The richness of any language lies not just in its vocabulary or grammar but in its ability to capture the essence of human experience through figurative expressions. The Ukrainian language is no exception. It is brimming with colorful idioms and sayings that reflect the culture, humor, and wisdom of its people. For learners of Ukrainian, understanding these expressions can provide a deeper insight into the language and make conversations more lively and engaging. In this article, we will explore some of the funniest and most intriguing figurative expressions in Ukrainian.

Animal Kingdom: The Furry and Feathery Idioms

Animals often serve as metaphors in languages worldwide, and Ukrainian is no different. The expressions involving animals can be quite amusing and insightful.

“Як кіт на сметану” – This phrase translates to “like a cat to sour cream.” It describes someone who is extremely eager or excited about something, much like a cat would be about a bowl of sour cream.

“Маєш свинячу душу” – Literally meaning “you have a pig’s soul,” this expression is used to describe someone who is greedy or selfish. It’s a humorous way to point out undesirable traits using the image of a pig.

“Кури сміються” – Translating to “the chickens are laughing,” this idiom is used to describe something so absurd or ridiculous that even the chickens find it funny.

“Як собака на сіні” – This one translates to “like a dog in the hay.” It refers to someone who doesn’t use something themselves but also doesn’t let others use it. The dog in the hay neither eats the hay nor lets others access it.

Food for Thought: Culinary Idioms

Food is a universal theme in idiomatic expressions, and Ukrainian boasts a variety of culinary idioms that add flavor to the language.

“Варити кашу” – Literally meaning “to cook porridge,” this expression is used to describe working together harmoniously to achieve a goal. It’s akin to the English idiom “to cook up a plan.”

“Мати зуб на когось” – Translating to “to have a tooth on someone,” it means holding a grudge against someone. The imagery of a tooth adds a quirky twist to the notion of resentment.

“З’їсти собаку” – This phrase means “to eat a dog,” but it’s used to describe someone who has become very skilled or experienced in a particular area. It’s somewhat similar to the English expression “to know something inside out.”

“Наїстися по вуха” – This idiom means “to eat up to the ears,” and it describes someone who has eaten a lot, to the point of being very full. It’s a humorous way to talk about overeating.

Human Traits and Actions: Reflecting on Ourselves

Many Ukrainian idioms focus on human behaviors, traits, and actions, often with a humorous twist.

“Дати дуба” – This phrase translates to “give an oak,” and it’s a euphemistic way to say someone has died. The oak tree is a symbol of strength and longevity, making this a poetic yet humorous expression.

“Зарити сокиру війни” – Literally meaning “to bury the hatchet of war,” this idiom signifies making peace or resolving a conflict. It’s similar to the English expression “to bury the hatchet.”

“Висіти на телефоні” – Translating to “to hang on the phone,” it means spending a lot of time talking on the phone. It’s a humorous way to describe someone who is constantly engaged in phone conversations.

“Як з гуски вода” – This idiom means “like water off a goose’s back,” and it describes someone who remains unaffected by criticism or negativity. It’s a colorful way to illustrate resilience.

Weather and Nature: Elements of Surprise

Nature and weather also play a significant role in Ukrainian figurative language, often used to describe unexpected events or behaviors.

“Як грім серед ясного неба” – Translating to “like thunder in a clear sky,” this idiom is used to describe something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, much like a bolt from the blue.

“Вітер у голові” – Literally meaning “wind in the head,” this expression is used to describe someone who is scatterbrained or not thinking clearly. It’s a lighthearted way to point out someone’s lack of focus.

“Підняти вітер” – This phrase means “to raise the wind,” and it describes causing a commotion or stirring things up. It’s akin to the English idiom “to stir up trouble.”

“Сидіти на пороховій бочці” – Translating to “sitting on a powder keg,” this idiom is used to describe a tense or dangerous situation that could explode at any moment. It’s a vivid way to convey a sense of imminent danger.

Colorful Comparisons: Brightening Conversations

Ukrainian idioms often use colorful comparisons to make their point, adding a visual and humorous element to the language.

“Червоний як рак” – This phrase means “red as a crayfish,” and it’s used to describe someone who is very embarrassed or blushing intensely. The vivid imagery of a red crayfish adds a humorous touch.

“Зелений як трава” – Translating to “green as grass,” this idiom describes someone who is inexperienced or naive. It’s similar to the English expression “green as a novice.”

