язы́чник
jazýčnik
The English word 'heathen' is translated into Russian as язы́чник (jazýčnik). Wiktionary also lists язы́чница (jazýčnica).
Meaning: person who does not follow an Abrahamic religion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| язы́чник | jazýčnik | |
| язы́чница | jazýčnica | feminine |
The term refers to a person who does not follow an Abrahamic religion.
Which one should you use?
While язы́чник refers specifically to a person practicing non-Abrahamic or polytheistic religions, the adjective язы́ческий is used to describe things related to those religions (e.g., 'heathen rituals').
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun язы́чник changes to язы́чника in the genitive case, such as when saying 'of a heathen'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is jazýčnik.
Did you know?
- The root of язы́чник is язы́к, which means 'tongue' or 'language'. This implies that a 'heathen' is someone who speaks a different language than the one used in scripture.
- Modern Russia has a growing movement called роднове́рие, which seeks to revive the pre-Christian язы́ческий beliefs of the ancient Slavs.
- In a figurative sense, язы́ческий can be used to describe something wild, unrestrained or intensely passionate, moving beyond religious contexts.
Examples in context
- В древности язычники верили в нескольких богов.In ancient times, heathens believed in multiple gods.
- Язычники часто принимали участие в ритуалах.Heathens often participated in rituals.
- На лекции мы обсудили основные аспекты язычества.During the lecture, we discussed the main aspects of heathenism.
Example conversation
Alexander and Olga are discussing history at a museum.
- Александр AleksandrПосмотри на этот старый идол.Posmotri na etot staryy idol.Look at this old idol.
- Ольга OlgaНаверное, его сделал язы́чник.Navernoye, yego sdelal yazychnik.A heathen probably made it.
- Александр AleksandrДа, в те времена это было часто.Da, v te vremena eto bylo chasto.Yes, it was common in those times.
- Ольга OlgaЭто очень интересная культура.Eto ochen interesnaya kul'tura.It is a very interesting culture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heathen” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
