туз
tuz[tus]
In Russian, the English word 'ace' is translated as туз (tuz).
In Russian, туз refers specifically to the playing card. Unlike in English, it is not used to mean an expert or a highly skilled person. To describe a skilled expert, Russians use the word Профи. To informally describe someone as an ace or highly skilled, you can also use the word Крутой, which means 'cool' or 'awesome'.
Meaning: expert (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun туз changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. The plural form is тузы, and the genitive plural form is тузов. When it is the direct object of a verb, such as 'to have' or 'to draw', it changes to the accusative case form туза. In the dative case, the word becomes тузу.
How do you pronounce it?
tuz
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use туз to mean an expert or a highly skilled person. Use Профи or Крутой instead.
Did you know?
- The Russian word туз may actually be a linguistic descendant of the English word 'two'.
- While an English 'ace' is often a compliment, calling a man a туз in certain Russian social contexts can be a sarcastic or even insulting way to call him an 'arrogant person' or a 'show-off'.
- Unlike in English, where 'ace' can be a verb meaning to pass a test, Russian uses entirely different verbs for achieving a perfect score.
Examples in context
- У меня туз червей.I have the ace of hearts.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of туз when specifying a suit.Tatoeba #12010173 by marafon, translation #2267002 by _undertoad
- У меня пиковый туз.I have the ace of spades.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of туз with a different suit.Tatoeba #3669464 by odexed, translation #2528229 by CM
- У меня туз в рукаве.I have an ace up my sleeve.This sentence is useful for practicing the idiomatic use of туз.Tatoeba #2695099 by marafon, translation #2948345 by AlanF_US
- Мой брат стал отличником по математикеMy brother became an ace in mathematics.
- Он настоящий профи в игре на гитареHe is a real ace in playing the guitar.
- Моя сестра – настоящий знаток искусстваMy sister is an ace in the field of art.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new team member's skills.
- Екатерина EkaterinaАндрей, ты видел новый проект этого парня?Andrey, ty videl novyy proyekt etogo parnya?Andrey, have you seen this guy's new project?
- Андрей AndreyДа, он настоящий туз в программировании.Da, on nastoyashchiy tuz v programmirovanii.Yes, he is a real ace at programming.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНам очень повезло с ним.Nam ochen povezlo s nim.We are very lucky to have him.
- Андрей AndreyСогласен, он сделает всё идеально.Soglasen, on sdelayet vsyo ideal'no.I agree, he will do everything perfectly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry туз, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries туз, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
