The four letters introduced in this unit look like letters you already know, but unlike Unit 1 these letters are not pronounced the same as in English. Pay close attention to these letters and avoid pronouncing them like in English.
The letter і is pronounced like the “ee” in “tree”, or the “i” in “spaghetti” (IPA: /i/). It is not pronounced like the “i” in “pit” or the “i” in “spite”. It will be represented by “i” in this book. The uppercase form is І.
The letter р is pronounced like the Spanish “r” sound in “rapido”, i.e. a trilled or rolled “r” sound (IPA: /r/). This letter is not difficult to pronounce for an English speaker but does require some practice. If you cannot pronounce this letter yet, you can substitute an English “r” sound for now. Although this letter resembles an English “p” it is not pronounced like a “p” sound. The uppercase form is Р.
The letter с is pronounced like the “s” sound in “some” or “same” (IPA: /s/). Although it resembles an English “c”, it is never pronounced like the “c” in “cat”. It is always pronounced with an “s” sound. The hard “c” sound is spelled with к in Ukrainian. The uppercase form is С.
The letter в is pronounced like the “v” sound in “very” (IPA: /v/). Sometimes you will hear a “w” sound instead of a “v” sound, but the beginner student should think of this letter as a “v” sound. Although it resembles an uppercase “B”, it is never pronounced like the English “b” sound in “boy”. The uppercase form is В.
PRACTICE 1
Try to recognize these English words in their Ukrainian disguises. Focus on the correct pronunciation and not necessarily the English spelling. The answers are below.
1. рат
2. ті
3. сіт
4. вет
5. матс
6. котс
7. рот
8. тім
9. стем
10. сторм
ANSWERS 1
1. rat
2. tea
3. seat
4. vet
5. mats
6. cots
7. rot
8. team
9. stem
10. storm
PRACTICE 2
Try to read these real Ukrainian words. The English translation is given next to each word. The correct pronunciations are given in the answers below.
1. кава (coffee)
2. море (sea)
3. ріка (river)
4. сім (seven)
5. вісім (eight)
ANSWERS 2
1. kava
2. more
3. rika
4. sim
5. visim