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.”
