Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Квиток був дорогим, але я залишився задоволеним поїздкою. - The ticket was expensive, but I was happy with the trip.

“Був” is the past tense of the linking verb “бути” (to be), which connects the subject “Квиток” (ticket) to its predicate description “дорогим” (expensive). In Ukrainian, when describing a state or quality with a linking verb, the adjective is typically in the instrumental case. This construction indicates that the ticket was in the state of being expensive.

Why is the adjective “задоволеним” used in the instrumental case after the verb “залишився”?

The verb “залишився” (remained) expresses a change or continuity of state, and in Ukrainian, adjectives describing such resultant or sustained states are usually rendered in the instrumental case. Thus, “задоволеним” (satisfied) appears in the instrumental to show that the speaker continued to be in a state of satisfaction after the experience.

What does the instrumental noun “поїздкою” indicate in this sentence?

“Поїздкою” is the instrumental form of the noun “поїздка” (trip). In this sentence, it functions to specify the context or the means by which the state of satisfaction was experienced—it tells us that the speaker was satisfied with the trip. The use of the instrumental case here is common in Ukrainian when indicating the object or circumstance associated with a state.

What is the role of the conjunction “але” in this sentence?

“але” translates to “but” in English and serves as a coordinating conjunction. It introduces a contrast between the two clauses of the sentence: the first clause presents a negative aspect (the ticket being expensive), while the second clause reveals a positive outcome (the speaker’s satisfaction with the trip). This contrast emphasizes that although there was a drawback, the overall experience was positive.

Can you explain the overall sentence structure and how it conveys both a negative and a positive aspect?

The sentence is constructed from two contrasting clauses. The first clause (“Квиток був дорогим”) states a negative fact—the high cost of the ticket. The second clause (“але я залишився задоволеним поїздкою”) counters this by describing a positive result—the speaker’s lasting satisfaction with the trip. The conjunction “але” neatly ties these two ideas together, highlighting that despite the expensive ticket, the overall experience was favorable.

How does the use of different verbs (“був” versus “залишився”) contribute to the meaning of the sentence?

“Був” simply denotes a factual state in the past—showing that the ticket had a particular quality (expensive). In contrast, “залишився” (remained) implies that the state of satisfaction was maintained over time, even after the experience. This choice of verbs distinguishes between a static attribute of the ticket and the dynamic, enduring feeling of satisfaction experienced by the speaker.

What alternatives might be acceptable in Ukrainian to express the contrast found in this sentence?

An alternative way to construct the sentence could be “Квиток був дорогим, проте я був задоволений поїздкою.” Here, “проте” also means “but,” and “був задоволений” is a correct construction using the past tense of “бути.” However, “залишився задоволеним” emphasizes that the state of satisfaction continued throughout or after the trip, offering a slightly different nuance by highlighting the lasting nature of the speaker’s positive experience.