вот, держи
vot, derzhi
The English phrase 'here you go' can be translated into Russian as вот, держи (vot, derzhi).
This phrase is used specifically when you are handing an object to another person. You can make the expression even more casual and familiar by omitting the word держи and simply saying Вот!
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the particle вот (here/there it is) and the imperative держи (hold/keep).
Which one should you use?
The phrase вот, держи is used specifically when handing an object to someone, whereas the single word вот can be used more generally to point something out or to say 'here it is'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, you can use Вот, держи! or Держи, вот! to mean 'here you go'. For a formal context, you can use Вот, пожалуйста. When speaking to elders, strangers or in formal settings, use вот, держите instead of вот, держи.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form держи is the singular informal imperative and should only be used with friends, family or children.
How do you pronounce it?
vot, derzhi
Did you know?
- If you are handing over something that is considered a 'treat' or a favor, Russians may replace вот, держи with на, which is an even shorter, more abrupt way of saying 'here'.
- The formal version вот, пожалуйста uses the same word for 'please' that is used to say 'you are welcome' after receiving a thank you.
- The word вот is etymologically related to the Polish word 'oto', showing how these pointing particles evolved similarly across Slavic languages.
Examples in context
- Да, вот, пожалуйста.Yes, here you go.
- Вот, держи!Here you go, take it!
- Вот, держи ключи.Vot, derzhi klyuchi.Here you go, take the keys.
- Вот, держи меню.Vot, derzhi menyu.Here you go, take the menu.
- Вот, держи свой кофе.Vot, derzhi svoy kofe.Here you go, take your coffee.
Example conversation
Sergey is handing a book to Anastasia in a library.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСергей, ты нашел мою книгу?Sergey, ty nashol moyu knigu?Sergey, did you find my book?
- Сергей SergeyДа, вот, держи.Da, vot, derzhi.Yes, here you go.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСпасибо большое!Spasibo bol'shoye!Thank you very much!
- Сергей SergeyНе за что.Ne za chto.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries вот, CC BY-SA 4.0.
