роня́ть
ronjátʹimperfective
The English verb 'drop' can be translated into Russian as роня́ть (ronjátʹ). Wiktionary also lists урони́ть (uronítʹ) and броса́ть (brosátʹ).
Meaning: to let (something) fall, to allow (something) to fall (either by releasing hold of, or losing one's grip on) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| роня́ть | ronjátʹ | imperfective |
| урони́ть | uronítʹ | perfective |
| броса́ть | brosátʹ | imperfective |
| бро́сить | brósitʹ | perfective |
The words can mean to let something fall or to allow something to fall by releasing one's hold or losing a grip.
Which one should you use?
The form урони́ть is used when you focus on a single completed action or an accidental drop, such as dropping a glass. In contrast, бро́сить can mean to intentionally throw something or to drop or abandon something. While урони́ть implies an accidental loss of grip, бро́сить can mean to intentionally throw something or to drop/abandon something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperfective form роня́ть is used to describe the ongoing process of dropping or repeated instances of dropping things.
How do you pronounce it?
ronjátʹ
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the accidental drop verb урони́ть when you mean to 'drop' a habit or a person. In those cases, you must use бро́сить.
Did you know?
- While урони́ть describes accidentally dropping an object, it is also used figuratively to describe 'dropping' or lowering someone's social status or reputation.
- In a technical sense, if a computer 'drops' a connection, Russian speakers use бро́сить or разорва́ть, the latter meaning 'to tear' or 'to rip'.
- While 'dropping' a hint in English is common, in Russian you would use the verb for 'throwing' to 'throw a hint' at someone.
Examples in context
- Когда вы закончили с этим документом, пожалуйста, сбросьте его в корзину.When you're done with this document, please drop it in the basket.
- Работник случайно уронил стеклянную бутылку.The employee accidentally dropped the glass bottle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drop” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
