Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| привиде́ние | prividénije | neuter | |
| при́зрак | prízrak | masculine | |
| фанто́м | fantóm | masculine | |
| дух | dux | [dux] (narrow) | masculine |
In Russian, several words are used to describe a ghost or spirit depending on whether you are talking about something seen, something ominous, a religious essence or a technical illusion.
What does it mean word for word?
The word привиде́ние is derived from the verb привидеться, which means to appear to one's sight.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nature of the entity: привиде́ние often implies a visual apparition or something seen. при́зрак is more commonly used for a haunting, more ominous ghost. дух is used for a spirit in a more metaphysical, religious or essential sense, rather than just a visual ghost. фанто́м is used for a phantom in a more technical, scientific or illusory sense, such as an optical illusion or a phantom limb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun при́зрак changes to при́зрака in the genitive case (e.g., 'the appearance of a ghost').
How do you pronounce it?
prividénije
When do people say it?
Кикимора is a female spirit from Russian folklore believed to haunt people's homes.
Did you know?
- In Russian, the term дух is used to describe the 'smell' or 'aroma' of something, creating a strange linguistic overlap between a metaphysical spirit and a physical scent.
- The word дух shares its ancient roots with the Proto-Slavic word for 'breath', linking the concept of a ghost to the very air we breathe.
- The word при́зрак shares a root with the Russian word for 'glance' or 'peeking', implying a being that is glimpsed rather than fully seen.
Examples in context
- Мэри почувствовала, будто призрак или дух коснулся её спины.Mary felt as if a ghost or spirit had touched her back.This sentence illustrates the use of дух to mean a ghost or spirit.Tatoeba #4904755 by Karok, translation #4904735 by Hybrid
- Итак идите, научите все народы, крестя их во имя Отца и Сына и Святого Духа.Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.This sentence shows how дух is used in a religious context to mean the Holy Ghost.Tatoeba #8146695 by Ivanovb, translation #10090299 by ddnktr
- Точно так же, Отец есть Господь, Сын есть Господь и Святой Дух есть Господь. И всё же существуют не три Господа, но один Господь.So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not Three Gods, but One God.This sentence demonstrates the use of дух in a theological context regarding the Holy Ghost.Tatoeba #2590634 by paul_lingvo, translation #560930 by Scott
- Когда я был маленьким, мне казалось, что в моей комнате есть призрак.When I was little, I thought there was a ghost in my room.
- Этот дом славится своими духами.This house is famous for its ghosts.
- Привидения часто встречаются в рассказах о старых замках.Ghosts are often encountered in tales about old castles.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Alexander are talking about a scary movie they just watched.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы видел это привиде́ние в фильме?Ty videl eto privideniye v fil'me?Did you see that ghost in the movie?
- Александр AleksandrДа, это привиде́ние было очень страшным.Da, eto privideniye bylo ochen' strashnym.Yes, that ghost was very scary.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЯ не хочу смотреть такие фильмы ночью.Ya ne khochu smotret' takiye fil'my noch'yu.I don't want to watch such movies at night.
- Александр AleksandrНе бойся, это всего лишь кино.Ne boysya, eto vsego lish' kino.Don't be afraid, it's just a movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries дух, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries дух, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
