будь терпелив
bud' terpeliv
The English phrase "be patient" is translated into Russian as будь терпелив (bud' terpeliv).
This phrase is an instruction to remain calm and wait without becoming annoyed or anxious.
What does it mean word for word?
будь is the imperative form of 'to be' (singular/informal) and терпелив is the short-form adjective meaning 'patient'.
Which one should you use?
While будь терпелив is the instruction to "be patient", терпение is the noun meaning "patience" itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to the plural or polite form будьте терпеливы when addressing more than one person or when using the formal 'you'. If you are speaking to a single female, the adjective changes to the feminine form терпеливой (or терпелива). The adjective 'терпелив' is a short-form adjective, but in many contexts, one might use the full-form masculine терпеливым depending on the sentence structure.
How do you pronounce it?
bud' terpeliv
Did you know?
- In colloquial speech, a person who is overly patient might be described as терпила, a slang term that describes someone who puts up with mistreatment for too long.
- To express the idea of 'losing one's patience', Russians use the phrase потерять терпение, but they can also say выйти из себя, which literally means 'to go out of oneself'.
- The phrase терпение и труд всё перетрут is a common Russian proverb meaning 'patience and hard work will grind everything down'.
Examples in context
- Будь терпелив с Томом.Be patient with Tom.This example is useful for practicing being patient with a specific person.Tatoeba #5623512 by marafon, translation #3405350 by CK
- Будь терпелив по отношению к другим.Be patient with others.This example is useful for practicing being patient toward others.Tatoeba #12504726 by odexed, translation #5786008 by alvations
- Будь терпелив.Be patient.This example shows the phrase used on its own.Tatoeba #4581837 by marafon, translation #1486456 by Spamster
- Терпите немного, и все решится.Be patient for a little while, and everything will be resolved.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia is helping Andrey learn a new skill.
- Андрей AndreyУ меня ничего не получается!U menya nichego ne poluchayetsya!I can't get it right!
- Анастасия AnastasiaБудь терпелив, Андрей, это требует времени.Bud' terpeliv, Andrey, eto trebuyet vremeni.Be patient, Andrey, this takes time.
- Андрей AndreyЯ просто хочу закончить быстрее.Ya prosto hochu zakonchit' bystree.I just want to finish faster.
- Анастасия AnastasiaГлавное не торопиться.Glavnoye ne toropit'sya.The main thing is not to rush.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
