій шкурі.You are a wolf in sheep's clothing.This sentence illustrates a metaphorical use of the form вовк.Tatoeba #1611259 by deniko, translation #282000 by gracehero
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmytro and Mariia are hiking in the mountains.
- Дмитро DmytroДивись, там на горі вовк!Dyvys', tam na hori volk!Look, there is a wolf on the mountain!
- Марія MariiaОй, Дмитре, він такий страшний.Oi, Dmytre, vin takyi strashnyi.Oh, Dmytro, he is so scary.
- Дмитро DmytroНе бійся, цей вовк нас не зачепить.Ne biis'ya, tsey volk nas ne zachepyt'.Don't be afraid, this wolf won't touch us.
- Марія MariiaЯ все одно хочу швидше йти.Ya vse odno khochu shvidshe yty.I still want to go faster.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wolf” translations and entries вовк, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
