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A1 pronoun 8 min read

усі

Examples Notes & Tips усі in 30 Seconds
Explanation усі in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'усі' is a vital tool for simple greetings and basic descriptions. Learners use it to say 'Hello everyone' (Привіт усім) or 'Are we all here?' (Ми всі тут?). The focus is on the nominative plural form and understanding that it refers to a group of people or things. You will primarily see it in everyday contexts like family, classroom, or shopping. The key goal at this stage is to remember that 'усі' requires a plural verb, even though the English translation 'everyone' feels singular.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'усі' in more varied sentence structures, including basic past and future tenses. You learn to pair 'усі' with common nouns (усі діти, усі книги). You also start to encounter the phonetic variant 'всі' and learn when to swap them based on the preceding vowel or consonant. You can now describe group preferences, such as 'Усі мої друзі люблять спорт' (All my friends like sports), and use the word in simple social invitations.
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By B1, you should be comfortable using 'усі' in different grammatical cases, especially the Genitive/Accusative 'усіх' and the Dative 'усім'. You start to use 'усі' in more abstract discussions about society, work, and interests. You can distinguish between 'усі' (all/everyone) and 'кожен' (each/every) to add nuance to your speech. You also begin to use common idioms and set phrases that include 'усі', such as 'усі разом' (all together) or 'над усе' (above all).
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At the B2 level, 'усі' is used to construct complex arguments and generalizations. You understand the stylistic differences between using 'усі' as a subject versus an object for emphasis. You can handle the word in formal writing, such as reports or essays, where you might refer to 'усі верстви населення' (all layers of the population). Your use of the 'у/в' alternation is automatic, and you can effectively use 'не усі' (not all) to qualify your statements and avoid over-generalization.
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At the C1 level, you recognize 'усі' in high-level literature, legal documents, and academic texts. You understand its role in creating rhetorical effects and can use it in sophisticated wordplay. You are familiar with archaic or dialectal variants that might appear in classical Ukrainian poetry. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'the all' (все і усі) and use the word to express subtle shades of collective responsibility or universal truths in persuasive speech.
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At the C2 level, 'усі' is used with native-like precision in any context. You can navigate the most complex grammatical environments where 'усі' interacts with various participles and subordinate clauses. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and its cognates in other Slavic languages. You can use 'усі' in creative writing to evoke specific emotional responses, utilizing its phonetic qualities and its strong cultural resonance of unity and completeness.
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Examples Notes & Tips

усі in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'all' or 'everyone' in Ukrainian.
  • Always plural: use plural verbs and adjectives.
  • Alternates with 'всі' for better sound flow (euphony).
  • Used for people, objects, and abstract concepts.

The Ukrainian word усі (pronounced 'oo-SEE') is a fundamental pronoun and determiner that translates to 'all' or 'everyone' in English. It is the plural form of the word used to encompass a collective group of people, objects, or abstract concepts. In the Ukrainian language, inclusivity is often expressed through this specific term, acting as a bridge between individual elements and a unified whole. Whether you are addressing a room full of friends, referring to every book on a shelf, or discussing universal human rights, усі is your go-to word for total coverage. It is an essential building block for A1 learners because it allows for the transition from specific descriptions to broad generalizations, which is a key step in developing conversational fluency.

Grammatical Category
Plural Pronoun / Determiner. It functions similarly to the English 'all' when followed by a noun, or 'everyone' when standing alone as the subject of a sentence.
Phonetic Variant
The word усі is interchangeable with всі. The choice depends on the preceding sound to maintain the melodic flow of Ukrainian (euphony). Use 'усі' after a consonant and 'всі' after a vowel.

Добрий день усі!

Translation: Good day everyone!

The usage of усі extends beyond mere counting. It carries a sense of completeness. When a teacher says 'Усі тут?' (Is everyone here?), they aren't just asking about a number; they are checking the integrity of the group. In social contexts, using усі fosters a sense of community. It is the word of solidarity in protests ('Усі разом!' - All together!) and the word of hospitality at a dinner table ('Усі пригощайтеся!' - Everyone, help yourselves!). Understanding this word means understanding how Ukrainians view groups—not as collections of individuals, but as a single, combined entity.

Усі мої друзі люблять каву.

