сигаре́та
sigarétafeminine
The Russian word for cigarette is сигаре́та (sigaréta). Wiktionary also lists папиро́са (papirósa) and сига́рка (sigárka).
Meaning: thin roll of tobacco made for smoking (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| сигаре́та | sigaréta | feminine |
| папиро́са | papirósa | feminine |
| сига́рка | sigárka | feminine |
The term is used to describe a thin roll of tobacco made for smoking.
Which one should you use?
сигаре́та refers to a modern cigarette, whereas папиро́са is a historical or technical term for a specific type of traditional Russian cigarette that is typically longer and has a thicker, more rigid paper tube, often featuring a cardboard filter. сига́рка is a diminutive form of сигаре́та.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
сига́рка is a diminutive used in informal, casual speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of сигаре́та is сигаре́ты. All three forms provided are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
sigaréta
Did you know?
- Unlike modern сигаре́та rolls, the traditional папиро́са has no filter and requires the smoker to roll the end of the paper into a makeshift filter with their fingers.
- In Russian slang, the concept of smoking is often linked to the word кури́лка, which refers specifically to a smoking room or a designated area where people gather to smoke.
- In Soviet cinema and literature, the папиро́са is often used as a visual shorthand to identify a character as an old-school intellectual or a hardened soldier.
Examples in context
- Можно сигаретку?Can I have a cigarette?
- Спасибо, не курюNo thanks, I don't smoke.
- Эта сигаре́та очень горькая.Eta sigareta ochen' gor'kaya.This cigarette is very bitter.
Example conversation
Sergey and Maria are standing outside a cafe.
- Сергей SergeyМария, у тебя есть сигаре́та?Mariya, u tebya yest' sigareta?Maria, do you have a cigarette?
- Мария MariaДа, возьми одну.Da, voz'mi odnu.Yes, take one.
- Сергей SergeyСпасибо, ты меня выручила.Spasibo, ty menya vyruchila.Thanks, you helped me out.
- Мария MariaНе за что, Сергей.Ne za chto, Sergey.You're welcome, Sergey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cigarette” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
