hryvna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Journalistic / Historical
Quick answer
What does “hryvna” mean?
The primary monetary unit of Ukraine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The primary monetary unit of Ukraine.
Historically, a medieval unit of weight and currency used in Kievan Rus'; also refers to a distinct military decoration called the Order of Princess Olga.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally specialised in both BrE and AmE. It is a culture-specific term with no regional variation in English.
Connotations
Neutral, but carries connotations related to Ukrainian sovereignty, post-Soviet economics, and medieval East Slavic history.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Appears almost exclusively in financial news, travel guides, or historical texts about Ukraine.
Grammar
How to Use “hryvna” in a Sentence
[Subject: Central Bank] + stabilises/defends + [Object: the hryvna][Subject: Currency] + be + quoted/denominated in + [Object: hryvnas][Subject: Price] + be + [Number] + hryvnasVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hryvna” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hryvna exchange rate is volatile.
- Hryvna-denominated bonds.
American English
- The hryvna exchange rate is volatile.
- Hryvna-denominated bonds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in forex markets, international trade reports, and economic analysis: 'The hryvna appreciated by 2% against the euro.'
Academic
Used in economic history, Slavic studies, and numismatics: 'The medieval hryvna was a silver ingot used across the Rus' principalities.'
Everyday
Rare. Likely only used by travellers or expatriates in Ukraine: 'How many hryvnas for a coffee?'
Technical
Used in banking and finance with ISO 4217 code UAH.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hryvna”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hryvna”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hryvna”
- Misspelling: 'grivna', 'hrivnia', 'hryvnya'. Using plural 'hryvnas' inconsistently (vs. 'hryvnia' or 'hryvny'). Treating it as a common noun ('a hryvna' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, essentially. 'Hryvnia' is the more common anglicised spelling and form for the currency unit. 'Hryvna' is a transliteration closer to the Ukrainian pronunciation.
The symbol is ₴, a stylised Cyrillic letter 'He' (Г) with a double horizontal stroke, representing stability.
While some tourist-oriented businesses may accept major foreign currencies, the official and universally accepted currency for daily transactions within Ukraine is the hryvna (UAH).
In Kievan Rus', the hryvna was a unit of weight (approx. 200g of silver) and later a monetary unit, taking the form of silver ingots or bars.
The primary monetary unit of Ukraine.
Hryvna is usually formal / journalistic / historical in register.
Hryvna: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhrɪvnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhrɪvnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not a single/one hryvna (emphasising no money).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Hryvna' sounds like 'hriv-na' - to remember it's Ukrainian money, link it to 'KIEV' (the old name for Kyiv) and the HR in both.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURRENCY IS A MEASURE OF NATIONAL STRENGTH/STABILITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the hryvna?