хорошая работа
khoroshaya rabota
The English phrase "good work" is translated into Russian as хорошая работа (khoroshaya rabota).
хорошая работа is used to praise someone for completing a task successfully or with high quality. However, using it as a standalone exclamation can sound slightly unnatural or like a direct translation from English. It is more common to use it within a full sentence, such as Это хорошая работа (This is good work).
Which one should you use?
While хорошая работа is a literal translation of "good work", Russians more commonly use the single word молодец to praise someone's performance, which corresponds to "good job", "well done" or "way to go".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective хорошая (good) must agree in feminine gender with the noun работа (work).
How do you pronounce it?
khoroshaya rabota
Did you know?
- The word работа shares a common ancestor with the English word 'robot', as both stem from a root meaning 'forced labor' or 'drudgery'.
- In some contexts, молодец can be used ironically to scold someone who has made a mistake, similar to saying 'Nice one!' in English.
- In a professional setting, praising a superior with хорошая работа can sometimes feel patronizing, as if a teacher is grading a student.
Examples in context
- Хорошая работа!Good work!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use хорошая работа as an exclamation.Tatoeba #1434307 by Avelesy, translation #1230517 by alec
- Отличная работа!Excellent work!
- Прекрасная работа!Wonderful job!
- Молодец!Well done!
- Ты молодец!You did great!
- Отличная работа по организации мероприятия!Excellent job on organizing the event!
Example conversation
A manager is reviewing a project with an employee.
- Мария MariaДмитрий, я посмотрела твой отчет.Dmitriy, ya posmotrela tvoy otchet.Dmitry, I looked at your report.
- Дмитрий DmitryНадеюсь, вам всё понравилось.Nadeyus', vam vsyo ponravilos'.I hope you liked everything.
- Мария MariaДа, хорошая работа!Da, khoroshaya rabota!Yes, good work!
- Дмитрий DmitryСпасибо, Мария.Spasibo, Mariya.Thank you, Maria.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries работа, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
