Ukrainian for foreigners

Where to start: alphabet, cases, phrases, practice

Roadmap

  1. 1.Alphabet: 33 Cyrillic letters — a week to read
  2. 2.Basic phrases: greetings, thanks, please, where/when/how much
  3. 3.Cases: 7 cases — start with nominative, accusative, locative
  4. 4.Verbs: two aspects (perfective/imperfective), three tenses
  5. 5.Practice: speaking clubs, language partners, Ukrainian content

Survival phrases

  • Доброго дня / Добрий вечір

    Good day / Good evening

  • Дякую / Будь ласка

    Thank you / Please/You're welcome

  • Вибачте / Перепрошую

    Sorry / Excuse me

  • Скільки це коштує?

    How much does it cost?

  • Де знаходиться...?

    Where is...?

  • Я не розумію

    I don't understand

  • Говоріть повільніше, будь ласка

    Speak slower, please

  • Я вчу українську

    I'm learning Ukrainian

Ukrainian is a fusional language: endings carry the grammar load. The hardest parts for foreigners are cases and verbal aspect. A realistic timeline to A2–B1 at one hour daily is 4–8 months. A certification exam exists for citizenship and certain professions.