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A1 verb 7 min de lecture

плакати

To shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain

At the A1 level, you learn 'плакати' as a basic verb for an everyday action. You focus on the literal meaning: shedding tears. You should be able to say 'I am crying' or 'The baby is crying.' The most important thing here is recognizing the present tense shift from 'к' to 'ч' (я плачу, ти плачеш) and knowing the past tense forms (він плакав, вона плакала). You use it in simple sentences about sadness or pain. You might also learn the negative 'не плач' (don't cry) as a useful phrase for comforting someone. The goal is to understand the word in its most direct sense without worrying about complex metaphorical uses or high literature. You are building the foundation for emotional expression in Ukrainian.
At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'плакати' by adding reasons and contexts. You start using prepositions like 'від' (from) and 'через' (because of). You can now say 'Вона плаче через погану оцінку' (She is crying because of a bad grade) or 'Він плакав від щастя' (He cried from happiness). You also begin to distinguish between the imperfective 'плакати' and the perfective 'заплакати' (to start crying). You can describe simple emotional scenes in stories or films. Your vocabulary grows to include 'сльози' (tears) as a related noun. You are becoming more comfortable with the irregular present tense and can use it in questions to ask about someone's well-being.
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At the B1 level, you move beyond simple physical descriptions. You start to encounter 'плакати' in more nuanced contexts, such as describing someone's character ('вона часто плаче' - she is sensitive/emotional). You can use the verb in more complex sentence structures, like conditional sentences: 'Якби я знав, я б не плакав.' You also begin to learn common idioms like 'плакати в жилетку' (to cry on someone's shoulder). You are expected to understand the word when it appears in songs or short news articles. The difference between 'плакати' and 'ридати' (to sob) becomes clearer to you, and you can choose the right intensity for the situation. You are starting to see the word as part of a larger emotional vocabulary.
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At the B2 level, you can use 'плакати' metaphorically and in literary contexts. You understand phrases like 'душа плаче' (the soul cries) or 'небо плаче' (it's raining). You can participate in discussions about emotions and explain why a certain event might make people cry. You are familiar with the various prefixes that can change the meaning slightly, like 'виплакатися' (to cry one's heart out until feeling better) or 'поплакати' (to cry for a little while). You can analyze the emotional weight of 'плакати' in Ukrainian poetry or classic literature. Your use of the word is no longer just functional; it is expressive and nuanced, allowing you to convey subtle shifts in mood and tone.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic nuances of 'плакати'. You can identify when it is used ironically, sarcastically, or with deep pathos. You are comfortable with the full range of synonyms and can explain the subtle differences between 'голосити', 'хлипати', and 'рюмсати'. You understand the historical and cultural significance of 'плакати' in Ukrainian folklore and ritual. You can use the verb in academic or professional discussions about psychology or sociology. You are also aware of rare or archaic forms that might appear in classical texts. Your ability to use the word is fluid, and you can adapt its register to suit any social situation, from a formal funeral to a casual chat with friends.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'плакати'. You can appreciate and employ the word in its most sophisticated literary and philosophical applications. You understand how the word interacts with complex grammatical structures and subtle rhythmic patterns in poetry. You can catch the most delicate emotional overtones and double meanings in any context. You are familiar with all regional variations or dialectal forms of the word. You can write extensively about the concept of 'crying' in Ukrainian culture, drawing on a vast knowledge of literature, history, and art. The word is no longer a vocabulary item but a flexible tool you use to paint intricate emotional landscapes in your speech and writing.
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Exemples

плакати en 30 secondes

  • The verb 'плакати' means 'to cry' and is used for emotional or physical responses involving tears.
  • It is an imperfective verb, meaning it focuses on the process or habit of crying.
  • A key feature is the 'к' to 'ч' consonant shift in the present tense (я плачу, ти плачеш).
  • It is widely used in Ukrainian culture, music, and literature to express deep soul-felt emotions.
The Ukrainian verb плакати is a fundamental word used to describe the act of shedding tears, typically as an involuntary response to a strong emotional state or physical stimulus. At its core, it represents the physical manifestation of sorrow, grief, pain, or even overwhelming joy. In Ukrainian culture, expressing emotions through crying is often seen as a necessary release for the soul, a concept deeply rooted in the nation's history and folklore. Unlike some cultures that might suppress public displays of emotion, Ukrainian tradition, particularly in its rich musical and poetic heritage, embraces the 'lament' as a form of artistic and personal expression.
Emotional Range
The verb covers everything from a quiet whimper to loud, uncontrollable sobbing. It is the primary way to describe a child's reaction to a scraped knee or an adult's reaction to a tragic loss.
Grammatical Essence
It is an imperfective verb, meaning it focuses on the process of crying rather than the completion of the act. The stem changes from 'к' to 'ч' in the present tense, which is a crucial hurdle for beginners.

