а
a[ə]
The English indefinite article 'a' is translated as а in Russian.
In Russian, а functions as an indefinite article used before a singular noun to refer to a general person or thing.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is a.
Did you know?
- Russian has no actual word for an indefinite article. To express the idea of 'a' or 'an', speakers typically leave the space blank or use words like один meaning 'one'.
- While English uses 'a' as an article, the Russian word а is actually a conjunction used to contrast two things, similar to 'but' or 'whereas'.
- In Russian, the particle а can be placed at the beginning of a question to signal that the speaker is asking for a contrast or a correction.
Examples in context
- Я попал в аварию.I was involved in a traffic accident.This sentence shows how to use а in the context of a traffic accident.Tatoeba #982107 by ae5s, translation #240333 by CK
- А вы учитель, да?You are a schoolteacher, aren't you?This sentence demonstrates the use of а when referring to a profession.Tatoeba #2526727 by paul_lingvo, translation #69524 by CC
- Он попал в аварию.He had a traffic accident.This sentence illustrates the use of а regarding a traffic accident.Tatoeba #1391931 by Biga, translation #652211 by CK
- У меня есть одна книга.I have a book.
- У меня есть какая-то проблема.I have some problem.
- Мы видели какого-то человека на улице.We saw some person on the street.
- молокоMilk
- 1029 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alexander and Maria are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- Александр AleksandrМне нужна авансовая карта.Mne nuzhna avansovaya karta.I need a prepaid card.
- Мария MariaЗачем тебе такая карта?Zachem tebe takaya karta?Why do you need such a card?
- Александр AleksandrА я хочу купить игру.A ya khochu kupit' igru.But I want to buy a game.
- Мария MariaТогда сходи в банк.Togda skhodi v bank.Then go to the bank.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry а, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
