When we communicate in English, we often use buffer phrases, many conventions, polite requests, and “soft” constructions, which are perceived as courtesy and friendliness in the English-speaking world. But Ukrainian communication culture is different: here, sincerity, directness, tone, and quality of interaction are more valued than simply formal “politeness” for the sake of politeness. For example, it is said that Ukrainians use the formal “Ви” in formal relationships and refrain from an overly friendly tone, as it may seem insincere. Cultural Atlas+2speakua.com+2
Thus, a phrase that in an English-speaking context means “I am friendly, polite, and ready to cooperate” may sound like “you are not serious,” “I am not in the mood for deep communication,” or even “I am looking down on you” in a Ukrainian context. It is these “cross-cultural pitfalls” that we want to explore today.
Before moving on to specific phrases, here are a few explanations of why this happens:
So, now let’s get down to practice: let’s look at specific English phrases, their literal/typical translation/use, and how they can be understood in Ukrainian (often not as the English speaker expects).
English: “I hope you’re well.”
What the English speaker means: “I hope everything is okay with you.”
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “I hope you are feeling well.”
Why it can be tricky: In the context of a worksheet, it can be interpreted as: “I’m not sure if you’re here,” “I’m not needed here.” In Ukrainian, it is more common to say, “I hope you are well,” which sounds normal, but if it is used as an introductory phrase before a serious request, it may seem distant due to its formality.
How to adapt: “Good afternoon, [Name]” — short, clear, and to the point.
In English: “Would you mind…” (“Would you mind sending the report by Friday?”)
What the English speaker means: to politely ask someone to perform an action.
How it sounds in Ukrainian literally: “Would you mind if…?”
Why it may be perceived as harsh: This construction is rarely used in Ukrainian, and when it is used, it often has the subtext “I don’t really want to, but I have to.” In other words, “Would you mind…?” can be perceived as “I think you might not want to, but we have to.”
How to adapt: Better: “Could you send the report by Friday?” or “Please send the report by Friday.”
In English: “Just to check…” (“Just to check if you received my previous email.”)
What it means: a polite reminder.
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “Just checking if you received…”
Why it’s a trap: “Just checking” can sound like “I doubt you received it” or “I don’t believe you did it.” When communicating with adult Ukrainians, it is better to avoid the word “just” as a minimizer.
Adaptation: “I wanted to know if you received my previous message.” — clearly, without diminutives.
In English: “If possible…” (“If possible, could you join the meeting at 3 pm?”)
What it means: necessity + willingness to accept “no.”
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “If possible, could you join…”
Why it can cause misunderstanding: The Ukrainian “if possible” is often perceived as “most likely impossible, don’t bother.” Instead of “if convenient,” it is better to say “please.”
Adaptation: “We invite you to join the meeting at 3 pm.” If ‘no’ is a real possibility, then: “If it’s convenient for you, please join us at 3 pm.”
In English: “We’ll keep you posted.”
What it means: “We will keep you informed.”
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “We will inform you.”
Why it’s a trap: “We will inform you” often sounds like “you are passive, we decide.” In Ukrainian business interactions, it is better to emphasize commonality: “We will provide you with updates” or “We will inform you about the next steps.”
Adaptation: “We will inform you about the next steps immediately after approval.”
In English: “Like I said before…”
What it means: a reminder of what has already been said.
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “As I said before…”
Why it can sound harsh: In Ukrainian, this phrase can be perceived as “you weren’t listening” or “I’m repeating myself because you forgot.” And that can cause tension.
Adaptation: “As discussed earlier…”
Translating English phrases into Ukrainian literally is like transferring the styles of one culture to another without adaptation. But communication cultures are different: what works in one environment may create distance, misunderstanding, or even offense in another.
● The Ukrainian style of communication is more direct, less subtly “circumventing,” but that does not mean “rude.”
● A large number of conventions or buffer expressions can create the impression that we are speaking insincerely or even formally and coldly.
● In a business or educational context with an adult audience, the following are often valued: clarity, transparency, strength of argument, not “softness.”
● Do not overuse “substitute” phrases. For example: “Just checking in” is fine in an informal letter, but in a formal Ukrainian context it can create an impression of unprofessionalism.
● Check whether the request is perceived as a request and not as a plea for an exception. If you use “If possible,” think about whether it is really possible or whether it sounds like “unfortunately, probably not.”
● Use clear verbs. For example: “Send,” “Discuss,” “Program.” Avoid overly soft constructions if you want action.
● Teach your audience to analyze cultural signals. For example, when an English speaker says “that’s interesting,” it often means “I doubt it.” Similarly, if a Ukrainian interlocutor says “that’s interesting,” it is not necessarily a compliment.