“Білий як сніг” – This idiom means “white as snow,” and it’s used to describe someone who is very pale or pure. It’s a poetic way to highlight someone’s appearance or character.

“Чорний як вугілля” – Translating to “black as coal,” this phrase describes something very dark or gloomy. It’s a vivid way to emphasize the intensity of darkness.

Time and Age: Wisdom and Humor

Time and age are frequent themes in Ukrainian idioms, often conveying wisdom or humor about the human condition.

“Старий як світ” – This phrase means “old as the world,” and it’s used to describe something very ancient or well-known. It’s a humorous way to highlight the age or familiarity of something.

“Викинути з голови” – Translating to “throw out of the head,” this idiom means to forget about something completely. It’s a colorful way to describe the act of letting go of a thought or concern.

“З’їсти свій вік” – This idiom means “to eat one’s age,” and it describes someone who has lived a long and full life. It’s a poetic way to acknowledge someone’s experience and wisdom.

“Молода кров” – Literally meaning “young blood,” this expression is used to describe energetic and enthusiastic young people. It’s a lively way to highlight the vigor of youth.

Money Matters: Financial Wisdom

Financial idioms in Ukrainian often carry humor and wisdom, reflecting common attitudes towards money.

“Гроші на вітер” – Translating to “money to the wind,” this idiom describes wasting money or spending it frivolously. It’s a colorful way to highlight financial irresponsibility.

“Як з неба впало” – This phrase means “like it fell from the sky,” and it’s used to describe an unexpected windfall or stroke of luck, especially in financial matters.

“Копійка рубль береже” – Literally meaning “a penny saves a ruble,” this idiom emphasizes the importance of saving small amounts of money, as they can add up to a significant sum over time. It’s similar to the English saying “a penny saved is a penny earned.”

“Без копійки в кишені” – Translating to “without a penny in the pocket,” this phrase describes someone who is completely broke or has no money at all. It’s a vivid way to illustrate financial hardship.

Relationships and Emotions: The Heart of the Matter

Relationships and emotions are central to human experience, and Ukrainian idioms capture these themes with humor and insight.

“Лізти в душу” – This phrase means “to climb into the soul,” and it’s used to describe someone who is prying into another person’s private matters. It’s a colorful way to highlight intrusive behavior.

“Вивести з себе” – Translating to “take out of oneself,” this idiom describes making someone very angry or upset. It’s a vivid way to convey the act of provoking strong emotions.

“Мати серце з каменю” – Literally meaning “to have a heart of stone,” this expression describes someone who is very cold or unfeeling. It’s a poetic way to highlight a lack of empathy.

“Зійтися як риба з водою” – This idiom means “to come together like fish with water,” and it describes two people who get along very well and are perfectly suited to each other. It’s a beautiful way to highlight compatibility in relationships.

Work and Effort: The Daily Grind

Work and effort are common themes in idiomatic expressions, often reflecting attitudes towards labor and perseverance.

“Заробляти на хліб” – Translating to “to earn one’s bread,” this idiom means to work for a living. It’s a universal theme that highlights the necessity of labor to sustain oneself.

“Тягнути лямку” – This phrase means “to pull the strap,” and it’s used to describe working hard or bearing a heavy burden. It’s a vivid way to illustrate the effort and perseverance required in difficult tasks.

“Не покладаючи рук” – Literally meaning “without putting down the hands,” this expression describes working tirelessly or without rest. It’s a colorful way to highlight dedication and hard work.

“Вилити піт” – Translating to “to pour sweat,” this idiom means to work very hard or put in a lot of effort. It’s a vivid way to convey the intensity of labor.

Conclusion: Embracing the Humor and Wisdom

The idiomatic expressions in the Ukrainian language are a treasure trove of humor, wisdom, and cultural insight. They add color and depth to conversations, making the language more engaging and lively. For language learners, understanding these idioms is not just about mastering vocabulary but also about appreciating the cultural nuances that make Ukrainian unique.

By incorporating these figurative expressions into your language practice, you can enhance your fluency and enjoy the richness of Ukrainian communication. Whether you’re talking about animals, food, human traits, or financial wisdom, these idioms offer a delightful way to connect with the language and its speakers.

So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation in Ukrainian, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some of these funny and insightful idioms. Not only will you impress native speakers, but you’ll also find yourself laughing and learning along the way. Happy learning!