а́збука
ázbukafeminine
The English phrase "abc" can be translated into Russian as а́збука (ázbuka) or буква́рь.
Meaning: primer for learning the alphabet (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| а́збука | ázbuka | feminine |
| буква́рь | bukvárʹ | masculine |
а́збука is a feminine noun that refers to a primer for learning the alphabet. It is often used metaphorically to describe the basic, fundamental principles of a subject, similar to how English speakers use "the ABCs".
Which one should you use?
While а́збука can refer to the alphabet itself, буква́рь specifically refers to a primer or textbook used for teaching children to read.
How do you pronounce it?
ázbuka
Did you know?
- In historical Russian texts, the letters that formed the basis of а́збука were not just symbols but carried their own semantic meanings as words.
- If you call someone a 'beginner' using a related root, you might use the word азы, which refers to the very first letters of the а́збука.
- The transition from а́збука to the modern Russian alphabet involved the removal of several archaic letters through various spelling reforms, most notably in 1918.
Examples in context
- Эта старая а́збука очень интересная.Eta staraya azbuka ochen' interesnaya.This old alphabet primer is very interesting.
- Детям нужна а́збука для учёбы.Detyam nuzhna azbuka dlya uchyoby.Children need an alphabet primer for studying.
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are looking through some old books in a study.
- Андрей AndreyЕкатерина, посмотри на эту а́збуку.Ekaterina, posmotri na etu azbuku.Ekaterina, look at this alphabet primer.
- Екатерина EkaterinaОна кажется очень старой, Андрей.Ona kazhetsya ochen' staroy, Andrey.It seems very old, Andrey.
- Андрей AndreyДа, это настоящая старинная а́збука.Da, eto nastoyashchaya starinnaya azbuka.Yes, it is a real antique alphabet primer.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЭто очень красивая находка.Eto ochen' krasivaya nakhodka.It is a very beautiful find.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abc” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
