9 WAYS TO SAY HELLO IN UKRAINIAN (AND WHY THEY MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK)

When you start learning a new language, one of the first things you want to know is: “How do I say hello without embarrassing myself?” Ukrainian is no exception.
But Ukrainians don’t just have one greeting. Depending on the time of day, the level of formality, or even the situation, you might hear a variety of phrases that all translate to “hello.”

And here’s a little secret: greetings in Ukrainian aren’t just words — they carry cultural weight. Saying the right greeting in the right moment can make you sound polite, friendly, or even patriotic. Using the wrong one… well, you might just get some puzzled looks.

So, let’s dive into the 9 most common Ukrainian greetings, with some background and tips on how to use them like a pro.

1. Привіт!

If you remember just one greeting, make it this one. “Привіт” is the casual, everyday “hi.” It’s what you’d say to friends, classmates, or anyone around your age in an informal setting.

▪️Fun fact: Ukrainians don’t shorten this greeting much further. Unlike English where “hi” becomes “hey,” in Ukrainian “привіт” already feels short and friendly. Just don’t use it with your boss at a job interview — unless you don’t want the job.

2. Вітаю!

This one literally means “I congratulate you,” but it works as a cheerful hello. It’s often used in slightly more formal or celebratory situations. 

▪️Cultural note: Ukrainians really like to mark occasions — birthdays, name days, even professional holidays (yes, there’s a “Day of the Accountant” and “Day of the Miner”). So “Вітаю!” often appears in these contexts, but it can also work as a simple, enthusiastic hello.

3. Добрий день!

This is your safe choice — the polite “good day.” You can use it anywhere: meeting someone new, greeting shop staff, talking to a teacher, or when you’re just not sure what else to say.

▪️ Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of greetings. It never fails. And unlike “доброго ранку” or “добрий вечір,” it works all day long.

4. Доброго ранку! /Добрий ранок!

This means “good morning.” There are actually two forms: доброго ранку (in the genitive case) and добрий ранок (in the nominative). Some people argue that only доброго ранку is correct, but dictionaries recognize both, and in everyday speech you’ll hear plenty of Ukrainians using добрий ранок as well.

▪️Cultural note: In smaller towns or villages, greeting people in the morning — even strangers on the street — is considered polite. Don’t be surprised if you walk past an older woman carrying bread and she cheerfully wishes you “доброго ранку.”

5. Добрий вечір!

“Good evening.” This is a lovely, warm way to greet someone later in the day. You might use it when visiting friends after work, turning on the TV or walking into a café at 7 p.m.

▪️Pro tip: Say it with a smile. Ukrainians love sincerity in greetings. A gloomy “добрий вечір” will sound ironic at best.

6. Здоров!

This is the relaxed, street-style hello — kind of like saying “Yo!” in English. It’s most common among men. You wouldn’t say this in formal settings, but among friends it works just fine.

▪️ Language twist: It comes from the word “здоров’я” (health), so technically it’s wishing someone good health. But in practice, it’s more like a casual “sup.”

7. Алло!

This is what Ukrainians say when answering the phone. It’s borrowed from French (like many European languages). Be careful: if you say it face-to-face, people will assume you’re joking or that you’re pretending to be a phone.

▪️ Cultural note: Phone etiquette in Ukraine is a bit formal. People often start a call with “Алло, добрий день,” especially if they’re calling for business. Just “Алло!” is fine among friends.

8. Хай!

Yes, this one comes straight from English “hi,” but Ukrainians have adopted it, especially young people. It sounds modern, easy-going, and a little playful.

▪️ Generational divide: While younger Ukrainians are fine with it, older people may find it strange or too informal. So don’t greet your Ukrainian бабуся (grandma) with “Хай!” unless you want a long lecture about respect.

9. Слава Україні!

This is not just a greeting — it’s a patriotic slogan meaning “Glory to Ukraine!” The official response is “Героям слава!” (“Glory to the heroes!”).

▪️ Context matters: You’ll often hear this at rallies, football matches, or patriotic events. It’s a powerful phrase with deep historical meaning, especially since the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and the ongoing war. Using it casually with friends is fine, but be aware that it carries weight.

Why so many greetings?

The variety of Ukrainian greetings reflects the richness of the culture itself. Politeness matters, but so does warmth and humor. Whether it’s a casual “Привіт” with a friend or a formal “Добрий день” with a stranger, your choice of greeting sets the tone for the whole interaction.

And here’s the good news: Ukrainians appreciate any attempt to speak their language. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, a simple “Привіт” can open doors and spark smiles.

So next time you meet a Ukrainian, don’t panic. Just pick one of these greetings, say it with confidence, and watch how quickly “hello” turns into a real conversation.