так точно
tak tochno[tak ˈtot͡ɕnə]word by word
The Russian phrase for "affirmative" is так точно (tak tochno).
The phrase так точно is used to say "yes" or "affirmative" to signal disciplined agreement or to confirm an order. In daily life, using this phrase in a casual setting often sounds ironic, mock-serious or overly formal.
Meaning: answer that shows agreement or acceptance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb так (meaning "so" or "thus") and the adverb точно (meaning "precisely" or "exactly"), literally translating to "so precisely".
Which one should you use?
While the standard Russian word for "yes" is да, так точно is used specifically to signal formal, disciplined agreement or to confirm an order.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
так точно is a military term. Using it in casual, non-military conversation can sound ironic or mock-serious.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tak tochno
Did you know?
- The word так is a distant relative of the Latin word tālis, which means 'such'.
- Using так точно toward a civilian who is acting bossy is a common way to sarcastically mock their authoritarian behavior.
- The word точно can act as a conversational filler meaning 'exactly' or 'that's right' to validate a point, independent of its military use.
Examples in context
- – Здравствуйте, вы готовы начать встречу?
– Да, конечно.– Hello, are you ready to begin the meeting?
– Yes, of course. - – Предложение принять участие в конференции оказалось очень заманчивым.
– Безусловно, с удовольствием приму участие.– The invitation to participate in the conference turned out to be very tempting.
– Certainly, I will be happy to participate. - – Ты пойдешь со мной на вечеринку?
– Да, ага, почему бы и нет!– Will you come with me to the party?
– Yes, sure, why not! - – Ребята, давайте сходим в новый ресторан?
– Конечно, отличная идея!– Guys, let's go to the new restaurant?
– Of course, great idea! - Так точно, командир.Tak tochno, komandir.Affirmative, commander.
- На ваш вопрос я отвечу: так точно.Na vash vopros ya otvechu: tak tochno.To your question, I will answer: affirmative.
- Он ответил «так точно» и ушёл.On otvetil "tak tochno" i ushyol.He answered "affirmative" and left.
Example conversation
A soldier reporting to his superior officer.
- Мария MariaАлександр, приказ выполнен?Aleksandr, prikaz vypolnen?Aleksandr, is the order completed?
- Александр AleksandrТак точно, Мария!Tak tochno, Mariya!Affirmative, Maria!
- Мария MariaСвободен, можешь идти.Svoboden, mozhesh' idti.Dismissed, you may go.
- Александр AleksandrСлушаюсь!Slushayus'!Yes, ma'am!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (так, точно) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries так, точно, CC BY-SA 4.0.
