компью́тер
kompʹjútɛrmasculine
The Russian word for computer is компью́тер (kompʹjútɛr). Wiktionary also lists ЭВМ (EVM).
Meaning: programmable electronic device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| компью́тер | kompʹjútɛr | masculine | |
| ЭВМ | EVM | [ɛ vɛ ˈɛm] (narrow) | feminine |
The standard term for a programmable electronic device is компью́тер. In specific settings, you may encounter more specialized terms: персона́льный компью́тер is used to specify a personal computer, often in business or technical environments, while ЭВМ refers to an electronic computing machine.
Which one should you use?
компью́тер is the standard, everyday word for a computer. In contrast, ЭВМ is a formal, technical term used in scientific, academic or historical contexts. The shortened form комп is used in casual, everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun компью́тер changes its ending to компьютера in the genitive case, which is used after certain prepositions such as без (without).
How do you pronounce it?
kompʹjútɛr
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word вычисли́тель (calculator/computer) shares a root with вы́числить, which can also mean 'to figure out' or 'to track down' a person.
- Using ЭВМ in a casual conversation today would sound intentionally archaic or like a joke, similar to calling a laptop a 'counting engine' in English.
- Even though 'computer' is a modern concept, the Russian way of naming it via ЭВМ follows a traditional Soviet linguistic pattern of using long, descriptive formal acronyms.
Examples in context
- компью́тер на столе́Computer on the desk
- компью́тер под столо́мComputer under the table
- Хоро́ший компью́терGood computer
- Бы́стрый компью́терFast computer
- Мой новый компью́тер очень быстрый.Moy novyy komp'yuter ochen' bystryy.My new computer is very fast.
- Где я могу купить мощный компью́тер?Gde ya mogu kupit' moshchnyy komp'yuter?Where can I buy a powerful computer?
- Этот старый компью́тер больше не работает.Etot staryy komp'yuter bol'she ne rabotayet.This old computer doesn't work anymore.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Olga are in a living room discussing technology.
- Дмитрий DmitryОльга, тебе нужен новый компью́тер?Ol'ga, tebe nuzhen novyy komp'yuter?Olga, do you need a new computer?
- Ольга OlgaДа, мой старый очень медленный.Da, moy staryy ochen' medlennyy.Yes, my old one is very slow.
- Дмитрий DmitryЯ помогу тебе выбрать хороший.Ya pomogu tebe vybrat' khoroshiy.I will help you choose a good one.
- Ольга OlgaСпасибо, Дмитрий, это будет здорово.Spasibo, Dmitriy, eto budet zdorovo.Thanks, Dmitry, that would be great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer” translations and entries ЭВМ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
