Significado
Politely requesting to ask a question.
Contexto cultural
Politeness in Ukraine often involves using 'Ви' (formal you) and modal verbs. Starting with 'Чи можу я...' shows you respect the other person's boundaries. In Lviv, speech can be even more formal and 'Galician'. You might hear 'Чи можу я просити?' used even for questions, reflecting older Austro-Hungarian influences. In Ukrainian business meetings, it's common to wait for a pause and then use this phrase to signal you have a contribution or query. When messaging a stranger on Instagram or LinkedIn, starting with this phrase is considered good 'netiquette' in the Ukrainian segment.
The 'Chi' Power
Always start with 'Chi' if you want to sound extra polite and clear that you are asking a question.
Don't forget the 'Ви'
If you follow this phrase with a question directed at someone, use 'Ви' (formal) unless you know them well.
Significado
Politely requesting to ask a question.
The 'Chi' Power
Always start with 'Chi' if you want to sound extra polite and clear that you are asking a question.
Don't forget the 'Ви'
If you follow this phrase with a question directed at someone, use 'Ви' (formal) unless you know them well.
Perfective is Key
Use 'запитати' (perfective) for a single question. It sounds much more natural than 'питати'.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the most polite way to ask a question to a teacher.
Вибачте, ___ запитати?
'Чи можу я' is the standard polite formula for seeking permission.
Complete the phrase with the correct verb form.
Чи можу я ___ (to ask)?
After the modal verb 'можу', you must use the infinitive form.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Where would you say 'Чи можу я запитати про ціну?'
You ask about the price (ціну) when buying things.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Добрий день! ___ запитати, де метро? B: Так, воно за рогом.
This is the most natural way to start a question to a stranger.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosВибачте, ___ запитати?
'Чи можу я' is the standard polite formula for seeking permission.
Чи можу я ___ (to ask)?
After the modal verb 'можу', you must use the infinitive form.
Where would you say 'Чи можу я запитати про ціну?'
You ask about the price (ціну) when buying things.
A: Добрий день! ___ запитати, де метро? B: Так, воно за рогом.
This is the most natural way to start a question to a stranger.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's perfectly fine, though 'Можна запитати?' is slightly more common and relaxed.
Yes, but 'Чи можу я' sounds more rhythmic and native.
They are almost identical. 'Запитати' is slightly more formal, while 'спитати' is very common in speech.
No, you can say 'Чи можу запитати?', but keeping 'я' makes it a bit more personal and polite.
Use 'Чи можемо ми запитати?' (May we ask?).
In formal writing and polite speech, yes. In casual speech, you can just use intonation: 'Можу запитати?'
Use the imperfective: 'Чи можу я ставити питання?' (May I ask questions?).
You can, but it might sound like you are being funny or very serious about something.
Yes, it is universal across all of Ukraine.
Usually with 'Так, звісно' (Yes, of course) or 'Слухаю вас' (I'm listening).
Frases relacionadas
Можна запитати?
similarCan I ask?
Дозвольте запитати?
specialized formAllow me to ask?
Я маю питання
synonymI have a question
Чи не могли б ви...
builds onCould you not...
