How to Use Passive Voice in Ukrainian: A Guide for English Speakers

Understanding Passive Voice in Ukrainian

In Ukrainian, the passive voice is used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action rather than the doer. This is similar to English, but the formation and usage can differ significantly.

What is Passive Voice?

Passive voice focuses on the action and the object receiving the action, rather than who is performing it. For example, in English: "The book was read by Anna." In Ukrainian, passive constructions often use specific verb forms or participles.

Forming Passive Voice in Ukrainian

Ukrainian forms the passive voice mainly through the use of the verb "бути" (to be) combined with the past passive participle, or by using reflexive verbs ending with "-ся".

Using Past Passive Participles with "бути"

The most common way to form the passive voice is by combining the past passive participle of the main verb with the appropriate form of the verb "бути" (to be). For example:

• Книга була прочитана Анною. (The book was read by Anna.)
• Лист був написаний учнем. (The letter was written by the student.)

Using Reflexive Verbs Ending with "-ся"

Another way to express passive meaning is by using reflexive verbs ending with "-ся". This form is often used in spoken Ukrainian and can sometimes replace the passive voice. For example:

• Двері закриваються. (The door is being closed.)
• Пісня співається. (The song is being sung.)

Differences Between English and Ukrainian Passive Voice

While English often uses the passive voice, Ukrainian tends to prefer active constructions or reflexive verbs. The passive voice in Ukrainian is less common and sometimes sounds formal or literary.

Additionally, Ukrainian passive participles agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe, which is different from English where the past participle remains unchanged.

Examples of Passive Voice in Ukrainian

• Робота була виконана вчасно. (The work was done on time.)
• Пісня була написана відомим композитором. (The song was written by a famous composer.)
• Вікна миються щодня. (The windows are washed every day.)

Tips for English Speakers Learning Ukrainian Passive Voice

• Focus on learning past passive participles and their agreement with nouns.
• Practice using reflexive verbs ending with "-ся" to express passive meaning.
• Remember that passive voice is less common in Ukrainian; active voice is often preferred.
• Listen to native speakers to understand when passive constructions are used.