The words of Ukraine
Real words from the people of Ukraine, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.
“A word is not a sparrow — once it flies out, you won't catch it.”
Слово не горобець, вилетить — не спіймаєш.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition (recorded in M. Nomys, 'Українські приказки, прислів'я і таке інше', 1864)
“Without effort you cannot even pull a fish out of the pond.”
Без праці не витягнеш і рибку зі ставка.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Do not say 'hop' until you have jumped over.”
Не кажи гоп, поки не перескочиш.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Quiet water breaks the dam.”
Тиха вода греблю рве.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“The tongue will lead you all the way to Kyiv.”
Язик до Києва доведе.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Friends are known in times of trouble.”
Друзі пізнаються в біді.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“Not all that glitters is gold.”
Не все те золото, що блищить.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“The wolf is fed by its legs.”
Вовка ноги годують.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
“He who does not work, does not eat.”
Хто не працює, той не їсть.
Source: Traditional Ukrainian proverb, public-domain oral tradition