варто + Infinitive

Варто Plus Infinitive

Level 5Sounds Like varto + ínfínítiv

The construction варто + інфінітив is the most common way to say 'it is worth' or 'one should' in Ukrainian. It is a polite, soft way to offer recommendations.

How It Works

1. Basic Structure
The pattern consists of the word варто followed by an infinitive. In the present tense, no linking verb (copula) is used. You may also encounter the short-form variant варт, which functions identically to варто.

2. Specifying the Person
If you want to specify who should do the action, that person must be in the Dative case. For example: Вам варто... (You should...).

3. Tense Variations
To change the tense, use the neuter form of the verb 'to be':

  • Past: варто було (it was worth / one should have)
  • Future: варто буде (it will be worth)
  • Conditional: варто було б (it would be worth / should [soft/hypothetical])

4. Negation
To express that something is not worth doing or shouldn't be done, simply add the particle не before варто (e.g., не варто дякувати — it's not worth thanking / no need to thank).

5. Nuance vs. Other Modals
While слід is a close synonym, it is more formal. Варто is the standard choice for daily conversation and helpful suggestions. It focuses on the value or benefit of the action rather than a strict obligation.

Examples (6)

  1. Варто спробувати цей десерт.

    It is worth trying this dessert.

    Word by Word: Worth to-try this dessert.

    A general recommendation where the subject is implied or universal.

  2. Вам варто відпочити після роботи.

    You should rest after work.

    Word by Word: To-you worth to-rest after work.

    Advice directed at a specific person using the Dative case (Вам).

  3. Варто було попередити нас заздалегідь.

    You should have warned us in advance.

    Word by Word: Worth was to-warn us in-advance.

    The past tense 'варто було' expresses a recommendation about a past event, often implying regret (should have).

  4. Варто буде обговорити це питання завтра.

    It will be worth discussing this issue tomorrow.

    Word by Word: Worth will-be to-discuss this issue tomorrow.

    The future tense 'варто буде' indicates a future recommendation or value.

  5. Не варто хвилюватися через дрібниці.

    It's not worth worrying about trifles.

    Word by Word: Not worth to-worry because-of trifles.

    The negative form 'не варто' is used to advise against an action.

  6. Варто було б перевірити документи ще раз.

    It would be worth checking the documents once more.

    Word by Word: Worth was would to-check documents still time.

    Using the conditional 'було б' makes the suggestion softer and more hypothetical (would be worth).

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Nominative case for the person receiving advice.

    Ви варто більше спати.
    Вам варто більше спати.

    The person who 'should' do something must be in the Dative case, not the Nominative.

  • Confusing the impersonal 'варто' with the adjective 'вартий'.

    Це варте зробити.
    Це варто зробити.

    When followed by an infinitive, always use the impersonal form 'варто'. The adjective 'вартий' is used with nouns (e.g., 'Він вартий уваги').

How It Connects

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варто + InfinitiveLevel 5Варто Plus Infinitive

Learn This First

To use the 'варто + інфінітив' construction, you need to know how to form the Ukrainian infinitive (ending in -ти). Additionally, since recommendations are often directed at someone, understanding the dative case for the 'experiencer' or recipient of the advice is necessary to form complete sentences like 'Вам варто...'

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Words in This Pattern

варто