Hitchhiking in Ukraine is a fantastic way to see the country, meet locals, and save money. But if you don’t speak Ukrainian, you’re going to have a bad time. Here’s the bare minimum you need to know to get from A to B without ending up stranded in a field.
The Basics: Getting a Ride
- Привіт! (Pryvit) – Hello! (Wave enthusiastically.)
- Ви можете мене підвезти? (Vy mozhete mene pidvezty?) – Can you give me a lift?
- Куди ви їдете? (Kudy vy yidete?) – Where are you going?
- Дякую! (Dyakuyu) – Thank you! (Use liberally.)
Roadside Survival
If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, these phrases might just save your bacon.
- Де найближча заправка? (De nayblyzhcha zapravka?) – Where’s the nearest petrol station?
- Мені потрібен лікар. (Meni potriben likar.) – I need a doctor.
- Це небезпечно? (Tse nebezpechno?) – Is this dangerous?
Small Talk (Because Awkward Silence Sucks)
If you’re stuck in a car for hours, you might as well make conversation. Here’s how to avoid sounding like a mute tourist.
- Звідки ви? (Zvidky vy?) – Where are you from?
- Як справи? (Yak spravy?) – How are you?
- Це гарний маршрут? (Tse harnyy marshrut?) – Is this a good route?
When Things Go Wrong
Hitchhiking isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Here’s what to say if things get weird.
- Будь ласка, зупиніться тут. (Budʹ laska, zupinitʹsya tut.) – Please stop here.
- Мені незручно. (Meni nezruchno.) – I’m uncomfortable.
- Допоможіть! (Dopomozhitʹ!) – Help!
Bonus: Road Signs You Should Recognise
| Ukrainian | English |
|---|---|
| Стоп | Stop |
| Головна дорога | Main road |
| Небезпека | Danger |
Гаразд
[ɦɐˈrazd]“Okay”
The universal word for agreement. Nod while saying it for extra effect.
Pro tip: If you’re really struggling, just smile and say Я не розумію (Ya ne rozumiyu) – 'I don’t understand.' Most Ukrainians will switch to broken English or mime their way through the conversation.
That’s it. You’re now slightly less likely to die in a ditch. For more travel phrase guides, check out our articles on Estonian for Travelers or Essential Swedish Phrases.
