суть
sutʹ[sutʲ]feminine
The English phrase 'essence' can be translated into Russian as суть (sutʹ) or сущность. Wiktionary also lists су́щность (súščnostʹ).
Meaning: inherent nature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| суть | sutʹ | [sutʲ] (narrow) | feminine |
| су́щность | súščnostʹ | feminine |
Both forms refer to the inherent nature of something, but they are applied to different contexts.
Which one should you use?
The form суть is used to refer to the core, gist or the most important part of a concept or a situation. In contrast, сущность is more abstract and is frequently used in philosophical, scientific or formal contexts to describe an entity or an inherent nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase В этом заключается суть, the word суть functions as the subject, while the verb заключается means 'consists of' or 'lies in'.
How do you pronounce it?
sutʹ
Did you know?
- While суть usually means 'essence', it historically functioned as a plural form of the verb 'to be'. In old texts and certain formal styles, it is still used as a linking verb meaning 'are'.
- If you are talking about the 'essence' of a liquid, such as an essential oil, you would actually use the word эссенция instead of either of these Russian terms.
- The word сущность shares a root with существо, which means 'being' or 'creature'. This links the philosophical 'essence' of a thing directly to the physical 'existence' of a living entity.
Examples in context
- В этом заключается суть дела.That is the essence of the matter.This sentence shows how to use суть to describe the core of a matter.Tatoeba #2889557 by odexed, translation #2889550 by serendipity42
- Суть идеологии эсперантистов равноценность всех языков и культур.The essence of Esperanto ideology is the equality of all languages and cultures.This sentence uses суть to describe the core essence of an ideology.Tatoeba #3547020 by alik_farber, translation #8395033 by AlanF_US
- Они всё равно никогда по-настоящему не поймут суть японской культуры.They'll never truly understand the essence of Japanese culture anyway.This sentence uses суть to describe the fundamental nature of a culture.Tatoeba #13262295 by Wezel, translation #38594 by Lumi
- Сущность этого проекта заключается в создании нового продукта для нашей компании.The essence of this project lies in creating a new product for our company.
- Такова суть нашего предложения.Such is the essence of our proposal.
- Не забывай суть дела и двигайся вперед.Don't forget the essence of the matter and move forward.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Dmitry are discussing a complex book they both read.
- Ольга OlgaТы понял суть этой книги?Ty ponyal sut' etoy knigi?Did you understand the essence of this book?
- Дмитрий DmitryКажется, да. Она о поиске счастья.Kazhetsya, da. Ona o poiske schast'ya.I think so. It is about the search for happiness.
- Ольга OlgaВ этом и заключается вся суть.V etom i zaklyuchayetsya vsya sut'.That is exactly the essence of it.
- Дмитрий DmitryСогласен, Ольга. Это очень глубокая мысль.Soglasen, Ol'ga. Eto ochen' glubokaya mysl'.I agree, Olga. It is a very deep thought.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “essence” translations and entries суть, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
