лу́чше
lúčše
The English word "better" is translated into Russian as лу́чше (lúčše). Wiktionary also lists лу́чший (lúčšij).
Meaning: comparative of the adjectives good or well (adj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| лу́чше | lúčše |
| лу́чший | lúčšij |
лу́чше is the most common and straightforward way to say "better" in Russian. It can be used as both an adjective and an adverb, meaning it can modify both nouns and verbs. For specific contexts, other words might be more precise: use Качественнее to say something is "better" specifically in terms of quality and use Поблагородней to express that someone is "better" in terms of their noble character or behavior.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the comparative and superlative degrees. Use лу́чше as the comparative degree to compare two things, whereas лу́чший is the superlative degree used to mean "the best".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form лу́чше functions as both an adjective and an adverb.
How do you pronounce it?
lúčše
Did you know?
- The word лу́чше can sometimes be used as a sarcastic way to say 'no' or to reject a suggestion, essentially meaning 'better [not do that]'.
- The root of лу́чше is shared with the word for 'ray' or 'beam' of light (луч), although they developed into different meanings over time.
- In Russian, лучше is used in the phrase лучше бы, which functions as a way to express a regret or a wish that something had happened differently.
Examples in context
- Сделай это лучшеDo it better
- Он ведет себя поблагороднейHe behaves better (in a noble manner)
- Он хочет быть лучше в спорте.He wants to be better in sports.
- Этот торт получше предыдущего.This cake is better than the previous one.
- Сделай это качественнее!Do it with better quality!
- Можно получше?Can it be better?
- Она ведет себя поблагородней.She behaves better (in a noble manner).
- Сегодня будет лу́чше, чем вчера.Segodnya budet luchshe, chem vchera.Today will be better than yesterday.
- Этот фильм лу́чше, чем тот.Etot fil'm luchshe, chem tot.This movie is better than that one.
- Ты можешь сделать это лу́чше.Ty mozhesh' sdelat' eto luchshe.You can do this better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “better” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
