🇺🇦 Ukrainian phrases

How to Say "Food" in Ukrainian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
їжа
"Food" in Ukrainian · say it like yee-zhah

The most natural way to say "Food" in Ukrainian is їжа. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

харчі
more formal or literary term for food
страва
refers specifically to a dish or meal

When to use it

You can use 'їжа' in everyday conversations when talking about meals or food in general. It is suitable for both casual and formal contexts. Use 'харчі' when discussing food in a more formal or literary way. 'Страва' is best used when referring to a specific dish.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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Examples in Ukrainian

UkrainianEnglish
Я люблю готувати смачну їжу.I love to cook delicious food.
Ця страва дуже популярна в Україні.This dish is very popular in Ukraine.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'їжа' with 'страва', but 'їжа' is more general while 'страва' refers to a specific dish.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear їжа, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Ukrainian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'їжа' and 'харчі'?

'Їжа' is a general term for food, while 'харчі' is a more formal term often used in written contexts.

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