за́мок
zámokmasculine
The English word 'castle' is translated into Russian as за́мок (zámok).
The term refers to a fortified building. Note that the related verb рокирова́ться refers specifically to the chess move 'to castle'.
Meaning: fortified building (noun)
Which one should you use?
While за́мок is the standard term, крепость is used in formal contexts to emphasize the building as a stronghold. Additionally, замочек is an informal diminutive used to describe small or charming castles.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of за́мок, used to say 'of the castle', is замка.
How do you pronounce it?
zámok
Did you know?
- Be careful with your accent, because за́мок (castle) and замо́к (lock) are spelled identically in lowercase but have different stress patterns. A slight slip in pitch can change a 'fortress' into a 'padlock'.
- The word за́мок is related to the word замыка́ть, meaning 'to close' or 'to lock', reflecting the idea of a castle as a place that shuts others out.
- If you want to describe a historical Russian fortification, you are more likely to use the word острог than за́мок, which often evokes Western European fairy tales.
Examples in context
- У меня есть за́мок.I have a castle.This sentence is useful for stating possession of a за́мок.Tatoeba #12145231 by marafon, translation #10029343 by ddnktr
- Этот за́мок очень старый.This castle is very old.This sentence is useful for describing the age of a за́мок.Tatoeba #9500597 by marafon, translation #9354159 by CK
- Мне нравится этот за́мок.I like this castle.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for a за́мок.Tatoeba #13983418 by marafon, translation #10280524 by CK
- Замок великолепен.The castle is magnificent.
- Посещение древней крепости было замечательным опытом.Visiting the ancient castle was a remarkable experience.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sergey and Anastasia are looking at a travel brochure.
- Сергей SergeyЭтот за́мок очень красивый.Etot zamok ochen' krasivyy.This castle is very beautiful.
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, он выглядит великолепно.Da, on vyglyadit velikolepno.Yes, it looks magnificent.
- Сергей SergeyМы поедем туда летом?My poyedem tuda letom?Shall we go there in summer?
- Анастасия AnastasiaОбязательно, я хочу его увидеть.Obyazatel'no, ya khochu yego uvidet'.Definitely, I want to see it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “castle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
