Ukrainian Pronunciation Basics: A Guide for Learners

Mastering any language requires time, effort, and attention to detail. Participants of ENGin: Speak Ukrainian have already discovered that clear pronunciation is born not from speed, but from careful listening and patient practice. Ukrainian phonetics, in particular, can feel like a real workout for both the tongue and the ear. So today, we’ll share a few “basic exercises” to help you experience the rhythm and melody of the Ukrainian language.

To "G" or not to "G": that is the Ukrainian question

For English speakers, finding that hidden "h" in your throat can feel a bit strange. Ukrainian [ґ] is like the hard "g" in "go," while [г] is a breathier sound, like a gentle "h" in “hello,” but made deeper in your throat, as Spanish “g” in “amigo.”

Learning to distinguish the two [ґ] and [г] in Ukrainain can sharpen your pronunciation significantly. And let’s be honest, there’s a certain nerdy satisfaction in getting a small detail like that right. For example:

“ґанок” (pronounced "ganok") means "porch."

“годинник” (pronounced "hodynnyk") means "clock."

Such an interesting distinction of Ukrainian language isn’t only in the "G" mystery.

From Red to Rrrrrooch-ka

Another hurdle is often mastering the rolled "r." One can confidently say that it’s a skill of muscle control because English speakers usually use a smooth, single-tap "r," like in "red." Ukrainian calls for a trilled "r" by vibrating the tongue against the alveolar ridge.

Starting with the first practice part of imitating a race car, like the "rrrra-rrrra-rrrra," can help. Then, work up to full words:

“ручка” (pronounced “ruchka”) means “pen.” If it sounds like you are casting a spell to summon a pen, you're doing great.

Another one: “розклад” (pronounced “rozklad”). This means “schedule” or “timetable.” 

Try saying both “ручка” and “розклад” like you're purring at the start. For example: “I don’t need a calendar, I have my rrrrohz-klahd!” Native speakers will love cheering you on when you get that “rr” right.

The їncredible "ї" is Ukraine"s most musical letter

For this one, we suggest you think of “yeast.” Or, even a “yeehaw!” The Ukrainian [ї], where an English speaker might expect just [i], is like the "yee" as it’s cheerful and song-like.

However, unlike English, where the sound is created from multiple letters, [ї] stands alone. In words like “їжа” (food), [ї] is essential for understanding the meaning of the word. For example:

“їдальня” (pronounced “yidalʹnya”) means cafeteria (where you go to get your їжа!)

The easiest way to get this letter right might be to start by actually using “yee.”

Where little “L” says a lot

One of the most obvious things you may notice from a Ukrainian speech is the inclusion of soft consonants, creating sounds that, in a way, add a poetic feeling. We’re talking about a letter [л] (hard "l") versus [ль] (soft "l"). For example:

“лук” (pronounced “luk”) means “bow” (as in archery). It uses a hard “l.”

“люди” (pronounced “lyudy”) means “people” and uses a soft “l” like in “million.” That little “y” glide-in makes it more gentle because the tongue moves toward the softer palate.

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This may be tricky for English speakers! But this is the beautiful part of pronunciation in Ukrainian language learning, which taps, beyond information, into emotion and rhythm.

Interestingly, pronunciation can reflect what a culture feels: joy, grief, love, resilience. This way, the musicality of the language helps build connection.

Join ENGin: Speak Ukrainian to keep working out with us! The new program offers 1-on-1 online Ukrainian lessons with experienced professional teachers. It’s open to learners from anywhere in the world.

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