False friends when learning Ukrainian
When learning Ukrainian, it’s important to be aware of false friends—words that look or sound similar in English and Ukrainian but have different meanings. Here are some examples of common false friends between the two languages:
-
Magazine vs. Магазин: In English, “magazine” refers to a publication, while in Ukrainian, “магазин” (mahazin) means a shop or store 1, 2.
-
City vs. Ситий: The English word “city” refers to a large town, but the Ukrainian word “ситий” (sytyi) means full or satiated after eating 1.
-
Intelligent vs. Інтелігентний: In English, “intelligent” means smart or clever. However, in Ukrainian, “інтелігентний” (intelyhentnyy) refers to someone who is cultured or well-educated 1.
-
Mist vs. Міст: In English, “mist” refers to a light fog, while in Ukrainian, “міст” (mist) means bridge 3.
-
Sympathy vs. Симпатія: In English, “sympathy” refers to feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. In Ukrainian, “симпатія” (sympatiia) describes liking or attraction 3.
-
Factory vs. Фабрика: The English word “factory” translates to “фабрика” (fabryka) in Ukrainian; however, this can be misleading as it sounds similar to the English word “fabric,” which means cloth material 3.
Understanding these differences is crucial for effective communication and avoiding misunderstandings when learning Ukrainian.