Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Ukrainian grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Двері червоні.
Why is there no verb like “are” in the sentence Двері червоні?
In Ukrainian, the present tense of the verb “to be” is usually omitted. The sentence directly implies that “the doors are red” without requiring an explicit verb.
Why is the adjective червоні placed after the noun двері?
In this construction, двері functions as the subject and червоні serves as the predicate adjective. Ukrainian commonly forms such sentences by placing the adjective after the noun, which is standard for expressing properties or states.
How does the adjective червоні agree with the noun двері in this sentence?
The noun двері is plural (and traditionally treated as feminine), so the adjective червоні is in the nominative plural form. This agreement in both number and, implicitly, gender is a key aspect of Ukrainian grammar.
Why aren’t there any articles like “the” or “a” in the sentence?
Ukrainian, like many Slavic languages, does not use articles. Definiteness or indefiniteness is understood through context rather than through words like “the” or “a”.
Does the lack of an explicit verb or article in Двері червоні change the meaning compared to the English sentence “The doors are red”?
Not at all. Despite the differences in structure, the intended meaning is fully conveyed in Ukrainian. The omission of the verb “to be” and the absence of articles are typical features of Ukrainian, yet native speakers clearly understand that the sentence describes “the doors are red.”