Sumy: The Heart of Northern Ukraine

• HelloПривіт
  [Privit]
• 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 ви?
  [Yak vi?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А ви?
  [Dobre. A vi?]
• 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 meny, bud laska]
• I don't eat meatЯ не їм м'ясо
  [Ya ne yim m'yaso]
• 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!Піди геть!
  [Pidi hetʹ!]
• Call the Police!Викличте поліцію!
  [Vyklchyte politsiyu!]
• Call a doctor!Викличте лікаря!
  [Vyklchyte 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 kupity...]
• I'm just lookingЯ просто дивлюся
  [Ya prosto dyvlyusya]
• 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'clockОдинадцята година
  [Odynadtsyata hodyna]
• Half past (10)Пів на одинадцяту
  [Piv na odynadtsyatu]
• MorningРанок
  [Ranok]
• AfternoonДень
  [Denʹ]
• EveningВечір
  [Vechir]
• YesterdayВчора
  [Vchora]
• TodayСьогодні
  [Sʹogodni]
• TomorrowЗавтра
  [Zavtra]
• 1Один
  [Odin]
• 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 мапі)?
  [Chy mozhete vy meni pokazaty (na mapi)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Коли наступний (автобус)?
  [Koly nastupnyy (avtobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Квиток (до ....)
  [Kvytok (do ....)]

Sumy was officially founded in 1652 by Cossack settlers who were seeking refuge from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's oppression. The settlement quickly grew due to its strategic location near the banks of the Psel River, which provided both defense and trade opportunities.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Sumy flourished as part of the Cossack Hetmanate, an autonomous Cossack state under the suzerainty of the Russian Tsar. The city benefited from a degree of self-governance and became a hub for trade and agriculture.

In the late 18th century, Sumy was incorporated into the Russian Empire following the dismantling of the Cossack Hetmanate. The city experienced rapid industrial growth, particularly in sugar production, which became a cornerstone of its economy.

The 19th century saw Sumy evolve into a significant industrial center. The development of railroads further connected the city with major Russian markets, and the population grew substantially. Cultural landmarks like the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral were constructed during this period.

Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Sumy witnessed turbulent times as it became a battleground during the Ukrainian War of Independence (1917-1921). The city changed hands multiple times between Ukrainian national forces, Bolsheviks, and the White Army.

Under Soviet rule, Sumy underwent extensive industrialization. The establishment of large factories and plants transformed the city's economy. However, the Soviet era also brought repression, including the Holodomor famine of 1932-1933, which had devastating effects on the local population.

During World War II, Sumy was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1943. The occupation resulted in significant hardships, including the destruction of infrastructure and the persecution of the local Jewish community. The city was liberated by the Red Army in 1943.

After World War II, Sumy was rebuilt and continued to grow as an industrial city. The Soviet government invested heavily in the reconstruction of factories and housing, shaping much of the city's modern infrastructure. Educational institutions like Sumy State University were also established.

Following Ukraine's independence in 1991, Sumy transitioned from a Soviet industrial hub to a modern Ukrainian city. The city has since focused on diversifying its economy, fostering cultural developments, and restoring historical landmarks. It has become a symbol of resilience and adaptation in modern Ukraine.

In recent years, Sumy has seen a cultural renaissance with the revitalization of historical sites, the establishment of new cultural institutions, and a growing emphasis on tourism. The city's rich history and vibrant culture continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Sumy is located in northeastern Ukraine, approximately 350 kilometers from Kyiv. The nearest international airport is Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv. From Kyiv, you can reach Sumy by train, bus, or car. Trains from Kyiv to Sumy operate regularly and the journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. Buses are also available and they take around the same time. If you prefer to drive, the journey by car takes approximately 4 to 5 hours via the E101 highway.

Sumy has a well-developed public transport system including buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses (marshrutkas). Taxis are also available and relatively inexpensive; ride-hailing apps such as Uber operate in the city. For short distances, walking is a good option as many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Bicycle rentals are available for those who prefer to explore the city on two wheels.

The official currency in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Sumy. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for convenient cash withdrawals.

Sumy is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Petropavlivska Street and Sumy Central Market can get crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Sumy has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. The Sumy City Hospital is well-equipped for more serious medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, women should cover their heads and men should remove their hats. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake. A friendly 'Dobry den' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sumy like a local, visit the Sumy Central Market for fresh produce and traditional Ukrainian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss the Sumy Regional Art Museum and the Sumy State Drama and Musical Comedy Theatre for a taste of local arts. For a unique experience, stroll through the picturesque Children's Park 'Kazka' and the scenic Sumy City Park.