How to Express Obligation and Permission in Ukrainian

Understanding Obligation and Permission in Ukrainian

In Ukrainian, expressing obligation and permission involves using specific modal verbs and phrases. These help convey what someone must do (obligation) or is allowed to do (permission). Understanding these expressions is essential for effective communication in everyday situations.

Expressing Obligation

To express obligation in Ukrainian, the verb треба (treba) is commonly used. It translates roughly as "need to" or "must." It is impersonal and followed by an infinitive verb.

Example:

• Треба вчити українську. (You must study Ukrainian.)
• Треба йти додому. (One needs to go home.)

Another way to express obligation is using the verb повинен (povynen) for masculine, повинна (povynna) for feminine, and повинні (povynni) for plural, which means "should" or "must." This verb agrees with the subject and is followed by an infinitive.

Example:

• Я повинен працювати. (I must work.)
• Вона повинна прийти. (She should come.)
• Вони повинні допомогти. (They must help.)

Expressing Permission

To express permission, the verb можна (mozhna) is used. It means "may" or "can" and is impersonal, followed by an infinitive.

Example:

• Тут можна курити. (You may smoke here.)
• Можна зайти? (May I come in?)

Another way to give permission is using the verb дозволяти (dozvolyaty) meaning "to allow" or "to permit." It is conjugated according to the subject.

Example:

• Вчитель дозволяє учням говорити. (The teacher allows the students to speak.)
• Мама дозволила мені піти. (Mom allowed me to go.)

Useful Phrases for Obligation and Permission

Tips for Learners