го́лубь
gólubʹmasculine
The English word "dove" is translated into Russian as го́лубь (gólubʹ). Wiktionary also lists голу́бка (golúbka) and го́рлица (górlica).
Meaning: bird of the family Columbidae, especially one smaller than a pigeon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| го́лубь | gólubʹ | masculine |
| голу́бка | golúbka | feminine |
| го́рлица | górlica | feminine |
The term refers to birds of the family Columbidae, typically used for species smaller than a pigeon. In a metaphorical sense, the phrase голубиная пара (a pair of doves) is used to describe a devoted or harmonious couple.
Which one should you use?
While го́лубь is the general masculine term for a dove, голу́бка is the specific feminine form used for a female dove. If you are referring specifically to smaller species like the collared dove or turtle dove, the term го́рлица is used instead of the more general го́лубь.
How does it change in a sentence?
го́лубь is a masculine noun, whereas голу́бка and го́рлица are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
gólubʹ
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word голубика looks almost identical to the word for dove, but it actually refers to blueberries. This can lead to humorous confusion in a kitchen or garden setting.
- The adjective for 'blue' is голубой, which shares a linguistic root with голубь. Historically, the pale, grayish-blue color of the bird's feathers is what links the two words.
- Russian folk songs often use the го́рлица (turtle dove) as a symbol of longing and sorrow, rather than just peace or love.
Examples in context
- Я видела голубя утром.I saw a dove in the morning.
- На окне сидит белый го́лубь.Na okne sidit belyy golub'A white dove is sitting on the window.
- Этот го́лубь очень красивый.Etot golub' ochen' krasivyyThis dove is very beautiful.
- В парке летает го́лубь.V parke letayet golub'A dove is flying in the park.
Example conversation
Alexander and Olga are sitting on a park bench.
- Александр AleksandrСмотри, вон летит го́лубь.Smotri, von letit golub'Look, a dove is flying over there.
- Ольга OlgaОй, какой он красивый!Oy, kakoy on krasivyy!Oh, how beautiful he is!
- Александр AleksandrЭтот го́лубь совсем не боится нас.Etot golub' sovsem ne boitsya nas.This dove is not afraid of us at all.
- Ольга OlgaТы прав, Александр.Ty prav, Aleksandr.You are right, Alexander.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dove” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