● Encourage directness with respect. In Ukrainian culture, being direct does not mean being rude — it means being clear. Learn to express yourself respectfully but clearly.
Intercultural communication is not just about knowing words or grammar, it is about understanding context, culture, and expectations. When we speak English “politely” and transfer the same model to Ukrainian, we risk not only being “formally polite,” but also creating a sense of distance, uncertainty, or even inappropriate seriousness. But this is not a tragedy — it is an opportunity to learn to adapt. You can learn this in the course “Ukrainian for Foreigners.”
Do you remember that feeling when you know a hundred English words but can’t put them into a simple sentence? When “cat,” “dog,” and “London” are running through your head, but when a tourist asks you a question, you just smile awkwardly? This is a starting point that many people know. It seems that there is an invisible wall between you and the world of English.
But there comes a point when this wall begins to crumble. It doesn’t happen all of a sudden, but it’s a feeling you can’t mistake for anything else. This is the moment when the language turns from a set of rules and words in a textbook into a living instrument. This magical stage is called the Elementary level. Experts use the terms A1 or A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), but the point is not in the name. It’s about transformation: you move from passive knowledge to active use of the language for communication, travel, and discovery.
Elementary level is your ignition key. It is the foundation on which you will build your skyscraper of fluency. Let’s take a look into your near future and see what amazing doors the completion of this stage will open for you.
The greatest desire of every language learner is to start speaking. And it is at the Elementary level that your dreams begin to come true. It’s no longer just memorized phrases like “My name is…” or “London is the capital of Great Britain”. This is the beginning of your personal story in English.
You will be able to not only introduce yourself but also talk about yourself, your family, work and hobbies using simple but confident sentences. And all this thanks to basic grammar, which at this stage becomes your reliable assistant.
● Present Simple allows you to talk about your habits and everyday life: “I drink coffee every morning”, “I work as a manager”. You can describe your working day or what you like to do on weekends. ● Past Simple brings your memories to life. You can share your impressions of your last vacation, tell us what movie you watched yesterday, or discuss important events in your life. The “going to” construction turns your dreams into concrete plans. You can discuss with a new friend where you’re going to go this weekend or what you plan to do in the evening. Imagine the situation: you are sitting in a cozy cafe somewhere in Prague. You don’t just point at the menu, you confidently say: “Can I have a cappuccino and a croissant, please?”. You can ask for the price, pay and say thank you. This is a small but important victory. Or you meet another traveler and can make small talk about where you are from, what you do, and what you like. Your vocabulary, which at this stage reaches 500-1000 active words, becomes the toolkit that allows you to build these first bridges between cultures.
One of the most exciting moments in learning a language is that “click” when a continuous stream of incomprehensible sounds suddenly breaks down into familiar words. This is the moment when the world around you literally starts talking to you.
At Elementary level, you develop the fundamental skill of listening comprehension in a variety of settings. It’s important to remember that you won’t be able to understand fast-paced native speakers or complex news stories. Your superpower lies elsewhere: you can get the gist if the speaker speaks slowly, clearly and uses familiar vocabulary on everyday topics.
Think about these scenarios that are becoming a reality for you:
● At the airport: You hear a clear announcement: “Flight to… Berlin… gate… number ten”. There is no panic. You understand everything and calmly walk to your gate. You can understand the short, simple directions and instructions.
● At the hotel: The receptionist slowly explains to you: “Breakfast is from 7 to 10”. You nod because you understand the key information.
In a conversation: Your new foreign friend is talking about his family, and you catch some familiar words: “I have a brother and a sister. We live in a big house.” You may not understand every word, but you get the gist of it, and now you can start a conversation.
This is the skill of selective listening – the ability to grab the most important information you need here and now from the flow of speech. It turns chaos into order and gives you an incredible sense of control and confidence.
The world of text also opens up to you in a new way. Signs that used to be just a decorative element now carry information for you. Short messages are no longer hieroglyphs.
Reading at the Elementary level is primarily a practical skill for orientation in space. You will be able to read and understand easily:
● Signs on the streets and in public places: “Entrance”, ‘Exit’, “Open/Closed”, “Information”.
● Menus in a restaurant or cafe by finding familiar names of dishes and drinks. ● Short and simple messages, for example, in a messenger from a friend or in a sale announcement. ● Simple personal letters or postcards by capturing the main idea.
Writing is no longer a challenge. You can now not only write your name, but also leave a meaningful message. Your new skills include:
● Filling out simple questionnaires and registration forms at hotels or airports (Name, Surname, Nationality).
