ни фига себе
ni figa sebe
The English phrase "holy crap" can be translated into Russian as ни фига себе (ni figa sebe).
ни фига себе is an informal exclamation used to express shock, amazement or disbelief at a sudden realization or event.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "not a fig to myself". In this context, "fig" (фига) serves as a euphemism for a more vulgar term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ни фига себе is an informal expression. Because it contains a euphemism, it is slightly edgy but generally acceptable in casual speech among friends. While it is a common way to express surprise, one should be aware that using the actual vulgar root instead of the euphemism would make the expression much more offensive.
How does it change in a sentence?
ни фига себе is an invariable exclamation and does not change its form regardless of the subject or tense.
How do you pronounce it?
ni figa sebe
Did you know?
- In Russian culture, the 'fig' gesture associated with фига is historically used to ward off the 'evil eye' or as a superstitious protection, not just as a rude sign.
- The word фига in this phrase refers to the 'fig sign' gesture, where the thumb is tucked between the index and middle fingers. In Russia, this gesture is a classic way to signal a refusal or a 'no' to someone.
- While ни фига себе expresses shock, using the word фига as a noun can also mean 'nothing' in a dismissive sense. For example, saying someone got фига means they got nothing at all.
Examples in context
- Ни фига себе, какая огромная гора!Ni figa sebe, kakaya ogromnaya gora!Holy crap, what a huge mountain!
- Ни фига себе, ты уже закончил?Ni figa sebe, ty uzhe zakonchil?Holy crap, you're finished already?
- Ого, ни фига себе цена!Ogo, ni figa sebe tsena!Wow, holy crap, look at that price!
Example conversation
Alexander and Anastasia are looking at a very expensive car in a magazine.
- Александр AleksandrСмотри, сколько эта машина стоит.Smotri, skol'ko eta mashina stoit.Look how much this car costs.
- Анастасия AnastasiaНи фига себе, это слишком дорого!Ni figa sebe, eto slishkom dorogo!Holy crap, that's too expensive!
- Александр AleksandrДа, Анастасия, я тоже в шоке.Da, Anastasiya, ya tozhe v shoke.Yes, Anastasia, I'm in shock too.
- Анастасия AnastasiaУ меня нет слов.U menya net slov.I have no words.
