зда́ние
zdánijeneuter
The Russian word for building is зда́ние (zdánije). Wiktionary also lists строе́ние (strojénije) and постро́йка (postrójka).
Meaning: closed structure with walls and a roof (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| зда́ние | zdánije | neuter | |
| строе́ние | strojénije | neuter | |
| постро́йка | postrójka | feminine | |
| дом | dom | [dom] (narrow) | masculine |
All these terms describe a closed structure with walls and a roof, but they are used in different contexts depending on whether you are talking about a residence, a formal edifice or a small outbuilding.
Which one should you use?
While зда́ние refers to any physical structure or building, дом is the most common word used when referring to a residential building or a house. Строе́ние is a more formal and somewhat more abstract term for a structure or edifice, often used in literature or formal descriptions. Постро́йка often refers to a smaller, perhaps more temporary or secondary structure, such as a shed or a small outbuilding.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of дом is до́ма.
How do you pronounce it?
zdánije
Did you know?
- The word дом shares a common root with the Latin 'domus' and the English 'domestic', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *dṓm.
- In Russian, дом can refer to a massive apartment complex with hundreds of units, whereas in English 'house' usually implies a single-family dwelling.
- When talking about a 'dynasty' or a 'noble house' in history, Russians use дом instead of зда́ние.
Examples in context
- В доме нет лифта.The building doesn't have a lift.This sentence uses дом to mention a lift in a building.Tatoeba #12171339 by marafon, translation #12245522 by sundown
- Я строю новый дом.I'm building a new house.This sentence uses дом to describe building a new house.Tatoeba #12618183 by marafon, translation #7872156 by CK
- Том строит новый дом.Tom is building a new house.Tatoeba #5453943 by marafon, translation #5453222 by CK
- Музейное здание находится напротив центральной площади.The museum building is located across from the central square.
- Историческая постройка была восстановлена после пожара.The historical building was reconstructed after the fire.
- Сходи ко мне в библиотеку, она находится в белом доме на углу.Come to my library, it's located in the white building on the corner.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Sergey are walking past a construction site in the city.
- Ольга OlgaЭто очень старое зда́ние.Eto ochen' staroye zdaniye.This is a very old building.
- Сергей SergeyДа, оно выглядит величественно.Da, ono vyglyadit velichestvenno.Yes, it looks majestic.
- Ольга OlgaСергей, ты видел это зда́ние раньше?Sergey, ty videl eto zdaniye ran'she?Sergey, have you seen this building before?
- Сергей SergeyНет, я вижу его впервые.Net, ya vizhu yego vpervyye.No, I am seeing it for the first time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “building” translations and entries дом, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries дом, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
