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A1 verb 8 min de lectura

писати

to write

At the A1 level, 'писати' is introduced as a basic action verb. Learners focus on the present tense conjugation (я пишу, ти пишеш) and simple objects. You will learn to say 'I write a letter' (Я пишу лист) or 'I write my name' (Я пишу своє ім'я). The focus is on the physical act of writing and basic digital messaging. You will also learn that the stress is on the second syllable: пи-СА-ти. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex cases; focus on the Accusative case for the object you are writing.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'писати' with more diverse objects and in the past tense. You might talk about writing emails (писати імейли) or stories (писати історії). You'll learn to use the Dative case to indicate who you are writing to (Я пишу мамі). You'll also start to distinguish between 'писати' (the process) and 'написати' (the completed action), which is essential for basic storytelling. You will also learn to use the Instrumental case for the writing tool (писати ручкою).
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At the B1 level, you use 'писати' in more complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses. You might say, 'Я пишу, щоб розповісти тобі новини' (I am writing to tell you the news). You'll start using reflexive forms or prefixed versions like 'записувати' (to write down/record) and 'переписувати' (to rewrite). You'll also encounter the word in academic contexts, like writing essays (писати есе) or taking notes during a lecture. Your understanding of the aspectual difference between 'писати' and 'написати' should become more intuitive.
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At the B2 level, you use 'писати' to discuss professional and abstract topics. You might talk about an author's style (як він пише) or the nuances of writing code (писати код). You'll be comfortable using it in various moods, including the imperative (Пишіть швидше!) and the conditional (Я б писав більше, якби мав час). You'll also learn more specific vocabulary related to writing, like 'виписувати' (to extract/write out) or 'дописувати' (to finish writing/add a postscript).
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At the C1 level, 'писати' is used in sophisticated literary and philosophical discussions. You might analyze how a writer 'пише історію' (writes history) or the social impact of writing. You'll understand subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'писати' and 'творити'. You'll also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and formal bureaucratic uses of the word. Your mastery of the verb will allow you to describe complex creative processes and the historical development of the written Ukrainian language.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'писати'. You can use it to discuss the intricacies of paleography (how ancient scripts were written) or the existential implications of 'writing one's own destiny'. You are comfortable with all prefixed forms and their most obscure meanings. You can write high-level academic papers, poetry, or legal documents using the verb and its derivatives with perfect precision. You understand the deep cultural connection between 'writing' an icon and the spiritual traditions of Ukraine.
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Ejemplos Notas y consejos

писати en 30 segundos

  • Fundamental verb meaning 'to write' in all contexts.
  • Imperfective aspect focusing on the ongoing process of writing.
  • Used for texting, emailing, and traditional icon painting.
  • Requires a stem change (писа- to пиш-) in the present tense.

The Ukrainian verb писати is one of the most fundamental actions in any language, but in Ukrainian, its utility extends far beyond just putting pen to paper. At its core, it means 'to write.' Whether you are a student taking notes, an author crafting a novel, or a modern smartphone user sending a quick text message, this is the verb you will reach for. In the CEFR A1 level, learners typically encounter it in the context of writing letters or names, but as you progress, you will discover that писати is the root of an entire ecosystem of communication and creation.

Physical Writing
This refers to the act of using a tool like a pen, pencil, or chalk to form letters on a surface. It is the literal translation used in schools and offices. For example, 'Він пише ручкою' (He writes with a pen).
Digital Communication
In the modern era, писати is the standard verb for texting, emailing, or messaging on social media. Ukrainians rarely say 'I am texting you'; instead, they say 'Я пишу тобі' (I am writing to you).
Artistic Creation
A unique cultural aspect of this word is its use in fine arts. In Ukrainian tradition, one does not 'paint' an icon or a 'pysanka' (Easter egg); one writes it. This reflects the belief that these items are a form of visual scripture or storytelling. 'Вона пише ікону' (She is writing/painting an icon).

