15 Important Belarusian Words And Phrases You Must Know
History is very fascinating, but it can also be challenging to read. There is also pain and suffering that humans had to endure in the past. Although things aren’t rosy everywhere today either, our ancestors suffered the worst wars and plagues. Medical facilities were scarce, wars and conflicts were common, and necessities were unavailable to the majority. Reading all that is no fun, so most people, despite being interested in history, don’t read it to avoid coming across horrifying details. One exciting aspect of the world’s history is how different countries’ borders changed.
There are a few countries that did not go through too many changes. They saw more activity in the state’s government, and their rulers changed every half a century. These lands remained occupied for most of their history and then gained independence and changed their lives. Some of those lands never recovered from the oppression of their previous rulers and continue to suffer economically even today. A few countries were also a part of various states at different historical points. Such lands were never allowed to develop an identity for themselves. They were always a part of one state or another.
The worst thing they had to face was the different systems of government. If a democracy were put under a dictator’s rule, the citizens would suffer. Communism and fascism were also systems experimented on some lands, and the public had to suffer. Poverty reached an all-time high, state censorship and control tactics kept people scared, and opportunities were extinct. When the results led to an overthrow of the government, the occupied states managed to gain the independence they had wanted for centuries.
Belarus of today is not the same as it was a century ago. Its borders changed shape during the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1921. The country suffered a lot of damage during the Second World War. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Belarus declared independence, but it has been under authoritarian rule since. The state president has been in power since 1994, and the elections held during his tenure have been termed unfair by the international community. Belarus is not considered a free country by most human rights organizations. It has the lowest ranking in Europe on the democracy index.
How do you say cheers in Belarus?
A simple word that can be pronounced as ‘ura’ is used to say cheers in Belarus. Cheers isn’t just a word reserved for drinking time. People can say it at any time they want. It is a way to show excitement and happiness, so every language has a different word for saying cheers.
What do you call a person from Belarus?
Belarus, the neighbor of Russia, is a landlocked European country. A person from Belarus is called Belarusian. An overwhelming majority of the population is ethnic Belarusian. The most noticeable minority groups are Russians, Poles, and Ukrainians. Strong Russian influence can be observed everywhere in Belarus.
How can I learn to Belarusian?
If you wish to learn Belarusian, then be prepared to face many challenges as it is not a common language. However, if you are committed to learning it, you can read books in the language and consult a dictionary regularly to develop a basic understanding of Belarusian. You will be able to become fluent by speaking to native speakers.
Does Belarus have its own language?
Belarus has two official languages, Russian and Belarusian. The latter is the language of the biggest ethnic group living in Belarus. It shares a lot of features with Russian. The two are mutually intelligible to some extent. Belarusian is also spoken in parts of Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania by Belarusian minorities.
15 Important Belarusian Words and Phrases You Must Know:
Belarusian is one of the two official languages of Belarus. It is also spoken in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. In Russia, it is called “White Russian”. It is mutually intelligible with Russian and Ukrainian to some extent. But sadly, the language is at risk because the citizens of Belarus are more inclined towards Russia. The majority of the population of Belarus cannot write Belarusian, which is why it appears as ‘vulnerable’ on UNESCO’s list of dying languages.
The language itself is pretty exciting and catches the attention of many linguists. Here are the fifteen essential words and phrases in Belarusian that you must know:
- Pryvitannie:
Nothing starts without a ‘hello,’ so say this word when you want to begin a conversation with a Belarusian.
- Fajna:
Do you want a fancy word for saying cool or super-duper? This is what you should go for. Fajna can also be displayed in response to a friend when they ask you to hang out with them.
- Zahaplennie:
Fascinated by an actress but don’t have the right words to express the feeling? This word is here to help you. You can also use it when you are fascinated by a landscape.
- Mroja:
If thinking of pleasant fantasies (daydreaming) is your favorite pastime, then you will love this word because that’s precisely what it means.
- Impet:
The commitment to do something is called impet. It is the creative energy that inspires you to get things done.
- Hareza:
Need a Belarusian word for your friend who is a prankster? Here is the best one for you.
- Dziakuj:
This is the word for ‘thank you’ and will be helpful if you plan on traveling to Belarus. There is nothing better than being polite to strangers.
- Prabatsce:
Where are your manners if you are not wondering about sorry? Well, there is no need. Here is the Belarusian word for it.
- Yak spravy?
This is how you ask someone ‘how are you?’ in Belarus. This is the first step of getting to know someone.
- Kachannie:
This word may not look very cute, but it does mean love, which will change your perception.
- Znichka:
You can say plenty of shooting stars on summer nights in Belarus; this is the word you can use for them in Belarusian.
- Kali laska:
This means ‘You are welcome’ but in a much more tender sense.
- Piaščotny:
You can use this adjective to describe something’s tenderness and warmth.
- Da pabachennia:
Bidding them farewell? Say this, and they will know you are leaving.
- Heta nailepshaya kraina u svetse!
“This is the best country in the world’ is something you can say about any state, but once you visit Belarus, you won’t help but say this about it.
Hopefully, you will enjoy this little Belarusian lesson.
