The Ukrainian language has its own rules and traditions regarding the names of the days of the week. One of the most frequent questions concerns the correct use of the words четвер and четверг, writes the Industrialnoye Zaporozhye website. Are these words interchangeable? Which one is normative, and which is considered an error? If you have already wished everyone a good Thursday, then let's figure out how to write this word correctly.
Correct form: четверг
The only correct form in the modern Ukrainian language is Thursday. This word is used to denote the fourth day of the week. It complies with the rules of Ukrainian spelling, is fixed in dictionaries and is part of the literary norm.
The word Thursday is considered a Russification and is unacceptable for use in the Ukrainian language. It is a calque from the Russian language (“Thursday”), which does not comply with the phonetic and grammatical norms of Ukrainian.
Why “Thursday”?
1. Etymology:
The word Thursday comes from an Old Slavic root, which indicates the fourth day of the week. It is part of the Ukrainian linguistic tradition and harmoniously fits into the system of names of the days of the week:
• Monday,
• Tuesday,
• Wednesday,
• Thursday,
• Friday,
• Saturday,
• Sunday.
2. Conformity with norms:
Ukrainian spelling does not recognize the form Thursday, since this word is foreign to the Ukrainian language. Using this form is perceived as a gross error.
How to use the word “Thursday” correctly?
• In colloquial style:
Today is Thursday, and we have an important meeting.
• In literature:
The events took place early Thursday morning.
• In official-business style:
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 25.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
1. Usage of “четверг”: ❌ “Today is Thursday” is incorrect. 2. “Today is Thursday” is correct. 2. “Phonetic error in pronunciation: Due to the influence of the Russian language, many people pronounce the word “четвер” with the stress on the last syllable or add the sound “г”. Correct: “четвер” (stress on the first syllable). 3. “Surzhik”: Phrases like “There will be a meeting on Thursday” are examples of surzhik. Correct form:There will be a meeting on Thursday.
Examples of correct usage
• We are planning a trip on Thursday.
• Thursday is the day when I have the least work.
• Meetings are always held on Thursday morning.
What Avramenko says about Thursday
Ukrainian linguist Oleksandr Avramenko has repeatedly emphasized that the word четверг is a Russianism and violates the norms of the modern Ukrainian language. In his lessons, he reminds us that only the form четверг is correct and appropriate in any context.
The correct form for the fourth day of the week in Ukrainian is четверг. The word четверг is a mistake that should be avoided. Adhering to the literary norms of the language helps preserve its purity and uniqueness. So always remember: Thursday is correct, Thursday is not!
Also read how to write at least or at least correctly.
