Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Гроші можна витратити на корисні речі.

можна is a modal word that expresses possibility or permission. It indicates that the action of spending money is allowed or possible without specifying who performs it, forming an impersonal construction common in Ukrainian.

Why is the verb витратити in its infinitive form and what does its aspect indicate?

витратити appears in the infinitive because it follows the modal можна, which requires an infinitive complement. Additionally, it is in the perfective aspect, emphasizing a complete, one-time action instead of an ongoing or habitual process.

What is the significance of using the perfective form витратити rather than an imperfective form?

The perfective aspect in витратити suggests that the spending is viewed as a single, complete action. If the speaker intended to imply an ongoing or repeated process, the imperfective form (such as витрачати) would have been used instead.

What does Гроші mean, and why is it presented as a plural noun in Ukrainian?

Гроші translates to “money.” In Ukrainian, money is always treated as a plural noun, reflecting the concept of multiple units or items rather than a singular substance.

How does the preposition на work in the phrase на корисні речі?

The preposition на in на корисні речі connects the action of spending with its target or purpose. It is equivalent to “on” in English and clarifies that money is being spent for the acquisition of useful things.

Why is the sentence structured as Гроші можна витратити на корисні речі, and can this order be changed without altering its meaning?

Ukrainian allows flexible word order. Beginning the sentence with Гроші emphasizes the subject (money), while the modal construction (можна + витратити) and the prepositional phrase (на корисні речі) follow naturally. Although rearrangements like Витратити гроші можна на корисні речі are possible, the given order highlights the resource being discussed and maintains a clear, natural flow.