ку́кла
kúklafeminine
The English word doll is translated into Russian as ку́кла (kúkla). Wiktionary also lists ля́лька (ljálʹka) and пупс (pups).
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ку́кла | kúkla | feminine | |
| ля́лька | ljálʹka | feminine | |
| пупс | pups | [pups] (narrow) | masculine |
| пу́псик | púpsik | diminutive, masculine |
A doll in Russian refers to a toy in the form of a human. When specifically referring to traditional Russian nesting dolls, the term матрёшка is most commonly used.
Which one should you use?
ку́кла is the standard, neutral term for a doll used in most contexts. ля́лька is a more affectionate or colloquial way to refer to a doll, often used when speaking to or about young children. пупс specifically refers to a doll that represents a baby or an infant, rather than a generic human figure. пу́псик is a diminutive form of пупс, used to sound more endearing or cute, often used for small baby dolls or as a pet name.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization for ку́кла is kúkla.
Did you know?
- The traditional Russian матрёшка was not an ancient invention but was created in the late 19th century, inspired by Japanese nesting dolls.
- In Russian folk tradition, ля́лька refers to a specific type of handmade cloth doll that was historically used as a protective amulet rather than just a toy.
- The word пупс shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pupa', which refers to the life stage of an insect.
Examples in context
- Моя дочь очень любит своего пупсика.My daughter really adores her doll.
- Эта ку́кла очень красивая.Eta kukla ochen' krasivaya.This doll is very beautiful.
- У моей дочери есть новая ку́кла.U moyey docheri yest' novaya kukla.My daughter has a new doll.
- Где лежит старая ку́кла?Gde lezhit staraya kukla?Where is the old doll lying?
Example conversation
Maria and Alexander are choosing a gift for a child.
- Мария MariaПосмотри, какая милая ку́кла!Posmotri, kakaya milaya kukla!Look, what a cute doll!
- Александр AleksandrДа, она ей понравится.Da, ona ey ponravitsya.Yes, she will like it.
- Мария MariaКупим эту ку́клу в подарок?Kupim etu kuklu v podarok?Shall we buy this doll as a gift?
- Александр AleksandrКонечно, давай возьмём её.Konechno, davay voz'myom yeyo.Of course, let's take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries пупс, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries пупс, CC BY-SA 4.0.
