Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| круто́й | krutój | ||
| клёвый | kljóvyj | [ˈklʲɵvɨj] (narrow) | |
| кла́ссный | klássnyj | ||
| потря́сный | potrjásnyj | ||
| потряса́ющий | potrjasájuščij | ||
| здо́рово | zdórovo | adverb |
Russian offers various ways to express that something is excellent, exciting or impressive. Use круто́й to describe something cool or amazing, while отпад is used to denote something cool or impressive. For something that is wonderful or astonishing, you might use потряса́ющий or use восхитительный when you want to imply admiration and marvel. Additionally, замечательный translates to remarkable, but it is often used informally to convey a sense of something being great or awesome.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective круто́й literally means 'steep' when describing a slope or a hill.
Which one should you use?
While круто́й and клёвый are colloquial, потряса́ющий is a more formal and intense way to say 'awesome' or 'stunning'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word клёвый is highly informal slang and is best used among friends rather than in professional settings. Conversely, потряса́ющий is a formal way to say awesome. Круто́й and отпад are both informal ways to say awesome.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverbial form кла́ссно is often used as a standalone exclamation meaning 'That's awesome!' or 'Cool!'
How do you pronounce it?
krutój
Did you know?
- In the 19th century, the word клёвый appeared in 'Fenya', a special argot or secret language used by thieves.
- The word потряса́ющий shares a root with the verb for 'shaking' or 'jolting', implying that something is so awesome it physically shakes you.
- While круто́й is used to mean 'cool', if you use it to describe a person's character, it can sometimes imply they are 'tough' or 'hardened'.
Examples in context
- Чува́к, ты клёвый!Dude, you’re awesome!This sentence is useful for using the slang form клёвый to call someone awesome.
- Выступление было восхитительным!The performance was awesome!
- Высокое качество звука на этом концерте было восхитительным!The sound quality at this concert was awesome!
- Потрясающий вид!What an awesome view!
- Потрясающий дизайн этой новой одежды сразу привлекает взгляды.The stunning design of this new clothing immediately catches the eye.
- Этот фильм просто крутой!This movie is simply awesome!
- Твой новый автомобиль – отпад!Your new car is awesome!
- Замечательная работа!Awesome job!
Example conversation
Anastasia and Sergey are talking about a new movie.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы видел новый фильм?Ty videl novyy fil'm?Have you seen the new movie?
- Сергей SergeyДа, он очень круто́й!Da, on ochen' krutoy!Yes, it's really awesome!
- Анастасия AnastasiaЯ тоже хочу его посмотреть.Ya tozhe khochu ego posmotret'.I want to watch it too.
- Сергей SergeyПойдём в кино завтра.Poydyom v kino zavtra.Let's go to the cinema tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “awesome” translations and entries клёвый, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries клёвый, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
