Pysanka is written; krashanka is dyed

To make a писанка, the maker draws or “writes” lines with wax, dyes the egg, and may repeat the process in layers. Removing the wax reveals the protected colors and pattern.

A крашанка is dyed one color, historically often with natural materials such as onion skins. It can be eaten, exchanged, placed in a basket, or used in family games depending on the practice.

The verb matters: писати писанки means “to make/write pysanky.” The connection with писати—“to write”—helps explain the English transliteration and the idea of meaningful signs or ornament.

Ukraine also has other decorated-egg techniques and regional vocabularies. These two labels are a useful beginner distinction, not a complete classification of every egg tradition.