The former is the Russian pronounciation, the latter is the Ukrainian. I use these two interchangeably. My first language is Russian, but I love Russian and Ukrainian the same. And I hate all the politics that get in the way of beautiful things, such as the sharpness, the clarity of Kiiii-ev, the rounded, breathy softness of Kyyy-iiiiv.
-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Natalia A. 
What about the English ‘Keeeee – YEV’?
Or what about German version Kiew sounds like KIEW for us. With Kyiv you confuse completly the vast mayority of German speakers since only one letter is the same : )
I have to ask a stupid question. I only come by it because I’m an avid Stephen Fry fan and am watching the quiz show Quite Interesting these days.
Is it true that there are some names for people that are translated into English as “power station” (for girls) and “combine harvester” (for boys)? And the 23rd of February? Does this sound like complete bollocks and completely normal? I’m fascinated by this.
Don’t punt me, I mean no harm.
Yes, such names were sometimes used in the 20th century.
My great-aunt was named Lenina, for example. A feminine version of Lenin.
She was lucky, ;).
I’ve never met anyone named, “Tractor,” but I’m sure they’re out there, somewhere…
Then again, that fascinating generation has all but died off now.