баклажа́н
baklažánmasculine
The English word 'eggplant' is translated into Russian as баклажа́н (baklažán). Wiktionary also lists си́ненький (sínenʹkij) and бадриджа́н (badridžán).
Meaning: edible fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| баклажа́н | baklažán | masculine |
| си́ненький | sínenʹkij | colloquial, masculine |
| бадриджа́н | badridžán | masculine |
| бубриджа́н | bubridžán | masculine, rare |
The term refers to the edible fruit.
Which one should you use?
While баклажа́н is the standard term, you may encounter the colloquial form си́ненький, which literally means 'little blue one'. This is a common affectionate or informal way to refer to an eggplant in Russian markets and kitchens.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
баклажа́н is the standard, neutral term used in formal, scientific and everyday contexts. For an endearing or informal touch, one might use баклажанчик.
How do you pronounce it?
baklažán
When do people say it?
In Russian cuisine, баклажанная икра (eggplant caviar) is a popular appetizer.
Did you know?
- Because the word си́ненький refers to the color blue, it is a linguistic oddity that Russians use a 'blue' word for a vegetable that is biologically purple.
- Russian cuisine uses the word икра ('caviar') to describe eggplant spreads. While 'caviar' usually refers to expensive sturgeon eggs, in this context it refers to any vegetable puree with a similar consistency.
- In some regions of Russia and the former Soviet Union, the word бадриджа́н is used. This is a loanword from the Persian 'bādenjān', which mirrors the route the plant took through Central Asia.
Examples in context
- Я люблю баклажаны в салатеI love eggplants in salad
- Этот баклажа́н очень большой.Etot baklazhan ochen' bol'shoy.This eggplant is very large.
- Я купил свежий баклажа́н.Ya kupil svezhiy baklazhan.I bought a fresh eggplant.
- Баклажа́н отлично подходит для салата.Baklazhan otlichno podkhodit dlya salata.The eggplant is great for a salad.
Example conversation
At the grocery store.
- Андрей AndreyАнастасия, какой баклажа́н взять?Anastasiya, kakoy baklazhan vzyat'?Anastasia, which eggplant should I get?
- Анастасия AnastasiaВозьми тот, что поменьше.Voz'mi tot, chto pomen'she.Take the one that is smaller.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, я возьму его.Khorosho, ya voz'mu yego.Okay, I will take it.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСпасибо, Андрей.Spasibo, Andrey.Thanks, Andrey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eggplant” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
