каза́к
kazákmasculine
The English word 'cossack' is translated into Russian as каза́к (kazák). Wiktionary also lists коза́к (kozák) and каза́чка (kazáčka).
Meaning: member of a population (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| каза́к | kazák | masculine |
| коза́к | kozák | masculine |
| каза́чка | kazáčka | feminine |
A Cossack refers to a member of a specific population of people. In formal contexts, you may encounter related terms such as Казачий воин for 'Cossack warrior' or Казачья армия for 'Cossack army'.
Which one should you use?
The standard spelling for a Cossack in modern Russian is каза́к. The variant коза́к is an older or more dialectal spelling that is frequently found in historical texts or specific regional contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling коза́к is used in specific regional contexts or appears in historical literature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is каза́к and the feminine form is каза́чка.
How do you pronounce it?
kazák
Did you know?
- In certain linguistic contexts, the word 'каза́к' is etymologically linked to the Turkic root meaning 'free man' or 'adventurer', rather than a specific ethnic group.
- The word каза́к is often associated with the 'shashka' sword, a weapon so central to their identity that it is frequently mentioned alongside the word in literature.
- Depending on the region, a каза́к might refer to someone from the Don, Kuban or Terek rivers, each with distinct dialects and customs.
Examples in context
- Казачья армия сыграла значительную роль в обороне страныThe Cossack army played a significant role in the defense of the country
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cossack” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