● Writing a short message to a friend: “Let’s meet at 6 pm” or “I am late, sorry”. ● Writing a simple personal letter or signing a greeting card, expressing simple thoughts and wishes. Write a few sentences about yourself, your family, or your home.
If, while reading this, you recognized yourself in many situations and your heart was happy to think of new opportunities, this is a great sign! Perhaps you are already at the Elementary level or have even surpassed it.
The best way to find out is to take a small, friendly test. It’s not an exam, it’s just a way to confirm your progress and see how much you already know. It only takes a few minutes, but it will give you a clear understanding of your current knowledge.
Click here to take our Elementary test and get instant confirmation of your new superpowers.
Elementary is your solid foundation. What’s next? And then there’s Pre-Intermediate, the first floor of your knowledge skyscraper, which offers a much wider view. At this stage, conversations get longer, jokes get funnier, and texts get more interesting. You begin not only to survive in the English-speaking environment, but to feel more and more comfortable in it.
What if our first test seemed too easy for you and you passed it with flying colors? Congratulations! It looks like you are ready for the next challenge and are on the verge of reaching the Pre-Intermediate level. This means that you are ready to deepen your grammar knowledge, expand your vocabulary and talk about more complex topics.
Test your ambitions and try your hand at the Pre-Intermediate test to see what new heights await you.
The Elementary level is not just another step in your education. It is your personal breakthrough. This is the moment when English turns from an abstract school subject into a universal key that opens the door to new countries, new friends, new music and new career opportunities.
This is proof that you can achieve your goals. It is the confidence that inspires you to move on. It is your ticket to a world without borders. And the most interesting is yet to come. So don’t stop. Communicate, listen, read – and you will be surprised how quickly you will start not only speaking but also thinking in English.
Prepared by ENGLISH.KH.UA
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The global labor market has no borders anymore. Ukrainian specialists are increasingly being interviewed by international companies where English is the working language. And even if you are a super-specialist in your field, without the ability to speak English clearly and confidently, your chances of getting a job are sharply reduced.
English at a job interview is not about perfect grammar. It’s about whether the recruiter or technical interviewer will understand how you think, whether you can explain your decisions, and whether you can interact with an international team.
In this article, we will analyze:
● the differences between HR and technical interviews
● what English skills are important for interviews
● how to answer typical questions
● what words and phrases will help you sound confident;
● how to prepare so that you don’t look confused.
An HR interview is the first barrier. It tests not only English, but also soft skills: communication, motivation, and the ability to fit into a team.
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. Why do you want to work for our company?
4. Describe a challenge you faced at work and how you handled it.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
It is important not to memorize ready-made answers, but to have a structure. For example:
● Briefly: who you are, what experience you have.
Specifics: an example from life or work.
Conclusion: a positive conclusion.
Example:
“One of my strengths is adaptability. For example, when my team switched to a completely new tool last year, I quickly learned it and helped others onboard. I believe this skill will help me integrate smoothly into new projects.”
The main thing here is to prove that you can solve problems. But you need English to explain the logic:
● how you approached the problem
● why you chose this particular algorithm or technology
● how your solution works.
● IT: solve an algorithmic problem and explain your thought process in English.
Engineering: describe the process you have optimized.
Marketing: present a case study where the strategy has yielded results.
The formula Problem → Solution → Result works here.
“The problem was slow query performance. I optimized the database indexes, which reduced execution time from 15 seconds to 2. As a result, the system could handle more users simultaneously.”
1. Professional vocabulary. You should be fluent in the terms of your specialty.
2. Stable phrases for HR questions. In order not to get lost and start answering confidently.
3. Ability to paraphrase. If you forget a word, explain it in another way.
4. Pronunciation. Not an accent, but intelligibility.
5. The pace of speech. Calm and even, without fuss.
● I would describe myself as…
● One of my key strengths is…
● I’ m currently focusing on improving…
● What excites me about this role is…
● I’ m motivated by opportunities to…
● The main challenge was…
● I decided to approach it by…
● My solution was based on…
● This resulted in…
● If I had more time, I would improve it by…
1. Answering too briefly. To the question “Tell me about yourself ” they say: “I am a developer with 5 years of experience ” – and that’s it. You need at least 2-3 sentences with details.
2. They translate verbatim from Ukrainian. This results in strange phrases like “I have such experience ” instead of “I have experience in…”.
3. They focus on grammar. This is distracting. It is more important for recruiters to understand the essence.
4. Excessive modesty. English culture allows you to talk about achievements directly.
1. Make a list of typical HR and technical questions.
2. Write down your answers. Don’t cram, but make notes for reference.
3. Record yourself on a dictaphone. You will hear where you get confused and which words are “stuck”.
4. Find a partner or teacher. Role-playing interviews are the best training.
5. Go through several fake interviews. Even with an AI agent or a friend.
The secret is simple: don’t correct yourself in the middle of a sentence. If you make a mistake, finish the thought. The recruiter will understand the meaning.
