This Is / I Am
Warm-up
Here's something that feels strange at first: Ukrainian doesn't use «am,» «is,» or «are» in the present tense!
In English, we say: «I am a student. She is Ukrainian. This is a book.»
In Ukrainian, you just... skip it:
- Я студент. (I student.)
- Вона українка. (She Ukrainian.)
- Це книга. (This book.)
Why? Because Ukrainian belongs to the «pro-drop» language family. The verb «to be» (бути) exists, but in present tense statements, it's invisible—like an understood handshake. You know it's there, but you don't say it.
💡 Did You Know?
Russian and Ukrainian both drop the verb «to be» in the present tense, but this feature actually comes from ancient Proto-Slavic. It's not copying—it's inheritance! English used to do this too in Old English, but lost the pattern over time.
Presentation
Personal Pronouns
Ukrainian has the same number of pronouns as English, but with one important split: the formal «you.»
| Pronoun | IPA | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| я | /jɑ/ | I | Always singular, always lowercase (except at sentence start) |
| ти | /tɪ/ | you (singular informal) | Friends, family, children, pets |
| він | /win/ | he | Masculine people, masculine nouns |
| вона | /wɔˈnɑ/ | she | Feminine people, feminine nouns |
| воно | /wɔˈnɔ/ | it | Neuter nouns, rarely for people |
| ми | /mɪ/ | we | Plural first person |
| ви | /vɪ/ | you (plural OR formal singular) | Multiple people OR one person (formal/respectful) |
| вони | /wɔˈnɪ/ | they | Plural third person (all genders) |
The Ви vs Ти Choice
This is crucial for politeness:
- Ти (informal): Use with friends your age, family members you're close to, children, animals.
- Ви (formal): Use with strangers, authority figures (professors, doctors, bosses), elders, or anyone you want to show respect to.
Real-life scenario:
You meet your Ukrainian teacher for the first time:
- ❌ Як твоє ім'я? (Too informal—sounds rude!)
- ✅ Як Ваше ім'я? (Polite and respectful)
Later, after a few months, the teacher might say: «Можеш мене на 'ти'.» (You can call me 'ти'.) — This is an invitation to switch to informal address.
🌍 Real World
In modern Ukraine, young people often use «ти» with each other immediately, even if they just met. But when in doubt, start with «Ви»—it's always safer. Ukrainians will tell you if they prefer «ти.»
The Zero Copula (Нульова зв'язка)
«Copula» is a grammar term for linking verbs like «am,» «is,» «are.» In Ukrainian present tense, this verb is zero—it disappears.
Pattern: Subject + Predicate (no verb)
| Ukrainian | Word-for-word | English |
|---|---|---|
| Я студент. | I student | I am a student |
| Ти лікар? | You doctor? | Are you a doctor? |
| Він українець. | He Ukrainian | He is Ukrainian |
| Вона професорка. | She professor | She is a professor |
| Це книга. | This book | This is a book |
The linking verb «є» (is/are) exists, but it's only used for emphasis or in writing. In speech, you'll almost never hear it:
- Київ місто. (Kyiv is a city.)
- Київ є місто. (Sounds overly formal, bookish)
🔗 Language Link
English did this too! In older English, you'd say «I student» in certain contexts. Modern English kept the verb, but Ukrainian streamlined it away. Both are logical—just different choices.
Using Це (This is / These are)
«Це» (tse) is the most useful word for pointing out things and people:
- Це Марко. (This is Marko.)
- Це моя подруга. (This is my friend.)
- Це книга. (This is a book.)
- Це студенти. (These are students.)
Notice: «це» doesn't change for plural! It works for one thing or many things. Context makes it clear.
Mini-dialogue: Meeting Someone
A: Привіт! Я Анна. А ти хто? (Hi! I'm Anna. And who are you?)
B: Я Марко. Це моя подруга Софія. (I'm Marko. This is my friend Sofiya.)
A: Добре! Ви студенти? (Good! Are you students?)
