Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| разруше́ние | razrušénije | neuter |
| уничтоже́ние | uničtožénije | neuter |
The English phrase destruction can be translated using different Russian words depending on the context. разруше́ние is used when referring to the destruction of physical structures, buildings or systems. The verb разрушить means to destroy. Беспредел signifies a state of lawlessness or uncontrolled destruction.
What does it mean word for word?
The word разруше́ние is derived from the root разруш-, which is related to being broken or ruined and the suffix –ение, which forms a noun from a verb. The word уничтоже́ние is built from the prefix у-, indicating completion or removal and the root –ничтож-, which is related to nothingness.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the two main forms. Use разруше́ние for physical or structural destruction. Use уничтоже́ние for destruction that implies complete annihilation or elimination, such as the destruction of an army, a species or evidence.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both разруше́ние and уничтоже́ние are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
razrušénije
Did you know?
- Russian has a specific word разру́ха, which describes a state of systemic destruction and neglect. Unlike разруше́ние, it refers to the atmosphere of decay rather than a single act.
- While разруше́ние refers to physical collapse, the word беспредел is used for destructive chaos where boundaries are ignored. It literally means 'without limits' or 'without borders'.
- The root of уничтоже́ние comes from the word ничто́, meaning 'nothing'. Literally, to destroy something is to reduce it to 'nothing'.
Examples in context
- Война привела к полному уничтожению города.The war led to the complete destruction of the city.
- Следствие показало, что это был настоящий беспредел и полная разруха.The investigation revealed that it was true lawlessness and complete destruction.
Example conversation
Ekaterina and Dmitry are looking at ruins after a storm.
- Екатерина EkaterinaПосмотри на это разруше́ние вокруг.Posmotri na eto razrusheniye vokrug.Look at this destruction all around.
- Дмитрий DmitryВетер был очень сильным вчера.Veter byl ochen silnym vchera.The wind was very strong yesterday.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДмитрий, здесь всё сломано.Dmitriy, zdes vse slomano.Dmitry, everything here is broken.
- Дмитрий DmitryНам нужно начать ремонт сейчас.Nam nuzhno nachnat remont seychas.We need to start repairs now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “destruction” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
