ясен пень
jasen penʹ[ˈjæsʲɪn pʲenʲ]
The English phrase "duh" can be translated into Russian as ясен пень (jasen penʹ).
ясен пень is used as a disdainful indication that something is obvious. It serves to express that a fact is self-evident or to mock someone for stating something obvious.
Meaning: disdainful indication that something is obvious (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the stalk is obvious" or "the stalk is clear", referring to the stem of a plant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ясен пень is a colloquial expression and should be used in informal settings rather than formal speech.
How do you pronounce it?
jasen penʹ
Did you know?
- While the phrase literally refers to a tree stump, the word пень can also be used to describe a person who is slow-witted or clumsy. Using this expression might unintentionally hint at the listener's lack of mental agility.
- The word пень descends from the Proto-Slavic word *pь̏ňь, which shared a root with words for cutting and chopping.
- While ясен пень means 'clear stump', it is often used in a rhythmic, singing cadence to heighten the mockery of the other person.
Examples in context
- Ну ладно, это очевидноWell, alright, that's obvious
- Да ладно, это же понятноOh, come on, that is clear
- Ясен пень, мы опоздаем.Yasen pen', my opozdayem.Duh, we're going to be late.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing why a cafe is closed.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПочему они закрыты сегодня?Pochemu oni zakryty segodnya?Why are they closed today?
- Александр AleksandrЯсен пень, сегодня воскресенье.Yasen pen', segodnya voskresen'ye.Duh, it's Sunday today.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТочно, я совсем забыла.Tochno, ya sovsem zabyla.Right, I completely forgot.
- Александр AleksandrБывает такое.Byvayet takoye.It happens.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ясен пень, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries пень, ясен пень, CC BY-SA 4.0.