Маленька дитина почала плакати, коли загубила свою улюблену іграшку в парку.

This word is used in daily life to describe physical pain, such as when someone cuts an onion or gets hurt. However, its most profound usage is found in literature and music. From the 'Lament of Yaroslavna' in ancient epics to modern pop songs, плакати serves as a bridge between the physical act and the internal suffering of the individual.

Не треба плакати через дрібниці, життя все одно прекрасне.

Metaphorical Use
It can describe weather, like the sky 'crying' (raining), or inanimate objects like candles 'crying' wax.

Дивлячись на дощ, вона сказала, що небо сьогодні плаче разом із нею.

Вона не могла не плакати від такої зворушливої новини.

Common Contexts
Funerals, weddings (tears of joy), movies, personal heartbreaks, and physical injuries are the primary settings for this verb.

Він бачив, як його мати часто плакала вечорами біля вікна.

Understanding this word is essential for navigating the emotional landscape of the Ukrainian language.
Using плакати correctly involves understanding its conjugation and the prepositions that accompany it. The most common construction is 'плакати через + Accusative' (to cry because of something) or 'плакати за + Instrumental' (to cry for/miss someone).
Present Tense Shift
The verb follows the pattern: я плачу, ти плачеш, він плаче, ми плачемо, ви плачете, вони плачуть. Notice the 'к' becomes 'ч'. This is a phonetic change common in Slavic verbs of this class.

Чому ти плачеш? Хтось тебе образив?

In the past tense, it is regular: плакав (masculine), плакала (feminine), плакало (neuter), плакали (plural). This tense is frequently used in storytelling and reporting events.

Вчора вона плакала весь вечір, бо сумувала за домом.

Usage with Prepositions
'Плакати від' + Genitive is used for causes like 'від болю' (from pain) or 'від щастя' (from happiness). 'Плакати над' + Instrumental is used for objects of focus, like 'над книжкою' (over a book).

Вона плакала від радості, коли побачила сина.

Ми всі плакали над фіналом цього фільму.

Коли він почув цю новину, його душа просто плакала.

Imperative Forms
The imperative is 'плач' (singular) and 'плачте' (plural/polite). Most often used in the negative: 'Не плач' (Don't cry).

Будь ласка, не плач, все буде добре.

Mastering these patterns allows for natural and empathetic communication in Ukrainian.
You will encounter плакати in a wide variety of settings, ranging from intimate family moments to the heights of Ukrainian high culture. In everyday life, it's most common in family settings. Parents often use it with children ('Чому ти плачеш?'), and friends use it when sharing emotional burdens.
Music and Songs
Ukrainian folk and modern music are heavily saturated with this word. It appears in themes of unrequited love, war, and longing for one's homeland. For example, the famous band Kazka has a song 'Плакала' which became an international hit.

Вона плакала, і це була пісня її душі.

Люди на вулицях плакали, коли почули гімн України.

In literature, the word is used to evoke empathy. Classic Ukrainian writers like Taras Shevchenko frequently used the image of a 'crying Ukraine' to symbolize the nation's struggles.
Cinema and Media
In soap operas and dramas, the verb is a staple. It's often used in the context of 'плакати в жилетку' (to cry on someone's shoulder/vest), which is a common idiom for seeking comfort.

Він прийшов до друга, щоб просто поплакати і виговоритися.

Це відео з котиками таке миле, що я готовий плакати.

Religious and Traditional Rites
At traditional Ukrainian funerals, 'голосіння' (ritual wailing) is a form of 'плакати' that is communal and highly stylized.

Старі жінки в селі вміють плакати за особливим обрядом.

Whether in the quiet of a home or the loudness of a concert hall, плакати is a word that resonates with the deep emotionality of the Ukrainian people.
The most frequent and confusing mistake for English speakers learning Ukrainian is the confusion between плакати (to cry) and платити (to pay). This is because the first-person singular forms are identical in spelling: плачу.
The Stress Trap
In the word for 'I cry', the stress is on the first syllable: плАчу. In the word for 'I pay', the stress is on the second syllable: плачУ. Mixing these up in conversation can lead to comical or confusing situations.

Я плАчу, коли мені сумно. (Correct: I cry when I'm sad.) vs. Я плачУ за каву. (Correct: I pay for the coffee.)

Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. English speakers often say 'cry for' (missing someone), which in Ukrainian is 'плакати за' + Instrumental. However, if you use 'плакати для' (cry for/for the sake of), it sounds very unnatural.