Translation: All my friends love coffee.
Contextual Flexibility
It can refer to people (everyone), animals (all animals), or inanimate objects (all books). It adapts to the gender and case of the noun it modifies, though 'усі' is specifically the nominative plural form.

Чи усі документи готові?

Translation: Are all the documents ready?

Using усі correctly requires an understanding of plural agreement in Ukrainian. Unlike English, where 'everyone' is grammatically singular (everyone is), the Ukrainian усі is strictly plural. This means that any verb or adjective attached to it must reflect this plurality. This is one of the most common hurdles for English speakers. When you say 'everyone knows,' in Ukrainian you are literally saying 'all know' (усі знають). This logic applies across all tenses: past, present, and future.

Усі студенти склали іспит.

Translation: All the students passed the exam.
Positioning
'Усі' usually comes before the noun it modifies. If it is used as a standalone pronoun (meaning 'everyone'), it often takes the subject position at the beginning of the sentence, but can be moved for emphasis.
Negation
To say 'not all,' use 'не усі'. For example, 'Не усі люблять зиму' (Not everyone likes winter). Note that 'не усі' implies some do, whereas 'ніхто' means nobody.

Another vital aspect is the 'U/V' alternation. This is a unique feature of Ukrainian phonology. If the preceding word ends in a consonant, use усі. If it ends in a vowel, use всі. This creates a smooth, liquid transition between words, which is the hallmark of the Ukrainian language's musicality. While breaking this rule won't usually cause a misunderstanding, following it will make you sound significantly more like a native speaker.

Ми всі хочемо миру.

Translation: We all want peace. (Note the use of 'всі' after the vowel 'и')
Case Changes
While 'усі' is nominative, it changes in other cases: 'усіх' (genitive/accusative animate), 'усім' (dative), 'усіма' (instrumental). For A1, focus primarily on the nominative form.

Я бачу усіх друзів.

Translation: I see all the friends. (Accusative case)

In Ukraine, you will hear усі everywhere—from the bustling markets of Kyiv to the quiet villages in the Carpathians. It is a word that rings out in public announcements, music, and daily greetings. In a professional setting, a manager might start a meeting by saying 'Усі готові?' (Is everyone ready?). In a supermarket, you might hear an announcement like 'Усі каси працюють' (All registers are working). Its frequency is incredibly high because it is the primary way to address a collective group without listing every individual name.

Запрошуємо усіх на свято!

Translation: We invite everyone to the holiday!
Public Transportation
On the metro or bus, you might hear: 'Просимо усіх пасажирів бути уважними' (We ask all passengers to be attentive). It is used to address the entire traveling public formally.
National Identity
In national anthems, slogans, and patriotic songs, 'усі' or 'всі' is used to emphasize unity. 'Всі ми - діти України' (We are all children of Ukraine) is a common sentiment in literature and education.

Social media and digital communication also rely heavily on this word. Group chats often begin with 'Привіт усім!' (Hello everyone!). It’s the standard way to broadcast a message to a group. Even in news headlines, you’ll see it used to describe universal events: 'Усі школи зачинені' (All schools are closed). Because the word is so versatile, it bridges the gap between formal news reporting and casual coffee shop chatter.

Вітаю усіх з Новим роком!

Translation: I wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Classroom Settings
Teachers frequently use 'усі разом' (all together) when asking students to repeat a phrase or sing a song. It’s a command for collective action.

The most common mistake for English speakers is using a singular verb with усі. In English, 'everyone' is singular ('Everyone is here'). In Ukrainian, усі is plural, so you must use the plural verb form ('Усі є тут'). Saying 'Усі є' (plural) vs 'Усі є' (singular) is a major distinction. If you say 'Усі знає' (singular), it sounds as jarring to a Ukrainian as saying 'They knows' sounds to an English speaker. Always remember: Усі = They.

❌ Усі прийшов. (Wrong singular verb)
✅ Усі прийшли. (Correct plural verb)

Translation: Everyone came.
Confusing 'Усі' and 'Весь'
'Весь' means 'the whole' (singular masculine). Use 'весь день' (the whole day) but 'усі дні' (all the days). Learners often mix these up when trying to say 'all'.
The 'У' vs 'В' Rule
Ignoring the phonetic alternation. While not a fatal error, saying 'Ми усі' (vowel + vowel) creates a glottal stop that breaks the flow of the language. Aim for 'Ми всі'.