Energy, confidence, and clarity of explanation are more important.
Phrases that save you if you get stuck:
● Let me rephrase that.
● What I mean is…
● Could you please clarify the question?
That’s a good question, let me think for a second.
● You have 3-4 sentences for Tell me about yourself.
● Ready-made answers to the “strengths and weaknesses”.
Examples of projects with a clear structure (Problem → Solution → Result).
● Vocabulary of your profession in English.
● Fallback phrases in case you forget a word.
English at an interview is not about perfect grammar. It’s about the ability to communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Therefore, preparing for an interview in English is very important. If you know the basic answers, practice professional vocabulary, and rehearse the interview situation at least a few times, you will have a huge advantage.
Every interview is a training session. Even if you don’t get an offer, the next one will be easier. And with the right preparation, English will no longer be a barrier and will become your weapon.
Prepared by ENGLISH.KH.UA
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, the White House website reported on Saturday.
“To foster unity, cultivate a common American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement in America’s interests, the Federal Government should designate one – and only one – official language. Establishing English as the official language will not only simplify communication, but will also reinforce shared national values and create a more cohesive and effective society. Accordingly, this order designates English as the official language of the United States,” the March 1 executive order reads.
The document emphasizes that “a policy of encouraging the study and adoption of our national language will make the United States a common home and enable new citizens to achieve the American dream.”
The executive order also repeals the 2000 order to improve access to services for people with limited English proficiency.
The Verkhovna Rada has enshrined the status of English as one of the languages of international communication in Ukraine, Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of the Voice faction, said in a telegram.
According to him, 236 MPs voted in favor of Bill No. 9432 on the use of English in Ukraine at the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday.
As reported, according to the draft law, the state ensures compulsory study of English and promotes the study of other languages of international communication in educational institutions regardless of ownership.
In addition, the bill stipulates that preschool education institutions provide compulsory English language learning for children of older preschool age. At the same time, preschool education institutions shall ensure the mandatory use of English in the educational process for children of early, junior preschool and middle preschool age.
According to the draft law, a higher education institution has the right to decide to teach one, several or most disciplines, perform individual tasks and conduct control measures in English, which is clearly stated in the description of the educational program upon admission to the university.
The draft law also stipulates that English may also be used in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard as a language of international communication.
The draft law provides for the development and approval of a state targeted program to promote the study and use of English in Ukraine, which, in particular, should take into account the peculiarities of ensuring that cinemas (relevant cinematography entities) show foreign films in English in compliance with the requirements established by the Law “On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language”.
The draft law also stipulates that foreign films in English shall be screened on a reimbursable basis by cinematography entities on a voluntary basis, but in compliance with the minimum requirements.
In particular, each cinema hall in which a cinematography entity shows films must hold at least 8 demonstrations (public screenings) of films in English during a calendar month, with at least 2 demonstrations to be held during the week at any time on a weekend or on a working day with the start of the screening after 18:00.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada, which defines English as the language of international communication in Ukraine, and also promotes the study of English by Ukrainian citizens.
The corresponding bill, No. 9432, was sent to the Verkhovna Rada committee on Wednesday for consideration.
According to a comment by deputy chairman of the Humanitarian Policy Committee Yevgeniya Kravchuk, the bill also defines categories of positions for which candidates are required to speak English.
“In order to occupy a position, civil servants, prosecutors, persons in senior positions in the police will be required to pass an examination in English,” – said in a message published in the Telegram channel of the Verkhovna Rada.
In particular, emergency units will have to provide assistance to foreigners and persons who do not speak the state language, in English. In addition, medical professionals must also be able to provide assistance in English or with the help of an interpreter.
Under the bill, information in transportation must be dubbed in English; foreign films whose original language is English must be shown in theaters in their original language with subtitles in the state language.
In turn, the commander of the United Forces of the AFU Lieutenant General Sergei Naev said that Zelensky’s initiative to submit this bill to parliament is “very timely.”
“At the moment, servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are undergoing training in a number of European countries, participating in military maneuvers in the UK. The other day the Sea Breeze series of exercises started, in which the personnel and ship personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Navy are involved. A total of 24,000 Ukrainian servicemen have already been trained in EU countries,” said a statement published in the Telegram channel on Wednesday.
Naev noted that almost all technical documentation of weapons and military equipment supplied to Ukraine by partner countries is in English.
“I believe that if before the issue of military personnel learning English was a recommendation, now it should be enshrined at the legislative level,” the commander stressed.
