Use курва only when its misogynistic and sexualized contempt is intended or being quoted. It is much harsher than neutral секс-працівниця and more abusive than повія, while хвойда, шльондра, and блядь are neighbouring insults with similarly degrading force. It does not neutrally describe a woman’s work or relationships.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Він назвав її курва. | Він назвав її курвою. |
| Вони побачили курва біля будинку. | Вони побачили курву біля будинку. |
| У звіті вжито нейтральний термін курва. | У звіті вжито нейтральний термін секс-працівниця. |
| Я говорив про курва. | Я говорив про курву. |
Use курва as an insult or expletive only in deliberately profane speech or when quoting it. It is rougher and more sexualized than чорт or дідько, and close in force to блядь. As a detached expletive it may target nobody, but it still signals anger or strong emotion rather than affection or politeness.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Ти, курва, замовкни! | Ти, курво, замовкни! |
| Курво, ця машина знову зламалася! | Курва, ця машина знову зламалася! |
| Він сказав мені курво. | Він назвав мене курвою. |
| У діловому листі доречно написати: «Курва, сталася помилка». | У діловому листі доречно написати: «На жаль, сталася помилка». |
Treat курва as strongly vulgar. Context determines whether it labels a woman, attacks a person, or functions as an untargeted expletive.
Ти, курва misses the vocative курво in direct address, while translating every occurrence as prostitute ignores its common expletive use.
Inherited from Proto-Slavic *kury, whose genitive singular was *kurъve. The Ukrainian etymological dictionary connects it with *kurъ ‘rooster’, proposing an earlier sense ‘hen’ before the later insulting sense.
What does курва mean?
Курва is a strongly vulgar Ukrainian word used as a sexualized insult for a woman and, more broadly, as an insult or emotional expletive.
Does курва always mean prostitute?
No. It can refer abusively to a prostitute, promiscuous woman, or mistress, but it is also widely used as a general swearword.
Can курва be aimed at a man?
Yes. Although its literal sexualized sense is feminine, the extended insult can be directed at a person of any gender.
What is the vocative of курва?
The singular vocative is курво, used when directly addressing someone.
Is курва polite?
No. Курва is vulgar and offensive, and it is unsuitable for polite or formal contexts.
What are milder alternatives to курва?
For a neutral occupation use секс-працівниця, while повія is less abusive but still stigmatizing. As expletives, чорт and дідько are milder.
Can курва be an untargeted expletive?
Yes. It can be inserted into speech to release anger, shock, or emphasis without naming any person.
How should курва be translated into English?
Depending on context it may be whore, bastard, fuck, or damn. No single English word covers every use.
Where does курва come from?
It continues Proto-Slavic *kury. One documented etymology links that form with a word for a rooster and proposes an earlier meaning ‘hen’.