Ukrainian, like any language, has its fair share of colourful expressions. But what if you want to vent without offending anyone? Here’s how to swear politely in Ukrainian - because sometimes, you just need to let off steam without starting a fight.
Why Polite Swearing Exists
Polite swearing isn’t about being fake - it’s about navigating social situations where outright cursing would be inappropriate. Whether you’re dealing with a frustrating bureaucracy or a noisy neighbour, these phrases let you express annoyance without losing your cool.
Polite Ukrainian Swearing Phrases
Трясця
/ˈtrʲɑst͡sʲɑ/“Darn it”
От невдача
/ɔt nɛˈʋɑd͡ʒɑ/“What a misfortune”
Щоб тобі…
/ʃt͡ʃɔb tɔˈbi/“May you…”
Ну й ну
/nu j nu/“Well, well”
Ой, матінко
/ɔj mɑˈtinkɔ/“Oh, mother”
When to Use These Phrases
- At work: When your computer crashes for the third time today, 'Трясця' is a safe bet.
- With elders: 'Ой, матінко' is respectful enough for grandma’s ears.
- In public: 'Ну й ну' won’t earn you dirty looks on the tram.
What Not to Do
Avoid actual curses disguised as polite phrases. Ukrainians will see right through 'Хай йому грець' (literally 'Let him have buckwheat', but implying something darker). Stick to the genuinely mild stuff.
Need More Ukrainian Phrases?
If you’re learning Ukrainian, check out our guide on how to order coffee like a true Ukrainian or how to talk about food and recipes for more everyday language tips.
And if you’re curious about polite swearing in other languages, try Bulgarian or Spanish for comparison.
