тарака́н
tarakánmasculine
The English word 'cockroach' is translated into Russian as тарака́н (tarakán). Wiktionary also lists пруса́к (prusák).
Meaning: type of insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| тарака́н | tarakán | masculine |
| пруса́к | prusák | masculine |
The term refers to the insect commonly known as a cockroach.
Which one should you use?
тарака́н is the general term used to describe any cockroach.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of тарака́н changes to тарака́нов in the genitive case. This specific form is used in constructions such as after the word for 'many' (много).
How do you pronounce it?
tarakán
Did you know?
- In many Russian households, the specific word пруса́к is used to refer to the common German cockroach. This name literally translates to 'the Prussian', reflecting a historical association with people from that region.
- The word тарака́н is used in the common Russian idiom тарака́ны в голове, which describes someone who is eccentric or has a strange way of thinking.
- In Russian culture, there is a widespread urban legend that cockroaches can survive nuclear explosions, making the тарака́н a symbol of ultimate endurance.
Example sentences for Russian are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Maria and Sergey are in the kitchen.
- Мария MariaСергей, посмотри! Там тарака́н!Sergey, posmotri! Tam tarakan!Sergey, look! There is a cockroach!
- Сергей SergeyГде? Я ничего не вижу.Gde? Ya nichego ne vizhu.Where? I don't see anything.
- Мария MariaОн только что залез под стол.On tolko chto zalez pod stol.It just crawled under the table.
- Сергей SergeyСейчас я его поймаю.Seychas ya yego poyimayu.I'll catch it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cockroach” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