Вона плаче за своїм собакою. (Correct: She is crying for/missing her dog.)

Aspect Confusion
Beginners often forget that 'плакати' is imperfective. If you want to say someone 'burst into tears' (a completed action), you should use 'заплакати'.

Раптом дитина заплакала. (Correct: Suddenly the child started crying.)

Чому ти плакав, коли дивився цей мультфільм?

Overusing synonyms
Sometimes students use 'ридати' (to sob) when they just mean 'плакати'. 'Ридати' is much more intense and should be reserved for deep grief.

Він не просто плакав, він ридав від безсилля.

Being aware of these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid embarrassing misunderstandings.
Ukrainian has a rich vocabulary for expressing the act of crying, each with its own nuance and level of intensity. Knowing these alternatives allows for more precise communication.
Ридати (To Sob)
This is much stronger than 'плакати'. It implies loud, heavy crying, often with gasping for breath. Used in cases of extreme grief or tragedy.
Хлипати (To Whimper/Sniffle)
A quieter, more subdued form of crying. Often used for children who are trying to stop crying or someone who is quietly sad.

Вона тихо хлипала в кутку кімнати, щоб її ніхто не почув.

Досить рюмсати, ти вже дорослий хлопчик!

Голосити (To Wail/Lament)
This word has a strong cultural connotation. It refers to loud, ritualistic crying, often accompanied by words or songs of mourning, common at traditional funerals.

Вона так голосила за чоловіком, що чуло все село.

Мої очі часто сльозяться на весняному сонці.

Скиглити (To Whine/Moan)
Usually used in a negative sense to describe someone complaining in a tearful voice. It's less about the crying and more about the annoying sound.

Перестань скиглити і зроби нарешті свою роботу.

Мати вмивалася сльозами, проводжаючи сина в далеку дорогу.

Choosing the right synonym will make your Ukrainian sound more natural and emotionally resonant.
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Exemples par niveau

1

Дитина плаче.

The child is crying.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

2

Я не хочу плакати.

I don't want to cry.

Infinitive after 'хочу'.

3

Вона плакала вчора.

She was crying yesterday.

Past tense, feminine singular.

4

Чому ти плачеш?

Why are you crying?

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

5

Не плач, все добре.

Don't cry, everything is fine.

Negative imperative, singular.

6

Ми плачемо разом.

We are crying together.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

7

Він часто плаче.

He cries often.

Adverb 'часто' precedes the verb.

8

Мама плаче від щастя.

Mom is crying from happiness.

Preposition 'від' + Genitive.

1

Вона плаче через фільм.

She is crying because of the movie.

Preposition 'через' + Accusative.

2

Дитина почала плакати голосно.

The child started crying loudly.

Infinitive after the verb 'почати'.

3

Він ніколи не плакав при мені.

He never cried in front of me.

Past tense with negation 'ніколи не'.

4

Ви плачете від цибулі?

Are you crying from the onion?

Question in 2nd person plural.

5

Вона плакала за своєю іграшкою.

She was crying for her toy.

Preposition 'за' + Instrumental.

6

Не треба плакати, це просто гра.

No need to cry, it's just a game.

Impersonal construction 'не треба'.

7

Вони плакали, коли прощалися.

They were crying when they said goodbye.

Past tense, plural.

8

Я плачу, коли мені боляче.

I cry when I am in pain.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

1

Вона плакала в жилетку своєму другові.

She cried on her friend's shoulder.

Idiomatic expression.

2

Я бачив, як вона тихо плакала біля вікна.

I saw her crying quietly by the window.

Complex sentence with 'як'.

3

Він намагався не плакати перед колегами.

He tried not to cry in front of his colleagues.

Infinitive with negation.

4

Ми плакали від сміху весь вечір.

We were crying with laughter all evening.

Idiom 'плакати від сміху'.

5

Вона плаче за минулим.

She is crying for the past.

Metaphorical use of 'за'.

6

Не плачте через такі дрібниці.

Don't cry over such trifles.

Imperative plural.

7

Книга була такою сумною, що я плакав.

The book was so sad that I cried.

Result clause with 'що'.

8

Вона виплакалася і відчула полегшення.

She cried her heart out and felt relief.

Reflexive form 'виплакатися'.

1

Небо плакало цілий день, наче сумувало за літом.

The sky cried all day, as if it missed summer.

Personification of the sky.

2

Вона плакала над своєю долею.

She was crying over her fate.

Preposition 'над' + Instrumental.

3

Його душа плаче від цієї несправедливості.

His soul is crying from this injustice.

Metaphorical subject 'душа'.

