а
a[ə]
The Russian expression "ah" is represented by а.
The particle а is used to express sudden realization or to contrast a new piece of information with what was previously thought. When combined with the word ну to form а ну, it is used to issue a command, a challenge or to express impatience.
Meaning: an expression (intj)
Which one should you use?
While а is used for realization or contrast, the form ах is used for emotional outbursts like sighs or admiration. Additionally, the word Ой is an informal way to convey the sound "ah" and is used to express mild surprise.
How do you pronounce it?
a
Did you know?
Examples in context
- А, вот оно что!Ah, so that's it!This sentence is useful for showing how а expresses a sudden realization.Tatoeba #3930751 by Ooneykcall, translation #4229688 by Ooneykcall
- А ну его к черту.Ah, screw it.Tatoeba #1039693 by Vixen96, translation #712559 by papabear
- Ах, вот это жизнь!Ah, this is the life!This sentence illustrates how the sound of admiration is expressed with ах.Tatoeba #10012806 by Ooneykcall, translation #2093439 by gleki
- Ах, это действительно великолепно!Ah, this is truly magnificent!
- Ох, как жаль, что вы не смогли прийти.Oh, what a pity you couldn't come.
- А, это же весело!Ah, this is fun!
- Ой, неожиданно!Oh, unexpectedly!
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aleksandr and Olga are discussing a lost key.
- Александр AleksandrПосмотри, ключ лежит на столе.Posmotri, klyuch lezhit na stole.Look, the key is on the table.
- Ольга OlgaА, точно! Я его не заметила.A, tochno! Ya yego ne zametila.Ah, right! I didn't notice it.
- Александр AleksandrТеперь мы можем уходить.Teper' my mozhem ukhodit'.Now we can leave.
- Ольга OlgaДа, идем скорее.Da, idem skoreye.Yes, let's go quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry а, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries а, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
