Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| дива́н | diván | masculine |
| куше́тка | kušétka | feminine |
| тахта́ | taxtá | feminine |
| софа́ | sofá | feminine |
The terms used for a couch in Russian depend on the specific style, size and context of the furniture being described.
Which one should you use?
While all these words refer to seating, they have different nuances. дива́н is the most common and general term for a couch or sofa in modern Russian. куше́тка is more specific, referring to a small, narrow couch or a single bunk/bed, such as those found in railway sleeping cars. тахта́ describes a traditional, often low, wooden platform or a sturdy, simple couch that lacks a backrest. софа́ is a direct loanword from "sofa" and is typically used for more stylish or Western-style upholstered seating.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun дива́н has the plural form дива́ны.
How do you pronounce it?
diván
Did you know?
- While куше́тка means a small couch, it is also the standard word for the examination table used by doctors in clinics.
- The word дива́н is a loanword from the Persian 'divan' via Turkish, originally referring to a high council or a governmental assembly.
- The word тахта́ entered Russian from the Turkish 'taht', which historically referred to a throne.
Examples in context
- Я хочу потренироваться на диване.I want to exercise on the couch.
- Этот дива́н очень мягкий.Etot divan ochen' myagkiy.This couch is very soft.
- Мы купили новый дива́н в гостиную.My kupili novyy divan v gostinuyu.We bought a new couch for the living room.
Example conversation
Sergey and Olga are discussing furniture for their living room.
- Сергей SergeyОльга, нам нужен новый дива́н.Olga, nam nuzhen novyy divan.Olga, we need a new couch.
- Ольга OlgaЯ согласна, этот слишком старый.Ya soglasna, etot slishkom staryy.I agree, this one is too old.
- Сергей SergeyКакой цвет ты хочешь?Kakoy tsvet ty khochesh?What color do you want?
- Ольга OlgaЯ хочу серый дива́н.Ya khochu seryy divan.I want a grey couch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “couch” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
