Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Хоча я дуже втомився, мій брат залишається активнішим, ніж я, під час спортивних змагань. - Although I am very tired, my brother remains more active than I am during sports competitions.

Хоча translates to "although" or "even though." It introduces a concessive clause that sets up a contrast between the speaker being very tired and his brother remaining more active during sports competitions.

How is the word втомився formed, and what does it indicate about the speaker?

Втомився is the past tense, masculine form of the verb втомитися (to become tired). It indicates that the speaker was tired at the time, which is used to highlight the contrast with his brother’s energetic performance.

How is the comparative adjective активнішим constructed in Ukrainian, and what is its English equivalent in this context?

Активнішим is the comparative form of the adjective активний (active). In Ukrainian, comparatives are often formed by adding a suffix (in this case, -іш-) and sometimes adjusting the ending. Here, активнішим means "more active." The sentence compares the speaker’s level of activity with that of his brother.

Why is the comparison made using "ніж я" instead of using an object form like "мене"?

In Ukrainian, when making comparisons with adjectives, it is common to maintain the nominative case to refer back to the subject of the clause. Thus, "ніж я" is used to directly compare the inherent qualities (in this case, activity level) rather than implying an action done to someone, which would require an accusative form like "мене."

What is the function of the phrase "під час спортивних змагань" in the sentence?

The phrase "під час спортивних змагань" functions as an adverbial modifier that specifies the context or timing—it means "during sports competitions." This detail clarifies that the comparison of activity levels is specifically observed in the context of sporting events.

How does the structure of the sentence emphasize the contrast between the speaker's condition and his brother's behavior?

The sentence begins with the concessive clause "Хоча я дуже втомився," which sets up the expectation of reduced activity. It is followed by the main clause "мій брат залишається активнішим, ніж я, під час спортивних змагань," which reveals that despite the speaker's fatigue, his brother remains energetic. This structure effectively highlights the contradiction and contrast between the speaker's state and his brother's performance.