увлече́ние
uvlečénijeneuter
The English word 'crush' can be translated into Russian as увлече́ние (uvlečénije). If unsure, use увлече́ние. Wiktionary also lists пы́лкая любо́вь (pýlkaja ljubóvʹ).
Meaning: love or infatuation or its object (often short-lived or unrequited) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| увлече́ние | uvlečénije | neuter |
| пы́лкая любо́вь | pýlkaja ljubóvʹ | feminine |
In Russian, a crush is typically expressed through the noun увлече́ние. To describe the act of having a crush or falling for someone, use the verb влюбля́ться. Additionally, in informal contexts, the verb Понравиться can be used to convey the feeling of finding someone attractive.
Which one should you use?
While увлече́ние can mean a 'crush' in the sense of a passing interest in a person, it is also the standard word for a hobby or a pastime. In contrast, the phrase пы́лкая любо́вь is much more intense and serious than the English word 'crush', as it implies a deep, passionate love rather than a fleeting infatuation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
uvlečénije
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, a 'platonic crush' can be described using the word симпати́я, which sounds like 'sympathy' but actually means a simple liking or attraction.
- Younger generations in Russia often bypass the formal word увлече́ние and use the English loanword 'краш' (krash) directly in their speech to describe a crush.
- The word увлече́ние shares a root with the verb влечь, which means 'to pull' or 'to attract', literally describing the feeling as being pulled toward someone.
Examples in context
- Он(а) меня зацепил(а)I have a crush on him/her
- Мне очень понравилась эта девушка/парень.I have a crush on this girl/guy.
- Её новое увлече́ние скоро пройдёт.Yeyo novoye uvlechenie skoro proydot.Her new crush will soon pass.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a recent romantic interest.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСергей, у тебя новое увлече́ние?Sergey, u tebya novoye uvlechenie?Sergey, do you have a new crush?
- Сергей SergeyДа, Екатерина, я очень влюблён.Da, Ekaterina, ya ochen' vlyublen.Yes, Ekaterina, I am very much in love.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЭто серьёзное увлече́ние или просто симпатия?Eto seryoznoe uvlechenie ili prosto simpatia?Is it a serious crush or just a liking?
- Сергей SergeyПока не знаю, это просто увлече́ние.Poka ne znayu, eto prosto uvlechenie.I don't know yet, it's just a crush.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crush” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