Кожного вечора я стараюся писати у своєму щоденнику, щоб зберегти спогади про цей день.

The verb is imperfective, meaning it focuses on the process of writing rather than the finished result. If you want to emphasize that you have finished writing something, you would switch to the perfective form, написати. This distinction is crucial for Ukrainian grammar. Understanding писати also opens the door to many prefixed verbs: підписати (to sign), записати (to record/write down), and переписати (to rewrite).

Вона любить писати довгі листи своїм друзям, які живуть за кордоном.

Academic Context
In universities, students 'write' dissertations, articles, and exams. It implies a formal process of intellectual production.

Finally, consider the emotional weight. To 'write' to someone can imply a desire for connection, a formal request, or a declaration of love. In Ukrainian literature, the act of writing is often portrayed as a sacred duty to preserve history and language. When you learn to use писати, you aren't just learning a verb; you are learning how to leave your mark on the world, whether through a quick Viber message or a formal letter of intent.

Using писати correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and the cases it governs. Because it is a transitive verb, it usually takes an object in the Accusative case (the thing being written) and often a recipient in the Dative case (the person being written to).

Present Tense Conjugation
Я пишу (I write), Ти пишеш (You write), Він/Вона пише (He/She writes), Ми пишемо (We write), Ви пишете (You all write), Вони пишуть (They write). Notice the 'ш' sound that appears in all present tense forms.

Зараз я пишу статтю про українську культуру для свого блогу.

When you want to specify the instrument used for writing, you use the Instrumental case. For example, 'писати олівцем' (to write with a pencil) or 'писати крейдою' (to write with chalk). This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who want to use the preposition 'з' (with), but in Ukrainian, the case ending on the noun is sufficient.

Діти вчаться писати букви у першому класі.

Past Tense
The past tense follows standard gender patterns: писав (masculine), писала (feminine), писало (neuter), писали (plural). 'Він довго писав цей лист' (He was writing this letter for a long time).

In the future tense, because it is imperfective, you use the compound future: 'я буду писати' (I will be writing/I will write). This indicates an intention to engage in the act of writing in the future. If you want to say 'I will write it [and finish it],' you would use the perfective future: 'я напишу'. Mastering these nuances is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker.

Ми будемо писати тест завтра о десятій годині ранку.

You will hear писати everywhere in Ukraine, from the classroom to the boardroom to the coffee shop. In a professional setting, colleagues might ask, 'Ви вже почали писати звіт?' (Have you started writing the report?). In a casual setting, a friend might say, 'Пиши мені в Телеграм' (Write to me/Message me on Telegram). The word is ubiquitous because it covers all forms of textual communication.

In Schools
Teachers constantly use this word. 'Діти, пишіть число і тему уроку' (Children, write the date and the topic of the lesson). It is the command for 'start taking notes'.
In Digital Life
Apps like Viber, Telegram, and WhatsApp are essential in Ukraine. You will frequently hear 'Я тобі напишу' (I'll message you) or 'Він мені не пише' (He isn't messaging me).

Якщо у вас будуть запитання, просимо писати на нашу електронну адресу.

In the arts, especially in historical contexts, you will hear about famous writers like Taras Shevchenko who 'писали про волю' (wrote about freedom). The act of writing is often linked to national identity. In museums, guides might explain how ancient monks 'писали літописи' (wrote chronicles), emphasizing the longevity of the written word in Ukrainian history.

Майстриня почала писати нову ікону для сільської церкви.

Finally, in bureaucratic contexts, you'll hear it regarding applications and forms. 'Вам потрібно писати заяву' (You need to write/submit an application). Whether it's a formal document or a quick note to a neighbor, the verb remains the same, anchoring the speaker in the world of literacy and law.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with писати is failing to account for the stem change in conjugation. Many beginners try to say 'я писаю' instead of 'я пишу'. This is a significant error because писати (to write) and пісяти (to pee) are very similar, and 'я писаю' actually means 'I am peeing.' Always remember the 'ш' for writing!

