дава́й
daváj
The English phrase "come on" can be expressed in Russian as дава́й (daváj).
дава́й is an expression used to encourage someone. It is also frequently used colloquially to mean "let's do it" or "let's go" when initiating an action.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
дава́й is the imperative form of the verb дава́ть, which literally means "give".
Which one should you use?
дава́й is used when speaking to a single person you know well. For formal situations or when addressing multiple people, use the form дава́йте. Additionally, the phrase Ну же can be used to mean "come on already".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When encouraging a single person you know well, use дава́й. To address a group or use a polite register, use the form дава́йте.
How do you pronounce it?
daváj
Did you know?
- In a casual phone conversation, Russians often say дава́й instead of 'goodbye' to signal they are ending the call.
- The phrase ну дава́й can be used sarcastically to mean 'go ahead and try it' when the speaker believes the other person will fail.
- In many casual Russian conversations, you might hear people repeat дава́й, дава́й several times in a row to increase the intensity of their encouragement.
Examples in context
- Дава́й, мы смо́жем!Davay, my smozhem!Come on, we can do it!
- Ну же, дава́й!Nu zhe, davay!Come on, go for it!
Example conversation
Alexander is encouraging Maria to finish her marathon run.
- Александр AleksandrДава́й, Ма́рия, ещё чуть-чуть!Davay, Mariya, eshchyo chut'-chut'!Come on, Maria, just a little bit more!
- Мария MariaЯ уже не мо́гу.Ya uzhe ne mogu.I can't go anymore.
- Александр AleksandrДава́й, ты почти у фини́ша!Davay, ty pochti u finisha!Come on, you are almost at the finish line!
- Мария MariaХорошо, я по́пробую.Khorosho, ya poprobuyu.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come on” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
