Forget about "nagging": here are 10 more precise Ukrainian phrases for constructive criticism.

Today, we are increasingly attentive to the clarity of our speech, even when it comes to criticism or arguments. After all, statements that we automatically borrow from Russian do not always accurately reflect our thoughts in Ukrainian.

One such expression is "давати нагоняй". Although it can be considered an acceptable translation, there are many more precise phrases in the Ukrainian language that can replace this calqued expression.

How to say it correctly in Ukrainian

Olga Bahniy, author and host of the program "Correctly in Ukrainian" on "Radio Trek", notes: "When you scold or criticize someone, you can say that you are giving them нагоняй. But this is not the only idiom that can be used in such cases. You can also say: знімати стружку, милити шию, давати прочухана або змішати з болотом".

TikTok users have also suggested interesting Ukrainian equivalents:

• насипати в торбу,
• накрутити хвоста,
• закрутити гайки,
• втерти маку.

Additionally, the dictionary of fixed expressions provides other options:

• дати нагінки,
• вичитати когось.

So, there are quite a few more precise, distinctly Ukrainian alternatives to express your criticism or indignation. Therefore, it is better to avoid the expression "давати нагоняй" — it originates from the Russian language and does not accurately convey our emotions in our native tongue.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported that "все равно" is a calque. And in the Ukrainian language, there are 5 correct ways to say that you are indifferent.