Confusing Aspect
Using 'писати' when you mean you finished writing something. If you say 'Я писав книгу' when you mean 'I wrote the book [to completion],' you are actually saying 'I was writing the book' (but maybe didn't finish). Use 'написав' for completion.
Preposition Overuse
English speakers often say 'писати з ручкою' (writing with a pen). In Ukrainian, you don't need 'з'. Just use the Instrumental case: 'писати ручкою'. Adding 'з' implies the pen is your companion, not your tool.

Помилка: Я писаю лист. (I am peeing a letter). Правильно: Я пишу лист.

Another mistake is the confusion between 'писати' and 'малювати' (to draw/paint). While 'малювати' is used for most art, as mentioned before, religious icons and Easter eggs are 'written' (писати). However, using писати for a simple landscape painting might sound overly pretentious or slightly archaic in casual conversation unless you are a professional artist discussing 'writing' a canvas.

Не кажи 'я буду писати з олівцем', кажи 'я буду писати олівцем'.

Finally, watch the stress. In писáти, the stress is on the second syllable. If you misplace it, the word might become unrecognizable or sound like a different dialect. Consistent practice with the 'ш' stem change in the present tense is the best way to avoid these common pitfalls.

While писати is the general verb for writing, Ukrainian offers several more specific alternatives depending on the context and register. Choosing the right one can make your speech sound more natural and sophisticated.

Записувати (Imperfective)
To jot down, to record, or to register. Use this when you are taking quick notes or entering data into a list. Example: 'Запишіть мій номер телефону' (Write down my phone number).
Нотувати (Imperfective)
To take notes, specifically in a lecture or meeting. It is more formal than 'записувати'.
Творити (Imperfective)
To create. While not literally 'to write,' it is often used for writers 'creating' a masterpiece. 'Він творить нову поезію' (He is creating/writing new poetry).

Замість того, щоб просто писати, він ретельно нотує кожну важливу думку лектора.

If you are talking about typing on a keyboard, you can use друкувати (to print/type) or набирати текст (to type text). In the context of computer programming, you might say писати код (to write code). For formal signatures, use підписувати (to sign). Each of these variations adds a layer of precision to your communication.

Вона не просто пише, вона виписує кожне слово з особливою любов'ю.

In literature, you might encounter укладати (to compile/compose), especially for dictionaries or laws. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate different social and professional environments. While писати will always be your reliable 'go-to' verb, branching out into its family of synonyms will greatly enrich your Ukrainian vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Jerga

""

Dato curioso

Because the word originally meant 'to paint', Ukrainians still use 'писати' for religious icons and Easter eggs (pysanky), preserving the ancient Proto-Slavic connection between writing and sacred art.

Guía de pronunciación

UK [peˈsɑte]
US /piˈsɑːti/
Second syllable (писáти).
Rima con
читати (to read) співати (to sing) кохати (to love) чекати (to wait) літати (to fly) знати (to know) мати (to have) грати (to play)
Errores comunes
  • Stressing the first syllable (ПИ-сати).
  • Pronouncing the 'и' too much like an English 'ee'.
  • Confusing with 'пісяти' (to pee) by changing the 'и' to 'і' and softening the 'с'.
  • Failing to use the 'ш' sound in the present tense (saying 'писаю' instead of 'пишу').
  • Making the final 'и' sound like 'і'.
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Ejemplos por nivel

1

Я пишу лист.

I am writing a letter.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Ти пишеш красиво.

You write beautifully.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

3

Він пише ім'я.

He is writing a name.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

4

Ми пишемо тест.

We are writing a test.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

Ви пишете повідомлення?

Are you (plural/formal) writing a message?

Present tense, 2nd person plural.

6

Вони пишуть у зошиті.

They are writing in a notebook.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

7

Вона пише мамі.

