Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| трус | trus | [trus] (narrow) | masculine |
| труси́ха | trusíxa | feminine | |
| трусишка | trusiška | feminine, masculine | |
| ссыку́н | ssykún | masculine, vulgar | |
| ссыкло́ | ssykló | neuter, vulgar | |
| боя́ка | bojáka | childish, feminine, masculine | |
| боягу́з | bojagúz | Ukraine, masculine, regional | |
| боягу́зка | bojagúzka | Ukraine, feminine, regional |
All these terms describe a person who lacks courage. Depending on the context, you might use a standard term, a diminutive one for children or highly offensive vulgarities.
Which one should you use?
The standard masculine form is трус, while труси́ха is the specific feminine form. For a more endearing or less harsh way to call someone a 'scaredy-cat', use the diminutive трусишка, which can be used for both males and females. For children, the term боя́ка is used as a childish way to say 'scaredy-cat'. In contrast, the vulgar terms ссыку́н (masculine) and ссыкло́ (neuter) are used as direct, offensive insults.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
трус is the standard, neutral term. труси́ха is the feminine version of the standard term. трусишка is a diminutive, less harsh term. боя́ка is a childish term. ссыку́н and ссыкло́ are highly vulgar and offensive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The terms боягу́з (masculine) and боягу́зка (feminine) are regional variants specifically used in Ukrainian-influenced contexts or the Ukrainian language.
How does it change in a sentence?
трусишка acts as a diminutive version of трус, meaning 'little coward' or 'scaredy-cat'.
How do you pronounce it?
trus
Did you know?
- The standard word for coward, трус, is actually etymologically linked to the concept of 'shaking' or 'trembling'. It shares a root with words describing an 'earthquake' or the act of 'shaking' something.
- While most insults focus on a lack of character, the vulgar term ссыкло is particularly biting because it is rooted in the verb for 'to urinate'. It implies the person is so frightened they have lost control of their bladder.
- The feminine form труси́ха is not just a grammatical change but often carries a more mocking or condescending tone than the masculine трус.
Examples in context
- Ты дурак и трус.You are a fool and a coward.This sentence shows how to use трус in a simple insult.Tatoeba #4615292 by marafon, translation #11156187 by ddnktr
- Какой же я трус!What a coward I am!This sentence illustrates using трус to express self-deprecation.Tatoeba #12086833 by marafon, translation #12086720 by CK
- Том точно не трус.Tom is certainly not a coward.This sentence demonstrates using трус in a negative description.Tatoeba #7559500 by marafon, translation #7544020 by CK
- Когда человек не действует из-за страха, его называют трусом.When a person doesn't act due to fear, they are called a coward.
- жалкий трусPitiful coward
- трусливый подлецCowardly scoundrel
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey and Ekaterina are talking about a friend who refused to go on a roller coaster.
- Андрей AndreyОн просто трус, раз не хочет кататься.On prosto trus, raz ne khochet katat'sya.He is just a coward for not wanting to ride.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНе говори так, он просто очень боится высоты.Ne govori tak, on prosto ochen' boitsya vysoty.Don't say that, he is just very afraid of heights.
- Андрей AndreyНо это же совсем не по-мужски.No eto zhe sovsem ne po-muzhski.But that is not manly at all.
- Екатерина EkaterinaАндрей, ты слишком строг к нему.Andrey, ty slishkom strog k nemu.Andrey, you are being too hard on him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations and entries трус, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries трус, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
