вам больно?
vam bol'no?
The English phrase "are you in pain?" is translated into Russian as вам больно? (vam bol'no?)
This phrase is used to ask if someone is currently experiencing physical suffering or discomfort. While вам больно? focuses specifically on the sensation of pain, other phrases like вы страдаете? would imply a more prolonged or profound level of suffering.
What does it mean word for word?
The word больно is an adverb meaning "painfully" or "it is painful". Therefore, the phrase literally translates to "to you [it is] painfully?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version of the question uses the pronoun тебе instead of the formal вам.
How do you pronounce it?
vam bol'no?
When do people say it?
To negate the sensation and say "No, it is not painful," use the particle не before the adverb: Нет, не больно.
Did you know?
- In Russian, больно can be used as an intensifier similar to 'extremely' or 'very' in slang, such as saying something is 'painfully' beautiful.
- While больно refers to physical pain, the same root appears in the word for 'hospital', больница, which literally means 'a place for the sick'.
- The adverb больно can be used as a reaction of its own, much like saying 'Ouch!' in English. If you stub your toe, you might simply cry out Больно! to express the sudden sensation.
Examples in context
- Скажите, вам больно?Skazhite, vam bol'no?Tell me, are you in pain?
Example conversation
A doctor is examining a patient's leg.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЯ сейчас немного нажму здесь. Вам больно?Ya seychas nemnogo nazhmu zdes'. Vam bol'no?I'm going to press here a little. Are you in pain?
- Андрей AndreyДа, в этом месте очень больно.Da, v etom meste ochen' bol'no.Yes, it hurts a lot in that spot.
- Екатерина EkaterinaПонятно. Постарайтесь расслабиться, Андрей.Ponyatno. Postaraytes' rasslabit'sya, Andrey.I see. Try to relax, Andrey.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, я постараюсь.Khorosho, ya postarayus'.Okay, I will try.
