Signification
Asking if an item or service costs money.
Contexte culturel
In Ukrainian culture, hospitality (hostynnist) is paramount. If someone invites you to their home, the food and drink are always 'безкоштовно', and offering to pay might even be seen as offensive. However, in modern cities, 'pay what you want' cafes are becoming a trend. Similar to Ukraine, Georgian hospitality is legendary. In many traditional settings, asking 'is this free' is unnecessary because the guest is considered a gift from God. However, in tourist areas of Tbilisi, it's wise to use the equivalent phrase. In the US, 'free' often comes with expectations, like tipping. Even if a service is 'free', a tip for the provider is often expected, which can be confusing for Ukrainians visiting the States. In Japan, 'free' services (like wet towels in restaurants) are part of 'Omotenashi'. It is rare to ask if they are free because it's understood they are part of the high-quality service culture.
The 'Ce' Shortcut
In a rush? Just point and say 'Безкоштовно?' with a rising intonation. It's perfectly understood.
The 'Free' Trap
Be careful in tourist areas. If someone hands you a flower or a pigeon for a photo, it is almost NEVER 'безкоштовно'.
Signification
Asking if an item or service costs money.
The 'Ce' Shortcut
In a rush? Just point and say 'Безкоштовно?' with a rising intonation. It's perfectly understood.
The 'Free' Trap
Be careful in tourist areas. If someone hands you a flower or a pigeon for a photo, it is almost NEVER 'безкоштовно'.
Volunteering
If you see a sign 'Для ЗСУ безкоштовно', it means 'Free for the Armed Forces of Ukraine'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask if the item is free.
Вибачте, це ________?
'Безкоштовно' is the correct word for 'free of charge'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask if Wi-Fi is free in a cafe?
How do you ask about Wi-Fi?
This is the standard, most natural way to inquire about free services.
Match the Ukrainian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are essential shopping and pricing phrases.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Продавець: Спробуйте цей сир! Покупець: Дякую. ________?
The question mark is essential here to confirm if the sample is free.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where you'll see 'Безкоштовно'
Travel
- • Wi-Fi
- • Maps
- • Water
Digital
- • Apps
- • Updates
- • Trials
Social
- • Help
- • Samples
- • Events
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВибачте, це ________?
'Безкоштовно' is the correct word for 'free of charge'.
How do you ask about Wi-Fi?
This is the standard, most natural way to inquire about free services.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are essential shopping and pricing phrases.
Продавець: Спробуйте цей сир! Покупець: Дякую. ________?
The question mark is essential here to confirm if the sample is free.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's a very common synonym. However, 'безкоштовно' is the preferred term in modern Ukrainian media and education.
Use 'вільний час' (vilnyi chas). Do NOT use 'безкоштовний час'.
No. To say someone is 'free' (not busy), use 'вільний'.
Only for extreme emphasis, but 99% of the time it is omitted.
It's a slang term for getting something for free, often used by students.
Ask 'Тут вільно?' (Is it free/vacant here?).
It can be. It often implies that something was obtained without effort or is of low value.
In the question 'Це безкоштовно?', no. But as an adjective, yes: 'безкоштовні квитки'.
Rarely. It's mostly found in legal documents and official news.
You can just say 'безкоштовно'. You don't need a word for 'for'.
Expressions liées
Скільки це коштує?
similarHow much does this cost?
Це задарма
synonymThis is for nothing/free.
Вхід вільний
specialized formFree entry.
За рахунок закладу
specialized formOn the house.
Пригощайтеся
builds onHelp yourself / Have some.