B: Так, ми студенти. А ти? (Yes, we're students. And you?)
A: Я професорка. (I'm a professor.)
🎬 Pop Culture Moment: Groot's Perfect Ukrainian
In the Ukrainian dub of Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot says «Я Ґрут» (I Groot). No verb needed! It's grammatically perfect Ukrainian—subject + predicate. Groot would ace this module.
People and Professions
When talking about people, Ukrainian distinguishes masculine and feminine forms for most nationalities and professions:
| Masculine | Feminine | English |
|---|---|---|
| українець | українка | Ukrainian |
| англієць | англійка | English person |
| американець | американка | American |
| канадець | канадка | Canadian |
| студент | студентка | student |
| професор | професорка | professor |
| лікар | лікарка | doctor |
Pattern: Most feminine forms add -ка to the masculine stem.
Usage:
- Він американець. (He's American.)
- Вона американка. (She's American.)
- Я студент. (I'm a student—said by a male.)
- Я студентка. (I'm a student—said by a female.)
Gender-neutral/unknown: In Ukrainian, if you don't know someone's gender, you'd typically use the masculine form as default, but this is evolving. When addressing mixed groups, use the plural:
- Вони студенти. (They are students—mixed or all male.)
- Вони студентки. (They are students—all female.)
🎯 Fun Fact
The word «лікар» comes from «ліки» (medicine) + «-ар» (one who works with). The feminine «лікарка» is now the standard term, replacing the older «лікар» (used for both genders) which some older speakers still use. Language evolves!
Mini-dialogue: Introductions
A: Вона професорка? (Is she a professor?)
B: Ні, вона лікарка. (No, she's a doctor.)
A: А він? (And he?)
B: Він студент. (He's a student.)
Common Identity Words
Beyond nationalities and professions, here are key people words:
| Ukrainian | IPA | English | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| людина | /lʲuˈdɪnɑ/ | person, human | f (for all) |
| чоловік | /t͡ʃɔlɔˈwik/ | man | m |
| жінка | /ˈʒinkɑ/ | woman | f |
| хлопець | /ˈxlɔpet͡sʲ/ | boy, guy | m |
| дівчина | /diwˈt͡ʃɪnɑ/ | girl | f |
| друг | /druh/ | friend (male) | m |
| подруга | /pɔˈdruhɑ/ | friend (female) | f |
Notes:
- «Людина» is grammatically feminine, but refers to any person regardless of gender.
- «Хлопець» can mean «boy» (child) or «guy» (young man), depending on context.
- «Друг/подруга» can mean platonic friend OR romantic partner—context is key!
Usage examples:
- Це людина. (This is a person.)
- Він хлопець, вона дівчина. (He's a guy, she's a girl.)
- Це мій друг Іван. (This is my friend Ivan.)
- Це моя подруга Ольга. (This is my friend Olha.)
Practice
Pattern Practice: Identity Statements
Try forming these in your mind:
- I am a student. → Я студент/студентка.
- She is a doctor. → Вона лікарка.
- This is my friend. → Це мій друг / моя подруга.
- They are Ukrainians. → Вони українці.
- Are you a professor? → Ти професор? / Ви професор?
Notice: No verb! Just subject + noun.
Pointing Out People
Walk around your room (mentally or actually) and practice:
- Це стіл. (This is a table.) [from Module 03]
- Це книга. (This is a book.)
- Це мій друг. (This is my friend—imaginary or real!)
Politeness Checkpoint
Who would you use «Ви» with?
- ✅ Your professor
- ✅ A stranger on the street
- ✅ Your friend's grandmother
- ❌ Your classmate
- ❌ Your younger sibling
- ❌ Your pet cat
⚡ Pro Tip
If someone older or higher-status says «Можна на 'ти'?» (Can we use 'ти'?), they're inviting informality. Say «Так, звичайно!» (Yes, of course!) and switch. But never suggest it yourself to someone older—let them decide.
