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What are some common Ukrainian idioms I should know visualisation

What are some common Ukrainian idioms I should know

Основні Питання для Повсякденного Життя у Вивченні Української Мови: What are some common Ukrainian idioms I should know
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Here are some common Ukrainian idioms and their meanings, which will help you better understand the language and culture:

1. Як дві краплі води (Yak dvi krapli vody)

  • Translation: Like two drops of water
  • Meaning: To be very similar or identical
  • Comparable English idiom: “Like two peas in a pod” 1.

2. Кіт наплакав (Kit naplakav)

  • Translation: The cat cried
  • Meaning: Very little or not enough
  • Comparable English idiom: “A drop in the bucket” 1.

3. Вішати локшину на вуха (Vishaty lokshynu na vukha)

  • Translation: To hang noodles on the ears
  • Meaning: To deceive or lie to someone
  • Comparable English idiom: “Pulling someone’s leg” 1.

4. Як сніг на голову (Yak snig na holovu)

  • Translation: Like snow on the head
  • Meaning: Something unexpected or sudden
  • Comparable English idiom: “Out of the blue” 1.

5. Витріщати очі (Vytrishchaty ochi)

  • Translation: To bulge one’s eyes
  • Meaning: To stare in astonishment
  • Comparable English idiom: “Eyes popping out” 1.

6. Вилити душу (Vylyty dushu)

  • Translation: To pour out the soul
  • Meaning: To share one’s deepest feelings
  • Comparable English idiom: “To bare one’s soul” 1.

7. Закопати сокиру війни (Zakopaty sokyru viyny)

  • Translation: To bury the hatchet of war
  • Meaning: To make peace or reconcile
  • Comparable English idiom: “To bury the hatchet” 1.

8. Під лежачий камінь вода не тече (Pid lezhachyi kamin voda ne teche)

  • Translation: Under the lying stone, water does not flow
  • Meaning: No effort leads to no progress
  • Comparable English idiom: “No pain, no gain” 4.

9. Водá кáмінь тóчить (Voda kamin tochyt)

  • Translation: Water wears away stone
  • Meaning: Persistence and patience lead to results
  • Comparable English idiom: “Little strokes fell great oaks” 4.

10. Краще синиця в руках, ніж журавель у небі (Krashe synytsia v rukakh, nizh zhuravel u nebi)

  • Translation: Better a tit in your hands than a crane in the sky
  • Meaning: It is better to hold onto what you have than to risk it for something uncertain
  • Comparable English idiom: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” [23].

These idioms reflect Ukrainian culture and values, often emphasizing persistence, honesty, and practicality. Learning them not only enhances your language skills but also provides insight into Ukrainian ways of thinking and expression.

References

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