хм
xm[m̥m̩]
The Russian word for "hmm" is хм (xm). It is also spelled гм (hm).
Meaning: indicating thinking or pondering (intj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| хм | xm | [m̥m̩] (narrow) | |
| гм | hm | [m̥m̩] (narrow) | alternative form |
This interjection is used to indicate that a person is thinking or pondering something.
Which one should you use?
гм is an alternative spelling of хм.
How do you pronounce it?
xm
Did you know?
- While хм is a standard sound for thinking, the spelling гм can also be a highly technical abbreviation for 'hectometer', a unit of length equal to 100 metres.
- In Russian digital culture, using хм in a text message can sometimes come across as more dismissive or skeptical than the English 'hmm', often signaling a subtle 'I don't quite believe you'.
- While хм is common in writing, Russians often use a distinct throat-clearing sound called кхм to politely get someone's attention or signal awkwardness.
Examples in context
- Хм, с чего мне начать?Hmm, what should I start with?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use хм when deciding how to begin a task.Tatoeba #13704679 by marafon, translation #13703493 by terrywallwork
- Хм, да, пол здесь сделан из пола.Hmm, yes, the floor here is made out of floor.This sentence shows how хм can be used to express a realization.Tatoeba #9666959 by Ooneykcall, translation #9320891 by DJ_Saidez
- Хм, ты действительно хочешь это знать?Hmm, do you really want to know?This sentence demonstrates using хм when questioning someone's intent.Tatoeba #1670347 by marafon, translation #1334564 by marcelostockle
- Дайте мне немного времени, я раздумываю.Give me some time, I am pondering.
- Ты готов? Ну, я думаю, да.Are you ready? Hmm, I think so.
- Мы пойдем в кино вечером? Да как бы да, но у меня есть другие планы.Shall we go to the cinema tonight? Hmm, yes, but I have other plans.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Olga and Alexander are looking at a map in a park.
- Ольга OlgaХм, кажется, мы свернули не туда.Khm, kazhetsya, my svernali ne tuda.Hmm, it seems we took a wrong turn.
- Александр AleksandrХм, дай-ка я посмотрю на карту.Khm, day-ka ya posmotryu na kartu.Hmm, let me look at the map.
- Ольга OlgaТы уверен, что это правильный путь?Ty uveren, chto eto pravil'nyy put'?Are you sure this is the right way?
- Александр AleksandrХм, здесь всё выглядит иначе.Khm, zdes' vsyo vyglyadit inache.Hmm, everything looks different here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hmm” translations and entries хм, гм, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries гм, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