Another subtle mistake is the confusion between усі (everyone) and все (everything). While they look similar, все (vse) refers to inanimate objects or situations in a singular, neuter sense, whereas усі (usi) refers to plural entities (mostly people). If you say 'Я знаю усі,' it sounds like you know 'all of them' (specific plural things). If you say 'Я знаю все,' it means you know 'everything' (the general concept).

❌ Я бачу все людей. (Wrong)
✅ Я бачу усіх людей. (Correct: I see all the people.)

In Ukrainian, there are several ways to express totality, and choosing the right one depends on whether you are looking at the group as a whole or as individual parts. Усі is the most common for 'all/everyone'. However, you might also encounter кожен, цілий, and увесь. Understanding the nuances between these will elevate your Ukrainian from basic to intermediate.

Кожен (Each/Every)
Focuses on the individual. 'Кожен студент' (Every student) vs 'Усі студенти' (All students). 'Кожен' is singular, 'Усі' is plural.
Цілий (Whole/Entire)
Used for a single entity that is complete. 'Цілий торт' (A whole cake). You wouldn't say 'усі торт' because 'усі' implies multiple items.
Увесь / Вся / Все (All/The whole)
These are the singular versions of 'усі'. 'Увесь світ' (The whole world), 'Вся країна' (The whole country), 'Все життя' (All of life).

The choice between усі and кожен is often stylistic. If you want to emphasize that every single person has a responsibility, you use кожен. If you are talking about the group's collective action, you use усі. For example, 'Усі співають' (Everyone is singing) implies a chorus. 'Кожен співає' (Each is singing) might imply they are singing different things or in different places.

Кожен має право на щастя.
Усі хочуть бути щасливими.

Translation: Everyone (each) has the right to happiness. Everyone (all) wants to be happy.
Всілякі (All sorts of)
This is an adjective used to describe variety. It’s related to 'усі' but focuses on the diversity within the 'all'.

Fun Fact

The 'у/в' alternation in 'усі/всі' is a remnant of ancient Slavic phonological laws that prioritized 'open syllables' and melodic sound patterns, making Ukrainian one of the most musical languages in the world.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʊˈsʲi/
US /uːˈsiː/
Second syllable (у-сІ).
Rhymes With
всі (vsi) носі (nosi - in the nose) росі (rosi - in the dew) косі (kosi - in the braid) русі (rusi - in motion) гусі (husi - geese) татусі (tatusi - daddies) бабусі (babusi - grandmas)
Common Errors
  • Stressing the first syllable (У-сі).
  • Pronouncing 'с' as a hard 's' instead of a soft 'sʲ'.
  • Confusing the vowel sound with 'e' (все).
  • Failing to alternate with 'всі' after vowels.
  • Using a short English 'i' sound (like 'it') instead of the long Ukrainian 'і' (like 'see').
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Examples by Level

1

Привіт усім!

Hello everyone!

The word 'усім' is the dative form used after greetings.

2

Усі тут?

Is everyone here?

A simple question using the nominative plural.

3

Усі діти грають.

All the children are playing.

The verb 'грають' is plural to match 'усі'.

4

Ми всі друзі.

We are all friends.

Note the use of 'всі' after the vowel 'и' in 'Ми'.

5

Усі яблука червоні.

All the apples are red.

Used here to modify an inanimate noun 'яблука'.

6

Ви усі готові?

Are you all ready?

Direct address to a group.

7

Усі п'ють чай.

Everyone is drinking tea.

Present tense plural verb.

8

Це для усіх.

This is for everyone.

Genitive case after the preposition 'для'.

1

Усі мої книги на полиці.

All my books are on the shelf.

Plural possessive 'мої' also matches 'усі'.

2

Вчора усі гуляли в парку.

Yesterday everyone was walking in the park.

Past tense plural verb 'гуляли'.

3

Чи усі студенти знають це?

Do all students know this?

Interrogative sentence with plural agreement.

4

Я хочу запросити усіх.

I want to invite everyone.

Accusative case for animate objects.

