болтливый
boltlívyj[bɐɫtˈlʲivɨj]
The Russian word for gabby is болтливый (boltlívyj).
болтливый is used to describe someone who is inclined to talk too much, especially regarding trivial matters.
Meaning: inclined to talk too much, especially about trivia (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective is derived from the verb болтать, which means to chatter or to babble.
Which one should you use?
While болтливый carries a negative connotation of talking excessively about unimportant things, the word разговорчивый is a more neutral or even positive term used to describe someone who is simply talkative or communicative.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: use болтливая for feminine nouns and болтливые for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
boltlívyj
Did you know?
- While болтливый is the direct translation for 'gabby', Russians often use the phrase язык без костей meaning 'a tongue without bones' to describe such a person.
- Russian has a specific word for the act of chatting for the sake of chatting, болтология, which mimics the structure of 'sociology' or 'biology'.
- The root verb болтать can also mean 'to shake' or 'to swing' something back and forth. This reflects the idea of words swinging loosely and without purpose during idle chatter.
Examples in context
- Мой друг Габби приехал в Москву на каникулах.My friend Gabby came to Moscow for vacation.
- Вчера мы с Габи побывали на концерте.Yesterday, Gabby and I went to a concert.
- Он очень болтливый человек.On ochen' bol'telivyy chelovek.He is a very gabby person.
- Мой сосед слишком болтливый.Moy sosed slishkom bol'telivyy.My neighbor is too gabby.
Example conversation
Dmitry is telling Ekaterina about a coworker.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭтот новый сотрудник очень болтливый.Etot novyy sotrudnik ochen' bol'telivyy.This new employee is very gabby.
- Екатерина EkaterinaТы правда так думаешь, Дмитрий?Ty pravda tak dumayesh', Dmitriy?Do you really think so, Dmitry?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, он говорит о всякой ерунде.Da, on govorit o vsyakoy erunde.Yes, he talks about all sorts of trivia.
- Екатерина EkaterinaБудь осторожнее с ним.Bud' ostorozhneye s nim.Be careful with him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry болтливый, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
