це́рковь
cérkovʹfeminine
The Russian word for church is це́рковь (cérkovʹ). Wiktionary also lists це́рква (cérkva) and костёл (kostjól).
Meaning: house of worship (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| це́рковь | cérkovʹ | feminine | |
| це́рква | cérkva | dated, feminine, regional | |
| костёл | kostjól | [kɐˈsʲtʲɵɫ] (narrow) | Roman Catholic, masculine |
| ки́рха | kírxa | masculine |
In its most general sense, the word refers to a house of worship.
Which one should you use?
While це́рковь is the general term for a church, you should use костёл specifically when referring to a Roman Catholic church. The term ки́рха is typically used to refer to Lutheran or Protestant churches, often in a historical or regional context such as former German territories.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form це́рква is considered dated compared to the standard це́рковь.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form це́рква is used in specific regional dialects, such as in Southern Russia or Ukraine.
How does it change in a sentence?
це́рковь is a feminine noun. костёл and ки́рха are masculine nouns. це́рква is also feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
cérkovʹ
Did you know?
- The word костёл comes from the Latin word 'castellum' meaning 'castle' or 'fort'. This is because medieval churches were often built as fortified structures to protect the community.
- Unlike English, where 'church' is often used as a shorthand for a religious service, Russians use the word слу́жба to describe the act of attending the service.
- In some Russian folk traditions, the 'church' is not just the building but includes the surrounding walled garden and cemetery.
Examples in context
- Я пошел в церковь в воскресенье.I went to the church on Sunday.
- Ты знаешь, где находится ближайшая церковь?Do you know where the nearest church is located?
- Он стал священником и служит в церкви.He became a priest and serves in the church.
- Давай встретимся возле храма в 5 вечера.Let's meet near the church at 5 p.m.
- Она украсила храм к празднику.She decorated the church for the holiday.
- Храм был построен в 19 веке.The church was built in the 19th century.
Example conversation
Alexander and Olga are walking through a city center.
- Александр AleksandrОльга, посмотри на ту красивую це́рковь!Ol'ga, posmotri na tu krasivuyu tserkov'!Olga, look at that beautiful church!
- Ольга OlgaДа, она выглядит очень величественно.Da, ona vyglyadit ochen' velichestvenno.Yes, it looks very majestic.
- Александр AleksandrМы можем зайти внутрь?My mozhem zajti vnutr'?Can we go inside?
- Ольга OlgaКонечно, пойдём посмотрим.Konechno, pojdyom posmotrim.Of course, let's go take a look.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “church” translations and entries костёл, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries костёл, CC BY-SA 4.0.