5

Усі квіти в саду гарні.

All the flowers in the garden are beautiful.

Adjective 'гарні' is plural.

6

Ми всі бачили цей фільм.

We all saw this movie.

Use of 'всі' for euphony after 'Ми'.

7

Усі вікна зачинені.

All the windows are closed.

Passive participle 'зачинені' is plural.

8

Вони усі працюють тут.

They all work here.

Emphasizing the collective 'they'.

1

Дякую усім за допомогу.

Thank you all for the help.

Dative case 'усім' used with the verb 'дякувати'.

2

Усі ці проблеми можна вирішити.

All these problems can be solved.

Abstract usage of 'усі'.

3

Я розповів новину усім друзям.

I told the news to all my friends.

Dative plural 'усім друзям'.

4

Усі ми маємо мрії.

We all have dreams.

Philosophical generalization.

5

Він знайомий з усіма сусідами.

He is acquainted with all the neighbors.

Instrumental case 'усіма' after 'з'.

6

Не усі люди люблять подорожувати.

Not all people like to travel.

Negation 'не усі' to qualify a statement.

7

Усі деталі дуже важливі.

All the details are very important.

Focus on completeness.

8

Я зібрав усі документи.

I collected all the documents.

Accusative plural for inanimate objects (same as nominative).

1

Усі зусилля були марними.

All efforts were in vain.

Formal/literary usage.

2

Ми повинні врахувати усі ризики.

We must take all risks into account.

Professional context.

3

Усі присутні підтримали ідею.

All those present supported the idea.

Substantivized adjective 'присутні'.

4

Ця книга популярна серед усіх вікових груп.

This book is popular among all age groups.

Genitive case after 'серед'.

5

Усі ці роки я чекав на це.

All these years I have been waiting for this.

Temporal usage indicating duration.

6

Він перевершив усі сподівання.

He exceeded all expectations.

Common idiomatic expression.

7

Усі дані були зашифровані.

All data was encrypted.

Technical context.

8

Ми обговорили усі можливі варіанти.

We discussed all possible options.

Comprehensive analysis.

1

Усі ці міркування є суто теоретичними.

All these considerations are purely theoretical.

Formal academic register.

2

Його слова торкнулися сердець усіх слухачів.

His words touched the hearts of all listeners.

Emotional/rhetorical usage.

3

Усі ми є заручниками обставин.

We are all hostages of circumstances.

Metaphorical/philosophical expression.

4

Попри усі труднощі, проект був завершений.

Despite all the difficulties, the project was completed.

Concessive construction with 'попри'.

5

Він знав усі тонкощі цієї справи.

He knew all the subtleties of this matter.

Focus on expert knowledge.

6

Усі дороги ведуть до Риму.

All roads lead to Rome.

Classic idiom used in high-level discourse.

7

Усі ці події мають глибоке коріння.

All these events have deep roots.

Historical/analytical context.

8

Ми закликаємо усіх небайдужих долучитися.

We call upon all those who care to join in.

Public appeal style.

1

Усі ці хитросплетіння долі ведуть до одного фіналу.

All these intricacies of fate lead to one finale.

Highly literary/poetic language.

2

Він відкинув усі умовності тогочасного суспільства.

He rejected all the conventions of the society of that time.

Sociological/historical critique.

3

Усі ми лише тіні в цьому театрі життя.

We are all but shadows in this theater of life.

Existential philosophical statement.

4

Держава гарантує права усім без винятку громадянам.

The state guarantees rights to all citizens without exception.

Legal/Constitutional register.

5

Усі ці спроби реформування виявилися ефемерними.

All these attempts at reform proved to be ephemeral.

Sophisticated vocabulary usage.

6

Він увібрав у себе усі барви рідного краю.

He absorbed all the colors of his native land.

Artistic/metaphorical description.

7

Усі ці аргументи позбавлені будь-якого сенсу.

All these arguments are devoid of any meaning.

Strong rhetorical negation.

8

Ми прагнемо до гармонії в усіх її проявах.

We strive for harmony in all its manifestations.

Abstract philosophical goal.

