самолёт
samoljót[səmɐˈlʲɵt]masculine
The Russian word for airplane is самолёт (samoljót). Wiktionary also lists аэропла́н (aeroplán).
Meaning: powered aircraft (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| самолёт | samoljót | [səmɐˈlʲɵt] (narrow) | masculine |
| аэропла́н | aeroplán | dated, masculine |
The term refers to a powered aircraft.
What does it mean word for word?
The word самолёт is a compound of само- (self) and лёт (flight), literally meaning "self-flyer".
Which one should you use?
самолёт is the standard modern word used today, whereas аэропла́н is a dated, more archaic term similar to the English word 'aeroplane'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular genitive form (meaning "of the airplane") is самолёта, and the plural nominative form (meaning "airplanes") is самолёты. Both forms are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
samoljót
Did you know?
- Because самолёт literally means 'self-flyer', it follows a pattern of Russian words starting with само- to denote automation, like самовар for a 'self-boiler'.
- In a military context, Russians often refer to a самолёт as a борт (board), regardless of whether it is a plane or a helicopter.
- The word самолёт is a direct linguistic cousin to the Polish word 'samolot', showing how Slavic languages share similar ways of naming technology.
Examples in context
- Самолёт летит по небу.The airplane flies through the sky.This sentence is useful for describing the movement of a самолёт through the sky.Tatoeba #10259980 by Selena777, translation #9149825 by DJ_Saidez
- Самолёт вошёл в штопор.The airplane went into a spin.This sentence is useful for describing a самолёт entering a spin.Tatoeba #3045702 by sharptoothed, translation #3045701 by sharptoothed
- Том родился в самолёте.Tom was born on an airplane.This sentence is useful for stating that someone was born on a самолёт.Tatoeba #3318927 by Wezzel, translation #10363658 by CK
- Купить билет на самолётTo buy a plane ticket
- Самолёт приземлилсяThe airplane landed
- Авиалайнеры выполняют регулярные рейсыAirliners operate regular flights
- Этот аэроплан летит в МосквуThis airplane is flying to Moscow
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the airport terminal while looking at the runway.
- Екатерина EkaterinaАндрей, посмотри на тот самолёт!Andrey, posmotri na tot samolyot!Andrey, look at that airplane!
- Андрей AndreyДа, это очень красивый самолёт.Da, eto ochen' krasivyy samolyot.Yes, it is a very beautiful airplane.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНаш самолёт скоро прилетит?Nash samolyot skoro priletit?Will our airplane arrive soon?
- Андрей AndreyЕкатерина, я думаю, что да.Ekaterina, ya dumayu, chto da.Ekaterina, I think so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “airplane” translations and entries самолёт, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries самолёт, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
