Signification
Complimenting food
Contexte culturel
Complimenting the food is not just polite; it's a way to acknowledge the 'soul' (dusha) the cook put into the meal. Leaving a plate completely empty is the best compliment, but saying the phrase is a close second. In regions like Lviv, food culture is highly influenced by Austro-Hungarian traditions. People might use the word 'коліжанка' (friend) and 'файна' (fine) when discussing food. In communities in Canada or the US, this phrase is often one of the few preserved by third-generation speakers to use at 'Sviata Vecheria' (Holy Supper). In trendy Kyiv cafes, this phrase is often followed by a photo for Instagram. The aesthetic of the 'strava' is now as important as the 'smak'.
Add 'Дуже'
Always add 'дуже' (very) if you are at someone's home. It shows extra respect and appreciation for the host's effort.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget that 'страва' is feminine. If you use a masculine noun like 'борщ', you must change the adjective to 'смачний'.
Signification
Complimenting food
Add 'Дуже'
Always add 'дуже' (very) if you are at someone's home. It shows extra respect and appreciation for the host's effort.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget that 'страва' is feminine. If you use a masculine noun like 'борщ', you must change the adjective to 'смачний'.
The 'Empty Plate' Rule
In Ukraine, finishing your 'smachna strava' completely is the highest form of praise. If you leave food, the host might think it wasn't 'smachna' enough!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'смачний' (tasty).
Це ______ страва.
'Страва' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'смачна'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to compliment a dish in Ukrainian?
Select the best option:
In modern Ukrainian, the verb 'є' is usually omitted in this context.
Match the Ukrainian words with their English meanings.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue between a host and a guest.
Host: Спробуйте цей борщ. Guest: Дякую! (It is a tasty dish).
All these options are natural and polite compliments.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Dish vs. Food
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЦе ______ страва.
'Страва' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'смачна'.
Select the best option:
In modern Ukrainian, the verb 'є' is usually omitted in this context.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Basic vocabulary matching.
Host: Спробуйте цей борщ. Guest: Дякую! (It is a tasty dish).
All these options are natural and polite compliments.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for a drink you would say 'Це смачний напій'. 'Страва' is only for food.
Yes, it's very common and polite to say this when they ask 'Як вам страва?' (How is the dish?).
You can say 'Їжа добра', but 'Це смачна страва' sounds more natural and specific.
It's neutral. It's used in both fancy menus and casual home settings.
Add the past tense verb: 'Це була смачна страва'.
No, that would be very strange and potentially offensive. Use 'гарна' or 'приємна' for people.
The plural is 'Це смачні страви' (These are tasty dishes).
Yes, just say 'Смачно!' (Tasty!)
No, 'straw' in Ukrainian is 'солома' (soloma). They are false friends.
Yes, a dessert is also considered a 'strava' in a culinary sense.
Expressions liées
Смачного!
similarEnjoy your meal!
Пальчики оближеш
idiomFinger-licking good
Це дуже смачно
synonymThis is very tasty
Я ситий / Я сита
builds onI am full
