отличная работа
otlichnaya rabota
The Russian phrase for "great job" is отличная работа (otlichnaya rabota).
отличная работа is used to express "well done" or to congratulate someone on their performance. It can also be used to describe a person's occupation, such as saying someone has a "great job" (a high-quality or prestigious position).
Meaning: well done, congrats! (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective отличная (excellent or great) and the noun работа (work).
Which one should you use?
Depending on your intent, the phrase can mean two different things: it is the standard way to say "well done" to praise a person's performance or it can refer to a person's actual employment, such as having a high-paying or prestigious position.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because работа is a feminine noun, the adjective must use the feminine ending -ая in отличная.
How do you pronounce it?
otlichnaya rabota
Did you know?
- The noun работа is a linguistic 'cousin' to the English word 'robot', as both derive from the same Proto-Slavic root meaning 'forced labor' or 'drudgery'.
- While отличная работа is a literal translation, Russians often use the single word молодец to praise someone's performance.
- The adjective отличная comes from a root meaning 'to differ'. To have an 'excellent' job literally means it 'differs' from the ordinary.
Examples in context
- У вас отличная работа.You have a great job.This sentence uses отличная работа to show that someone has a great job/position.Tatoeba #5460931 by marafon, translation #3342834 by CK
- У Тома отличная работа.Tom has a great job.This sentence uses отличная работа to show that Tom has a great job/position.Tatoeba #10957055 by marafon, translation #10956348 by CK
- Отличная работа! Твоя презентация была информативной, хорошо структурированной и очень профессиональной.Great job! Your presentation was informative, well-structured, and very professional.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry is praising Olga for completing a difficult project at the office.
- Дмитрий DmitryОльга, это была отличная работа!Ol'ga, eto byla otlichnaya rabota!Olga, that was a great job!
- Ольга OlgaСпасибо, Дмитрий! Я очень старалась.Spasibo, Dmitriy! Ya ochen' staralas'.Thank you, Dmitry! I worked very hard.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы заслужила похвалу.Ty zasluzhila pokhalu.You deserve praise.
- Ольга OlgaМне очень приятно это слышать.Mne ochen' priyatno eto slyshat'.It is very nice to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries работа, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
