бык
byk[bɨk]masculine
The English word "bull" is translated into Russian as бык (byk).
The term refers to an uncastrated adult male bovine.
Meaning: uncastrated adult male bovine (noun)
Which one should you use?
While бык is the standard term for an adult bull, you may use the diminutive form бычок when specifically referring to a young bull.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. Use the form быка when the bull is the direct object of a transitive verb, such as in "I see the bull". Use the form быку when the bull is the indirect object, such as in "I gave food to the bull".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is byk.
Did you know?
- The word бык is used in a common Russian slang term быковать, which means to act aggressively or be rude to someone.
- In Russian slang, the word бык can refer to a 'bully' or a person who is physically imposing and aggressive. It is often used to describe someone who uses brute force to intimidate others.
- The spelling of бык features the letter 'ы', a vowel that does not exist in English and can be difficult for learners to pronounce correctly.
Examples in context
- Бери быка за рога!Grab the bull by the horns!This sentence illustrates the idiom 'Grab the bull by the horns!' using бык.Tatoeba #8186616 by Wezel, translation #8349124 by teejay
- Это Юпитер или бык?Is this Jupiter or a bull?This sentence shows how to use бык in a question comparing Jupiter and a bull.Tatoeba #4538945 by Wezel, translation #4359774 by Tjagotje
- Бык сбежал с арены.The bull escaped from the ring.This sentence demonstrates the use of бык to describe a bull escaping an arena.Tatoeba #12618967 by marafon, translation #868956 by ColinG
- В хозяйстве содержатся несколько быков для племенного разведения.Several bulls are kept on the farm for breeding purposes.
- Они привели на пастбище своего маленького бычка.They brought their little bull to the pasture.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A farmer and a woman are looking at a field.
- Александр AleksandrПосмотри, какой большой бык.Posmotri, kakoy bol'shoy byk.Look, what a big bull.
- Екатерина EkaterinaОн выглядит очень сильным.On vyglyadit ochen' sil'nym.He looks very strong.
- Александр AleksandrЭтот бык очень агрессивен.Etot byk ochen' agressiven.This bull is very aggressive.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНам нужно держаться подальше.Nam nuzhno derzhat'sya podal'she.We need to keep our distance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bull” translations and entries бык, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
