Бори́с
Borís
Boris is the English transliteration of the Russian male given name Бори́с (Borís).
Meaning: male given name (name)
Which one should you use?
While Бори́с is the standard form, the informal diminutive forms Borya and Borik are used to express affection or familiarity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The name changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use Бори́са in the genitive and accusative cases (for example, when saying 'of Boris' or 'I see Boris') and use Бори́су in the dative case (for example, when saying 'to Boris').
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Borís.
Did you know?
- While Бори́с is a masculine name, the diminutive Боря shares a phonetic similarity with the word for 'fight' or 'struggle' борьба, which can lead to puns in Russian literature.
- A person named Бори́с might be called Бори́с by a child who is being scolded, as the full name is used to signal a lack of affection or a serious mood.
- The name is associated with Saint Boris, one of the patron saints of Russia, who was a prince martyred in the 10th century.
Examples in context
- Я бы хотел представить вам Бориса Ивановича.I would like to introduce you to Boris Ivanovich.
- Это мой друг Боря, мы вместе учились в университете.This is my friend Borya, we studied together at the university.
- Бори́с сейчас на работе.Boris seychas na rabote.Boris is at work right now.
- Моего друга зовут Бори́с.Moyego druga zovut Boris.My friend's name is Boris.
- Это книга Бори́са.Eto kniga Borisa.This is Boris's book.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Sergey are talking about a mutual friend.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы видел Бори́са сегодня?Ty videl Borisa segodnya?Did you see Boris today?
- Сергей SergeyНет, я его не встречал.Net, ya yego ne vstrechal.No, I haven't run into him.
- Анастасия AnastasiaБори́с сказал, что придет позже.Boris skazal, chto pridet pozzhe.Boris said that he will come later.
- Сергей SergeyХорошо, я буду ждать.Khorosho, ya budu zhdat'.Okay, I will wait.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boris” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