Production
Real-life Task: Introduce Yourself
Imagine you're at a language exchange in Kyiv. Introduce yourself:
Model Answer:
Привіт! Я [your name]. Я [американець/американка/канадець/канадка/англієць/англійка]. Я студент/студентка. А ти хто?
Real-life Task: Introduce a Friend
Point to a friend (real or imaginary) and introduce them:
Model Answer:
Це мій друг [name]. Він [nationality]. Він студент. OR Це моя подруга [name]. Вона [nationality]. Вона студентка.
Cultural Scenario: Meeting Your Host Family
You're doing a homestay in Lviv. You meet your host parents for the first time. What do you say?
Model Answer:
Добрий день! Я [your name]. Я [nationality]. (Good day! I'm [name]. I'm [nationality].)
Use Ви for the parents unless they specifically invite you to use ти.
Cultural Insight
Ukrainian Names and Identity
Ukrainians take names seriously. When introducing yourself, use your first name only among peers. In formal settings, you might hear a patronymic—a middle name from the father's name. For example:
- Анна Петрівна (Anna, daughter of Petro)
- Іван Михайлович (Ivan, son of Mykhailo)
In modern Ukraine, patronymics are used less by young people in casual settings, but they're still standard in official documents and formal contexts.
National Pride
Saying «Я українець» or «Я українка» isn't just a statement of nationality—it's an identity many Ukrainians hold with deep pride, especially after centuries of imperial suppression. Ukrainian identity was illegal to express openly during Soviet times. Today, speaking Ukrainian and affirming «Я українець/українка» is a quiet act of cultural resistance and reclamation.
🔍 Myth Buster
Myth: «Ukrainians and Russians are basically the same people.» Fact: Ukrainians are a distinct East Slavic nation with their own language (closer to Polish than Russian), culture, history, and identity. Saying «Я українець» affirms this distinctness. Respect it!
📋 Підсумок
What You Learned:
- ✅ Personal pronouns: я, ти, він, вона, воно, ми, ви, вони
- ✅ Zero copula: no «am/is/are» in present tense (Я студент, not Я є студент)
- ✅ Using «це» to point out people and things
- ✅ Masculine/feminine forms of nationalities and professions
- ✅ When to use «ти» (informal) vs «Ви» (formal/plural)
You Can Now:
- Introduce yourself: Я [name]. Я [nationality/profession].
- Introduce others: Це мій друг. Він студент.
- Ask someone's identity: Ти хто? Ви студент?
- Show respect by choosing the right «you»
Next Steps:
In Module 05, you'll learn demonstratives (цей, ця, це, ці) to be even more specific about pointing out objects. But first, solidify this module—practice introducing yourself and imaginary friends until it feels natural!
Need More Practice?
External Review
🎯 Activities
Personal Pronouns
___ студент.
___ лікар.
___ студенти.
___ українка.
Which pronoun is both plural AND formal singular?
Which pronoun would you use with your friend?
Which pronoun would you use with your professor?
___ студенти. (We are students.)
What does «воно» mean?
Which pronoun is always lowercase?
What's the plural of «він»?
You meet a stranger. Which do you use?
Pronouns and Meanings
Complete the Sentences
Grammar Rules
Ukrainian does not use "am/is/are" in present tense statements.
The pronoun «я» is always capitalized like English "I."
«Ви» can mean both "you all" and formal "you" (singular).
«Це» changes form for plural.
Feminine professions typically add "-ка" to the masculine form.
You should always use «ти» with strangers to be friendly.
«Людина» is grammatically feminine but refers to any person.
Ukrainian has more pronouns than English.
«Він» is used for masculine nouns, not just male people.
In Ukrainian, you must say «Я є студент» to mean "I am a student."
«Друг» and «подруга» can mean both friend and romantic partner.
Saying «Я українець/українка» is an important identity statement in Ukrainian culture.
Formal vs Informal
Use Ти (Informal)
Use Ви (Formal)
Gender Forms
What is the feminine form of «українець»?
What is the feminine form of «американець»?
What is the feminine form of «англієць»?
