Khmelnytskyi: The Heart of Podillia

• HelloПривіт
  [Pryvit]
• GoodbyeДо побачення
  [Do pobachennya]
• YesТак
  [Tak]
• NoНі
  [Ni]
• Please/You're welcomeБудь ласка
  [Bud laska]
• Thank youДякую
  [Dyakuyu]
• Excuse me/SorryВибачте
  [Vybachte]
• How are you?Як справи?
  [Yak spravy?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А у вас?
  [Dobre. A u vas?]
• Do you speak English?Ви говорите англійською?
  [Vy hovoryte anhliysʹkoyu?]
• I don't understandЯ не розумію
  [Ya ne rozumiyu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЯ б хотів подивитися меню, будь ласка
  [Ya b khotiv podyvytysya menyoo, bud laska]
• I don't eat meatЯ не їм м'ясо
  [Ya ne yim m'iaso]
• Cheers!Будьмо!
  [Budʹmo!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЯ б хотів розрахуватися, будь ласка
  [Ya b khotiv rozrakhuvatysya, bud laska]

• Help!Допоможіть!
  [Dopomozhitʹ!]
• Go away!Іди геть!
  [Idy hetʹ!]
• Call the Police!Покличте поліцію!
  [Poklychte politsiyu!]
• Call a doctor!Покличте лікаря!
  [Poklychte likarya!]
• I'm lostЯ загубився
  [Ya zahubyvsya]
• I'm illЯ хворий
  [Ya khvoryy]

• I'd like to buy...Я б хотів купити...
  [Ya b khotiv kupyty...]
• I'm just lookingЯ просто дивлюсь
  [Ya prosto dyvliusʹ]
• How much is it?Скільки це коштує?
  [Skilʹky tse koshtuye?]
• That's too expensiveЦе занадто дорого
  [Tse zanadto doroho]
• Can you lower the price?Чи можете ви знизити ціну?
  [Chy mozhete vy znyzyty tsinu?]

• What time is it?Котра година?
  [Kotra hodyna?]
• It's one o'clockОдна година
  [Odna hodyna]
• Half past (10)Пів на (10)
  [Piv na (10)]
• MorningРанок
  [Ranok]
• AfternoonДень
  [Denʹ]
• EveningВечір
  [Vechir]
• YesterdayВчора
  [Vchora]
• TodayСьогодні
  [Sʹogodni]
• TomorrowЗавтра
  [Zavtra]
• 1один
  [odyn]
• 2два
  [dva]
• 3три
  [try]
• 4чотири
  [chotyry]
• 5п'ять
  [p'yatʹ]
• 6шість
  [shistʹ]
• 7сім
  [sim]
• 8вісім
  [visim]
• 9дев'ять
  [dev'yatʹ]
• 10десять
  [desyatʹ]

• Where's a/the...?Де є/знаходиться...?
  [De ye/znakhodytsya...?]
• What's the address?Яка адреса?
  [Yaka adresa?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Чи можете ви мені показати (на карті)?
  [Chy mozhete vy meni pokazaty (na karti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Коли буде наступний (автобус)?
  [Koly bude nastupnyy (avtobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Квиток (до ...)
  [Kvytok (do ...)]

Khmelnytskyi, originally known as Proskuriv, has been inhabited since ancient times with evidence of settlements from the Trypillian culture. The town was officially established in 1493, when it was granted Magdeburg rights, giving it a significant degree of self-government and marking its importance in the region.

The region was a focal point during the Khmelnytsky Uprising (1648-1657), named after the Cossack leader Bohdan Khmelnytsky. The rebellion was a significant event in Ukrainian history, leading to the eventual establishment of a Cossack state and the Treaty of Pereyaslav, which brought parts of Ukraine under Russian protection.

In the late 18th century, following the partitions of Poland, the region around Khmelnytskyi came under the control of the Austrian Empire and later the Russian Empire. This period saw significant changes in administration and development, with the city becoming an important trade center due to its strategic location.

Khmelnytskyi experienced significant upheaval during the 20th century, including the upheavals of World War I and the Russian Revolution. The city changed hands multiple times between different factions. During World War II, Khmelnytskyi was occupied by Nazi forces, leading to the tragic extermination of its Jewish community.

Post World War II, Khmelnytskyi became part of the Ukrainian SSR within the Soviet Union. The city underwent rapid industrialization and expansion during this period, becoming a hub for manufacturing and education. Notably, it was renamed from Proskuriv to Khmelnytskyi in 1954, in honor of Bohdan Khmelnytsky.

Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, Khmelnytskyi has continued to develop as a regional center. It is known for its vibrant markets, bustling trade, and cultural institutions. The city celebrates its rich historical heritage while moving forward as a modern urban center.

Khmelnytskyi is located in western Ukraine and is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport, about 250 kilometers away. From Lviv, you can take a train or bus to Khmelnytskyi. Trains are frequent and provide a comfortable ride, typically taking around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which might take a bit longer. If you are coming from Kyiv, the capital city, direct trains and buses are also available and take approximately 4-6 hours.

Khmelnytskyi has a well-developed public transportation system including buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses (marshrutkas). Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer self-driving, car rental services are available in the city. Most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance from each other, making it easy to explore on foot.

The official currency in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are widespread throughout Khmelnytskyi, so withdrawing cash is generally convenient. Currency exchange offices are also available in the city.

Khmelnytskyi is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other city, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Petrovsky Park and the area around the central market are particularly known for pickpocketing, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The city has several hospitals and clinics where you can receive medical care. Have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread, and many have staff who speak English. For minor health issues, over-the-counter medications can be purchased without a prescription.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering churches, women should cover their heads with a scarf. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A friendly nod or a smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Khmelnytskyi like a local, visit the local markets such as the Central Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Ukrainian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their culture. Don’t miss visiting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Art Museum and the Museum of Local Lore for a deeper understanding of the city’s history. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Southern Bug River, which offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.