Meaning
To be very expensive
Cultural Background
In Ukraine, discussing how things 'hit the pocket' is a standard part of social bonding. It's not considered rude to complain about prices; in fact, it's a way to show you are a practical person who understands the value of money. This idiom is shared across many Slavic languages (e.g., Russian 'бить по карману'). It reflects a shared history of economic transitions where cash was the primary measure of wealth. Younger Ukrainians use this idiom when talking about 'subscription fatigue' (Netflix, Spotify, etc.), showing how traditional idioms adapt to digital life. The phrase is often preserved in diaspora communities in Canada and the US as a way to maintain linguistic color when discussing the high cost of living abroad.
Use for Empathy
Use this phrase when a friend complains about a price to show you understand their struggle.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'по'. Using 'в' or 'на' will make you sound like a beginner or a non-native speaker.
Meaning
To be very expensive
Use for Empathy
Use this phrase when a friend complains about a price to show you understand their struggle.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'по'. Using 'в' or 'на' will make you sound like a beginner or a non-native speaker.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'б'є' for ongoing high prices (like inflation) and 'вдарило' for a specific purchase you already made.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'бити'.
Нові ціни на опалення сильно ___ по кишені.
The subject 'ціни' (prices) is plural, so the verb must be 'б'ють'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural idiom usage:
The preposition 'по' is the only correct one for this idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You just received a very high electricity bill. What do you say?
Financial burdens 'hit the pocket'.
Complete the dialogue.
- Тобі подобається цей готель? - Так, але він дуже...
The context implies a complaint about the price of the hotel.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesНові ціни на опалення сильно ___ по кишені.
The subject 'ціни' (prices) is plural, so the verb must be 'б'ють'.
Select the natural idiom usage:
The preposition 'по' is the only correct one for this idiom.
You just received a very high electricity bill. What do you say?
Financial burdens 'hit the pocket'.
- Тобі подобається цей готель? - Так, але він дуже...
The context implies a complaint about the price of the hotel.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's a very common and socially acceptable way to discuss high costs in Ukraine.
No, it's used for things that cost money (items, bills, taxes). You can't say a person 'hits your pocket' unless you mean they are expensive to support.
Usually, yes. It implies a significant impact. You wouldn't use it for a cheap pack of gum.
'Бити' is the process or a general state (prices are hitting), while 'вдарити' is a single event (that bill hit me).
Yes, it's a perfectly valid and common synonym meaning 'hit the wallet'.
It's an idiom, but it's not considered 'slang'. It's standard enough for news and business.
You can say 'це не б'є по кишені' or 'це по кишені' (meaning it's affordable).
Not really. The idiom itself is inherently about the 'pain' of spending.
Only if discussing market trends or costs, not when talking about your salary expectations!
Yes, it is a universal Ukrainian idiom.
Related Phrases
Влетіти в копієчку
synonymTo cost a pretty penny
Не по кишені
similarTo be unaffordable
Кишеня свистить
similarThe pocket is whistling (empty)
За безцінь
contrastFor a song / very cheap
Повна кишеня
contrastA full pocket