4

Вони плакали, згадуючи старі добрі часи.

They cried, remembering the good old times.

Use of a gerund 'згадуючи'.

5

Вона не плаче, вона просто дуже втомлена.

She isn't crying, she's just very tired.

Contrast using 'не... а'.

6

Досить плакати, час діяти.

Enough crying, it's time to act.

Infinitive used as a noun-like command.

7

Він плакав крокодилячими сльозами.

He was crying crocodile tears.

Idiom for insincere grief.

8

Вона плакала, бо відчувала себе самотньою.

She was crying because she felt lonely.

Causal clause with 'бо'.

1

Вона не просто плакала, вона ридала від розпачу.

She wasn't just crying, she was sobbing from despair.

Intensification with 'ридати'.

2

Плакати за втраченим часом — марна справа.

Crying over lost time is a futile business.

Infinitive as a subject.

3

Вона голосила за сином, як це робили в давнину.

She wailed for her son, as they did in ancient times.

Use of 'голосити' for ritual crying.

4

Його очі плакали, хоча на губах була посмішка.

His eyes were crying, though there was a smile on his lips.

Concessive clause with 'хоча'.

5

Вона тихо хлипала, намагаючись стримати емоції.

She was quietly whimpering, trying to hold back emotions.

Use of 'хлипати' for quiet crying.

6

Плакати — це не ознака слабкості, а ознака людяності.

Crying is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of humanity.

Philosophical definition using 'це'.

7

Вона плакала над руїнами свого старого життя.

She cried over the ruins of her old life.

Metaphorical use of 'руїни'.

8

Він плакав, коли зрозумів, що вороття немає.

He cried when he realized there was no going back.

Complex sentence with 'коли' and 'що'.

1

Весь світ плакав разом з нею в ту трагічну ніч.

The whole world cried with her on that tragic night.

Hyperbolic and metaphorical use.

2

Вона плакала, вмиваючись сльозами покаяння.

She cried, washing herself in tears of repentance.

High literary style.

3

Плакати за ідеалом, якого не існує — це доля поета.

Crying for an ideal that doesn't exist is the poet's fate.

Abstract philosophical usage.

4

Її серце плакало кривавими сльозами від зради.

Her heart cried bloody tears from the betrayal.

Extreme metaphorical expression.

5

Він плакав не за собою, а за всім людством.

He cried not for himself, but for all of humanity.

Altruistic context.

6

Вона плакала, і кожна сльоза була як молитва.

She cried, and every tear was like a prayer.

Simile 'як молитва'.

7

Плакати над розбитим коритом — пізно і безглуздо.

Crying over a broken trough is late and senseless.

Idiom from a famous fairy tale.

8

Вона плакала від усвідомлення неминучості кінця.

She cried from the realization of the inevitability of the end.

Complex abstract nouns.

Collocations courantes

плакати від щастя
плакати від болю
плакати гіркими сльозами
плакати в жилетку
плакати над книжкою
тихо плакати
голосно плакати
плакати за кимось
плакати через дрібниці
плакати від сміху

Phrases Courantes

Не плач!

Чого ти плачеш?

Хочеться плакати.

Плакати хочеться.

Очі плачуть.

Серце плаче.

Досить плакати.

Плакати цілу ніч.

Нема чого плакати.

Плакати в подушку.

Expressions idiomatiques

"крокодилячі сльози"

Insincere tears or fake grief. Used when someone pretends to be sad.

Не вір йому, це крокодилячі сльози.

neutral

"плакати в жилетку"

To complain to someone and seek sympathy.

Він завжди приходить до мене плакати в жилетку.

informal

"очі на мокрому місці"

Describes someone who cries very easily or frequently.

У нашої Ганни завжди очі на мокрому місці.

informal

"плакали мої гроші"

Used when money is lost, stolen, or wasted without hope of return.

Купив акції, а вони впали — плакали мої гроші.

slang/informal

"хоч плач"

Used to describe a desperate or impossible situation.

Ніяк не можу відкрити ці двері, хоч плач.

neutral

"плакати кривавими сльозами"

To suffer extremely deep grief or regret.

Він буде плакати кривавими сльозами за свою помилку.

literary

"сміятися крізь сльози"

To smile or laugh while being sad or in a difficult situation.

Вона розповідала про свою біду і сміялася крізь сльози.

neutral

"плакати за компанію"

To start crying just because someone else is crying.

Коли подруга почала плакати, я теж заплакала за компанію.

informal

"як кіт наплакав"

Very little or almost nothing (usually about money or resources).

Грошей у мене залишилося — як кіт наплакав.

informal

"плакати над розбитим коритом"

To regret something when it's already too late

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