13 THINGS THAT CAN ANNOY A UKRAINIAN (AND HOW TO SURVIVE THEM)
Moving to Ukraine or visiting friends here? Great! But be prepared: small everyday habits can make a big difference in how locals see you. If you want to understand Ukrainians better (and avoid making them secretly roll their eyes), here are 9 things that can annoy a Ukrainian — plus tips on what you can do instead. Read, laugh, learn some words, and be prepared!
1. Being late without warning
Ukrainians appreciate punctuality. Being 5-10 minutes late is usually fine, but if you’re going to be later, send a quick message.
Otherwise, people may think you don’t respect their time.
A small sweet gift can also save the situation.
💬Practice sentence: Sorry, I am late. — Вибач, я запізнився.
2. Bringing an even number of flowers (a big no-no in Ukraine!)
When you visit someone, flowers are not a strict rule, but they are a nice gesture. Just remember: never bring an even number — that’s for funerals.
Instead, bring an odd number of flowers (3, 5, 7…) and you’ll instantly earn points.
💬Practice sentence: These flowers are for you. — Ці квіти для тебе.
3. Not taking off your hat indoors
Wearing a hat inside, especially during a conversation or at the table, looks rude.
Instead, take it off politely when entering.
💬Practice sentence: Please, take off your hat. — Будь ласка, зніми шапку.
4. Saying “kiev” instead of “Kyiv”
It’s not “kiev chicken.” It’s Kyiv. Remember the “y.” Ukrainians take this seriously.
Instead, write and say Kyiv — you’ll make Ukrainians smile with pride.
💬Practice sentence: I live in Kyiv. — Я живу в Києві.
5. Complaining too much
Yes, life is hard sometimes, but Ukrainians don’t like endless whining. They prefer jokes, sarcasm, and a glass of tea (or something stronger).
Instead, say something optimistic like Все буде добре and smile.
💬Practice sentence: Everything will be fine. — Все буде добре.
6. Ignoring slippers (капці)
When you enter a Ukrainian home, take off your shoes. Always. Barefoot in the kitchen? Disaster! The host will immediately offer you капці (slippers). Refuse them at your own risk.
Instead, politely accept the slippers and your host will love you forever.
💬Practice sentence: Do you have slippers? — У тебе є капці?
7. Not finishing your food
In Ukraine, leaving food on the plate is like telling the cook you didn’t like it.
Instead, finish your portion or ask for a smaller one in advance.
💬Practice sentence: It is very tasty. — Дуже смачно.
8. Ignoring personal space on marshrutka
If you ride a маршрутка (minibus), be ready: people may stand very close. But if you push too much or don’t pass the money forward, someone will get annoyed.
Instead, politely pass the money to the driver with the magic words “Передайте, будь ласка” (“Please pass it on.”)
💬Practice sentence: Here is the money for the ticket. — Ось гроші за квиток.
9. Not taking off gloves when shaking hands
In Ukraine, it’s impolite to shake hands with gloves on.
Instead, remove your glove — it shows respect.
💬Practice sentence: Nice to meet you. — Приємно познайомитися.
10. Whistling indoors
Whistling in a room is believed to bring bad luck (and empty your wallet). Ukrainians may frown at it.
Instead, hum a song softly — that’s much safer.
💬Practice sentence: Don’t whistle here. — Не свисти тут.
11. Giving knives as a gift
Knives are seen as a symbol of quarrels. Many people won’t appreciate such a present.
Instead, bring chocolates, flowers, or even coffee — you’ll be loved forever.
💬Practice sentence: This gift is for you. — Цей подарунок для тебе.
12. Standing with hands in pockets during a conversation
Hands in pockets can look disrespectful or careless when you’re talking to someone.
Instead, keep your hands relaxed or use them to gesture naturally.
💬Practice sentence: How are you? — Як ти?
13. Surzhyk (mixed Ukrainian + Russian)
Speaking in a mix of Ukrainian and Russian (суржик) is not always welcome.
Instead, try simple Ukrainian phrases — even with mistakes, it’s more appreciated.
💬Practice sentence: I speak Ukrainian. — Я розмовляю українською.
If you want to make sure your Ukrainian sounds clean and beautiful, without surzhyk, practice with our teachers. Sign up for a free trial lesson using the link: https://speakua.com/payment-trial-lesson
Україна — Ukraine
Київ — Kyiv
капці — slippers
шапка — hat
рукавички — gloves
ніж — knife
свистіти — to whistle
суржик — mixed Ukrainian and Russian speech
смачно — tasty
усмішка — smile
Все буде добре — Everything will be fine
Master these little cultural rules, and Ukrainians will not only stop being annoyed — they’ll invite you for borshch, insist you take slippers, and feed you until you can’t move.