Synonyms

всі кожен увесь цілий всілякі загальний повний суцільний

Antonyms

ніхто жоден ніщо один

Common Collocations

усі разом
усі люди
усі часи
усі деталі
усі сторони
усі можливі
майже усі
усі без винятку
усі сили
усі куточки

Common Phrases

Привіт усім!

— A standard, friendly greeting to a group of people. Used in person and online.

Привіт усім, як справи?

Усі готові?

— A question to check if a group is prepared for an activity. Very common in classrooms.

Усі готові починати урок?

Усі свої

— A phrase meaning 'we are all friends/family here' or 'it's just us'. It implies a safe space.

Не соромся, тут усі свої.

Над усе

— Means 'above all' or 'most of all'. Frequently used in patriotic contexts.

Україна понад усе!

Усі до одного

— Means 'every single one' or 'to the last man'. Emphasizes 100% participation.

Вони прийшли усі до одного.

Усією сім'єю

— With the whole family. Note the singular feminine instrumental form here.

Ми поїхали на море усією сім'єю.

На усі сто

— 100 percent. Used to express total agreement or completion.

Я впевнений на усі сто!

Усіма руками за

— To be completely in favor of something. Literally 'with all hands for'.

Я за цю ідею усіма руками!

Для усіх бажаючих

— For all those who wish. Common in advertisements and announcements.

Вхід вільний для усіх бажаючих.

Усіма мовами

— In all languages. Used in international contexts.

Це слово звучить однаково усіма мовами.

Idioms & Expressions

"Усі карти в руках"

— To have all the advantages or information. Similar to 'holding all the cards'.

Тепер у нього усі карти в руках.

Informal/Neutral
"Усі пороги оббити"

— To visit many offices or people to get something done. Literally 'to wear down all the doorsteps'.

Я оббив усі пороги, щоб отримати довідку.

Idiomatic
"На усі заставки"

— In every possible way or very loudly/intensely.

Він лаявся на усі заставки.

Colloquial
"Усіма правдами і неправдами"

— By hook or by crook; by any means necessary.

Він хотів перемогти усіма правдами і неправдами.

Neutral
"Одним миром мазані"

— Made of the same cloth; having the same faults (usually negative). Literally 'anointed with the same oil'.

Вони усі там одним миром мазані.

Colloquial
"На усі чотири сторони"

— To go anywhere one pleases (often said when dismissing someone).

Іди на усі чотири сторони!

Informal
"Усі кінці в воду"

— To hide all traces of a crime or mistake. Literally 'all ends in the water'.

Він зробив так, щоб усі кінці в воду.

Idiomatic
"Витиснути усі соки"

— To exhaust someone completely. Literally 'to squeeze out all the juices'.

Ця робота витиснула з мене усі соки.

Informal
"З усіх ніг"

— As fast as one can run. Literally 'with all legs'.

Він біг додому з усіх ніг.

Neutral
"Усіма фібрами душі"

— With every fiber of one's soul; with one's whole being.

Він ненавидів брехню усіма фібрами душі.

Literary

Word Family

Nouns

всесвіт (universe)
всюдихід (all-terrain vehicle)

Adjectives

всебічний (comprehensive)
вселюдський (universal/humanity-wide)
всемогутній (almighty)

Related

весь (whole - masc)
вся (whole - fem)
все (whole - neuter)
всього (total/only)
всім (to everyone)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'U' and 'See'. 'U See' everyone in the room. 'Усі' means everyone!

Visual Association

Visualize a giant circle encompassing a group of people. Inside the circle, write 'УСІ'. It represents the 'all' within the boundary.

Word Web

всі кожен все увесь всюди разом колектив цілий

Challenge

Try to use 'усі' in three different sentences today: once to greet people, once to describe things in your room, and once to talk about your friends.

Word Origin

Derived from the Proto-Slavic *vьśь, meaning 'all' or 'whole'. This root is shared across almost all Slavic languages (e.g., Russian 'все', Polish 'wszyscy'). It has been a core part of the Ukrainian lexicon since the formation of the language.

Original meaning: The original meaning was 'total' or 'entire', referring to a complete set or a whole entity.

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

Cultural Context

English speakers often struggle with the fact that 'everyone' takes a singular verb, while 'усі' takes a plural one. In English, we focus on 'every single one' (individual), while Ukrainians focus on the 'all' (group).

The phrase
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