имби́рь
imbírʹmasculine
The English word "ginger" translates to Russian as имби́рь (imbírʹ).
имби́рь is the noun used for the spice. When you want to describe something flavored with ginger, use the adjective имби́рный, such as in the phrase имби́рный чай (ginger tea).
Meaning: spice (noun)
Which one should you use?
The adjective имби́рный is used for things made of or flavored with the spice, but it is not used to describe people. To describe someone with reddish-brown hair or fur, use the adjective ры́жий.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
imbírʹ
Did you know?
- While the spice is имби́рь, the Russian word for a 'gingerbread' cookie is пря́ник. This refers to a traditional honey-spice dough that is distinct from Western gingerbread.
- To describe a red-haired person, Russians use the word ры́жий, which is the same word used to describe a fox.
- The word имби́рь is a loanword that entered Russian via various trade routes, often via Persian or Arabic influence, rather than through direct Germanic contact.
Examples in context
- Ты купил имбирь для пирога?Did you buy ginger for the pie?
- У моего друга рыжая борода.My friend has a ginger beard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ginger” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