She is writing to mom.

Dative case for 'mom'.

8

Я люблю писати.

I love to write.

Infinitive form.

1

Вчора я писав імейл.

Yesterday I was writing an email.

Past tense, masculine.

2

Вона писала статтю весь день.

She was writing an article all day.

Past tense, feminine.

3

Ми писали диктант у школі.

We wrote a dictation at school.

Past tense, plural.

4

Ти будеш писати мені?

Will you write to me?

Future compound tense.

5

Він пише олівцем.

He writes with a pencil.

Instrumental case for 'pencil'.

6

Я пишу повідомлення в Телеграм.

I am writing a message on Telegram.

Modern digital context.

7

Ви писали цю книгу?

Were you writing this book?

Past tense, formal/plural.

8

Вона вчиться писати.

She is learning to write.

Infinitive after 'learns'.

1

Коли я був маленьким, я писав казки.

When I was little, I used to write fairy tales.

Habitual past action.

2

Він пише, що скоро приїде.

He writes that he will come soon.

Subordinate clause with 'що'.

3

Ми часто пишемо один одному.

We often write to each other.

Reciprocal pronoun 'один одному'.

4

Вона пише нотатки під час лекції.

She takes notes during the lecture.

Plural object 'notes'.

5

Я буду писати цей звіт до вечора.

I will be writing this report until evening.

Future duration.

6

Пишіть розбірливо, будь ласка.

Write legibly, please.

Imperative mood.

7

Хто пише ці вірші?

Who writes these poems?

Interrogative sentence.

8

Він почав писати свій щоденник у десять років.

He started writing his diary at ten years old.

Infinitive after 'started'.

1

Автор пише про складні людські стосунки.

The author writes about complex human relationships.

Abstract topic.

2

Вона пише дисертацію з історії.

She is writing a dissertation on history.

Academic context.

3

Ми писали заяву на відпустку.

We were writing an application for vacation.

Bureaucratic context.

4

Якщо ти будеш писати щодня, ти станеш майстром.

If you write every day, you will become a master.

Conditional sentence.

5

Він пише код для нового мобільного додатка.

He is writing code for a new mobile app.

Technical context.

6

Ви пишете дуже переконливо.

You write very persuasively.

Adverbial description.

7

Вона продовжує писати, незважаючи на втому.

She continues to write despite the fatigue.

Gerund phrase 'незважаючи на'.

8

Хтось пише про це в газетах?

Is anyone writing about this in the newspapers?

Media context.

1

Журналіст пише критичний огляд подій.

The journalist is writing a critical review of the events.

Analytical register.

2

Він пише музику, яка торкається душі.

He writes music that touches the soul.

Metaphorical use for music.

3

Вона пише ікони за стародавніми канонами.

She writes icons according to ancient canons.

Cultural nuance: writing icons.

4

Писати про війну — це завжди виклик для митця.

Writing about war is always a challenge for an artist.

Infinitive as a subject.

5

Ми писали сценарій протягом трьох місяців.

We were writing the script for three months.

Duration with 'протягом'.

6

Важливо писати правду, якою б вона не була.

It is important to write the truth, whatever it may be.

Ethical/Philosophical context.

7

Він пише вірші в стилі модернізму.

He writes poems in the style of modernism.

Literary style.

8

Ви пишете так, ніби самі там були.

You write as if you were there yourself.

Comparative clause 'ніби'.

1

Філософ пише про екзистенційну кризу людства.

The philosopher writes about the existential crisis of humanity.

High-level academic discourse.

2

Кожна людина сама пише історію свого життя.

Every person writes the history of their own life themselves.

Metaphorical/Existential use.

3

Він пише мемуари, щоб зафіксувати епоху.

He is writing memoirs to capture the era.

Historical preservation.

4

Писати закони — це мистецтво компромісу.

Writing laws is the art of compromise.

Legal/Political context.

