Expressing 'To Be' In Ukrainian
In Ukrainian, the infinitive form of the verb бути means 'to be.'
Я хочу бути лікарем.
I want to be a doctor.
Я хочу бути з тобою.
I want to be with you.
The verb бути (to be) is always conjugated as є. This is in contrast to other languages where the word 'to be' has a variety of conjugations. (In English, we have many conjugations of the verb 'to be': 'He is', 'I am', 'You are', etc.)
Він є лікар.
He is a doctor.
я є студент.
I am a student.
In virtually all cases, the word є is omitted.
Він лікар.
He is a doctor.
я студент.
I am a student.
When the word є is present, it's used to express emphasis.
Він є лікар.
He IS a doctor.
я є студент.
I AM a student.
Expressing To Be In Ukrainian
In Ukrainian, the infinitive form of the verb buty means to be.
Ya xochu buty likarem.
I want to be a doctor.
Ya xochu buty z toboyu.
I want to be with you.
The verb buty (to be) is always conjugated as ye. This is in contrast to other languages where the word to be has a variety of conjugations. (In English, we have many conjugations of the verb to be: He is, I am, You are, etc.)
Vin ye likar.
He is a doctor.
ya ye student.
I am a student.
In virtually all cases, the word ye is omitted.
Vin likar.
He is a doctor.
ya student.
I am a student.
When the word ye is present, its used to express emphasis.
Vin ye likar.
He IS a doctor.
ya ye student.
I AM a student.