What is the feminine form of «канадець»?
What is the feminine form of «студент»?
What is the feminine form of «професор»?
What is the feminine form of «лікар»?
What is the feminine form of «друг»?
Which ending do most feminine nationality forms add?
«Він українець, вона ___.»
«Я студент» is said by a ___.
«Я студентка» is said by a ___.
Build the Words
Ти or Ви?
You meet your friend's grandmother. Which do you use?
You talk to your younger brother. Which do you use?
You meet a professor for the first time. Which do you use?
You talk to your pet dog. Which do you use?
You ask a stranger for directions. Which do you use?
Your classmate at university. Which do you use?
A cashier at a shop. Which do you use?
Your best friend. Which do you use?
A doctor you just met. Which do you use?
A child on the street. Which do you use?
Your boss at work. Which do you use?
Your roommate. Which do you use?
📚 Vocabulary
| Word | IPA | English | POS | Gender | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| американець | /amɛrɪkˈanɛt͡sʲ/ | American (male) | noun | ч | |
| американка | /amɛrɪkˈanka/ | American (female) | noun | ж | |
| англійка | /anɦlˈijka/ | Englishwoman | noun | ж | |
| англієць | /anɦlˈijɛt͡sʲ/ | Englishman | noun | ч | |
| анна | /ˈanna/ | Anna (name) | noun | ж | |
| дівчина | /dˈiʋt͡ʃɪna/ | girl, young woman | noun | ж | |
| канадець | /kanˈadɛt͡sʲ/ | Canadian (male) | noun | ч | |
| канадка | /kanˈadka/ | Canadian (female) | noun | ж | |
| лікарка | /lˈikarka/ | doctor (female) | noun | ж | |
| ліки | /lˈikɪ/ | medicine | noun | ||
| михайлович | /mɪxˈajlɔʋɪt͡ʃ/ | Mykhailovych (patronymic) | noun | ж | |
| нульовий | /nulʲɔʋˈɪj/ | zero (adj) | adj | ||
| ольга | /ˈɔlʲɦa/ | Olha (name) | noun | ж | |
| петрівна | /pɛtrˈiʋna/ | Petrivna (patronymic) | noun | ж | |
| професорка | /prɔfˈɛsɔrka/ | professor (female) | noun | ж | |
| софія | /sɔfˈija/ | Sofia (name) | noun | ж | |
| українка | /ukraˈjinka/ | Ukrainian (female) | noun | ж | |
| хлопець | /xlˈɔpɛt͡sʲ/ | boy, boyfriend | noun | ч | |
| іван | /iʋˈan/ | Ivan (name) | noun | ч | |
| ґрут | /grut/ | Groot (character) | noun | ж | |
| студент | /studˈent/ | student (male) | noun | ч | |
| студентка | /studˈentka/ | student (female) | noun | ж | |
| професор | /prɔfˈɛsɔr/ | professor (male) | noun | ч | |
| лікар | /lˈikar/ | doctor (male) | noun | ч | |
| чоловік | /t͡ʃɔlɔˈʋik/ | man, husband | noun | ч | |
| жінка | /ʒˈinka/ | woman, wife | noun | ж | |
| людина | /lʲudˈɪna/ | person, human | noun | ж | |
| друг | /druh/ | friend (male) | noun | ч | |
| подруга | /pˈɔdruɦa/ | friend (female) | noun | ж | |
| українець | /ukraˈjinɛt͡sʲ/ | Ukrainian (male) | noun | ч | |
| він | /ʋin/ | he | pronoun | ||
| вона | /ʋɔnˈa/ | she | pronoun | ||
| воно | /ʋɔnˈɔ/ | it | pronoun | ||
| ми | /mɪ/ | we | pronoun | ||
| ви | /ʋɪ/ | you (plural/formal) | pronoun | ||
| вони | /ʋɔnˈɪ/ | they | pronoun | ||
| то | /tɔ/ | that | particle | ||
| ось | /ɔsʲ/ | here, behold | particle |