5

Вона пише з такою глибиною, що це вражає.

She writes with such depth that it is striking.

Evaluative language.

6

Ми писали цей проект, враховуючи всі ризики.

We were writing this project, taking all risks into account.

Complex project management.

7

Писати про мовчання — це парадокс.

Writing about silence is a paradox.

Philosophical paradox.

8

Він пише так вишукано, що кожне речення — шедевр.

He writes so exquisitely that every sentence is a masterpiece.

Superlative praise.

Colocaciones comunes

писати лист
писати статтю
писати ручкою
писати код
писати ікону
писати щоденник
писати твір
писати заяву
писати вірші
писати правду

Frases Comunes

Пиши мені

Як пишеться...?

Писати в стіл

Писати як курка лапою

Писати з чистого аркуша

Писати історію

Писати під диктовку

Писати між рядків

Писати по воді вилами

Писати до запитання

Modismos y expresiones

"Вилами по воді писано"

Used when a situation is highly uncertain or unlikely to happen.

Це ще вилами по воді писано, чи ми поїдемо у відпустку.

informal

"Як у книжці пише"

Exactly as it should be; perfectly according to the rules.

Він зробив усе так, як у книжці пише.

neutral

"Писати золотими літерами"

To record something as very important or glorious.

Ця перемога буде вписана золотими літерами в нашу історію.

formal/poetic

"Писати пропало"

Used when something is completely lost or doomed.

Якщо ми не встигнемо, то пиши пропало.

informal

"Не про нас писано"

Something that is not meant for us or is out of our league.

Такі розкоші не про нас писані.

informal

"Писати як по маслу"

To write very easily and smoothly.

Сьогодні робота йде як по маслу, пишу дуже швидко.

neutral

"Писати під копірку"

To do something exactly like someone else, without originality.

Всі його статті написані під копірку.

neutral

"Що написане пером, не вивезеш і волом"

What is written is permanent and cannot be taken back.

Будь обережний з документами, бо що написане пером...

proverb

"Писати на свою голову"

To write something that will eventually cause trouble for oneself.

Він написав ту скаргу на свою голову.

informal

"Писати великими літерами"

To emphasize something very strongly.

Це слово треба писати великими літерами в серці.

poetic

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Piece' of paper. You use a 'Pen' to 'Pisaty' (Pee-sah-ty) on a 'Piece' of paper. Just remember: Pen + Piece = Pisaty.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant quill pen 'painting' a beautiful Ukrainian Easter egg. This connects the meaning of writing with the artistic tradition of 'pysanka'.

Word Web

Текст (Text) Лист (Letter) Ручка (Pen) Книга (Book) Автор (Author) Ікона (Icon) Щоденник (Diary) Повідомлення (Message)

Desafío

Try to write three sentences about your day using 'писати' in the present, past, and future tenses. For example: 'Я пишу', 'Я писав', 'Я буду писати'.

Origen de la palabra

From the Proto-Slavic *pisati, which originally meant 'to paint' or 'to variegate' (make colorful). It is cognate with the Latin 'pingere' (to paint) and Sanskrit 'piṃśáti' (to adorn). Over time, as literacy spread, the meaning shifted from general artistic adornment to the specific act of forming letters.

Significado original: To paint, to adorn, or to make variegated.

Indo-European > Balto-Slavic > Slavic > East Slavic > Ukrainian.

Contexto cultural

Be careful with the conjugation 'я пишу' vs 'я писаю'. The latter is childish slang for urinating and can cause laughter in the wrong context.

In English, we 'paint' icons and 'decorate' eggs. In Ukrainian, both are 'written', highlighting a more linguistic/symbolic approach to these arts.

Taras Shevchenko's 'I wrote to you...' (Я писав вам...) The 'Pysanka' museum in Kolomyia. The 'Chronicle of Bygone Years' (Повість минулих літ) - the foundational written history of Kyivan Rus.
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