Будь ласка, відповідай спокійно.

please

Breakdown of Будь ласка, відповідай спокійно.

• відповідати: to answer
• спокійно: calmly

Questions & Answers about Будь ласка, відповідай спокійно.

What does the phrase “Будь ласка” literally mean, and how is it used here?

It literally means “be kind” (from будь = be [imperative] + ласка = kindness/favor), but it functions as the standard “please.” In Ukrainian it’s also commonly used as “you’re welcome” after “дякую” (thank you). In this sentence it politely softens the command: “Please, answer calmly.”

Is the comma after “Будь ласка” necessary? Where else can “будь ласка” go?

Yes. When будь ласка appears at the start, it’s treated as a parenthetical particle and is followed by a comma: Будь ласка, … If it comes at the end, put a comma before it: … , будь ласка. Both orders are fine:

• Будь ласка, відповідай спокійно.
• Відповідай спокійно, будь ласка.

What grammatical form is “відповідай”? Is it formal or informal?

Відповідай is the 2nd-person singular imperative of the verb відповіда́ти “to answer/respond.” It addresses one person informally (the “ти” form). For formal address or talking to several people, use the plural imperative відповіда́йте:

• Будь ласка, відповідайте спокійно. = Please answer calmly. (formal/plural)

Why is there no word for “you” in the sentence?