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Questions & Answers about Вибачте, де аптека?
What does Вибачте mean in this sentence and how is it formed?
Вибачте is the polite imperative of the verb вибачити (to forgive). It literally means “forgive me,” but in this context it functions as “excuse me” or “sorry” when you want to get someone’s attention or politely start a question.
Why is аптека in the nominative case after де?
The interrogative adverb де (where) asks about the subject or location without requiring a preposition, so the noun remains in the nominative case. That’s why we say де аптека, not де аптеку or де аптеці.
How do you pronounce Вибачте, де аптека?
In IPA it’s roughly [vɪˈbɑt͡ʃtɛ dɛ ɑpˈtɛkɑ]. Stress falls on the second syllable of Вибачте (–бач–) and on the second syllable of аптека (–те–).
Can I drop Вибачте and just say Де аптека?
Yes. Де аптека? is perfectly understandable and common in informal settings. Adding Вибачте makes it more polite, especially when addressing strangers.
What’s the difference between Де аптека? and Де знаходиться аптека?
Both mean “Where is the pharmacy?” The first is shorter and colloquial. The second uses the verb знаходитися (to be located), which can sound slightly more formal: Вибачте, де знаходиться аптека?
Why are there no articles before аптека?
Ukrainian doesn’t have definite or indefinite articles like English the or a/an. You simply use the noun in the correct case without an article.
What gender and number is аптека, and does it affect the question?
Аптека is a feminine singular noun. Since де requires the nominative, we keep аптека unchanged in singular. If you asked about multiple pharmacies, you’d say Де аптеки? (plural nominative).
What part of speech is де, and can it be replaced?
Де is an interrogative adverb meaning “where.” You could also use куди (where to) if you’re asking for a direction (“to where?”), but for asking location you stick with де.
What about Пробачте—is it the same as Вибачте?
They’re very similar. Пробачте comes from пробачити and also means “forgive me” or “excuse me.” Both are polite; вибачте is slightly more formal or widespread in Ukraine, but you can use either.