Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Україна – гарна країна з багатою культурою. - Ukraine is a beautiful country with a rich culture.

In Ukrainian, the dash serves as a linking element between the subject and its predicate. Since the language often omits the present form of the verb “to be,” the dash implies the same meaning as “is” does in English.

Why is there no explicit verb equivalent to “is” in the sentence?

Ukrainian typically omits the present tense of the verb “to be” in simple equational sentences. The relationship between the subject and its description is made clear by the dash and context, so an explicit verb isn’t necessary.

How is the adjective гарна functioning in this sentence?

The adjective гарна (meaning “beautiful”) directly describes the noun країна (“country”). It is in the feminine nominative singular form to agree with країна, aligning with Ukrainian agreement rules.

What role does the preposition з play in the phrase з багатою культурою?

The preposition з translates to “with” in English. It indicates that Ukraine is associated with or characterized by having a rich culture. Because з requires the ensuing noun to be in the instrumental case, культура appears as культурою.

Which grammatical case is used for культура in this sentence, and why?

Культура is in the instrumental case here—shown by its form культурою—because the preposition з (with) governs the instrumental. This construction conveys that Ukraine possesses or is accompanied by a rich culture.

Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence?

Certainly. The sentence is structured with Україна as the subject, followed by a dash that introduces the predicate. The predicate consists of гарна країна (“beautiful country”) with an additional qualifier з багатою культурою (“with a rich culture”). The sentence is equational, relying on the dash and context to convey the meaning without an explicit linking verb.