братан
bratan
The English phrase "homie" is translated into Russian as братан (bratan).
The term братан refers to a friend or somebody one often hangs out with, commonly translated as "homie", "bro" or "buddy".
Meaning: a friend, somebody one often hangs out with (noun)
Which one should you use?
While братан implies a close, informal bond, using the standard друг is much more neutral and formal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
братан is an informal, slangy term used among close male friends. Other informal ways to refer to a peer include Дружище (buddy, mate or pal) or парень (guy or dude).
How do you pronounce it?
bratan
Did you know?
- In Russian prison culture, братан takes on a deeper meaning of 'brother-in-arms', signifying a bond of survival and trust that is more intense than a typical friendship.
- While it means 'homie', using братан with a stranger or a superior can be seen as highly disrespectful or even aggressive, depending on the tone.
- The word братан is inherited from the Old East Slavic бра́танъ, proving that the concept of using family terms for close friends is centuries old in Russian culture.
Examples in context
- Привет, братан! Как дела?Hey, homie! How are you doing?
- Он мой старый братан.On moy staryy bratan.He is my old homie.
- Привет, братан, как дела?Privet, bratan, kak dela?Hey homie, how are things?
- Мой братан всегда меня выручит.Moy bratan vsegda menya vyruchit.My homie will always bail me out.
Example conversation
Dmitry and Maria are talking about Dmitry's friend.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭтот парень мой братан.Etot paren' moy bratan.This guy is my homie.
- Мария MariaОн кажется очень весёлым.On kazhetsya ochen' vesyolym.He seems very fun.
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, он отличный братан.Da, on otlichnyy bratan.Yeah, he is an excellent homie.
- Мария MariaЯ рада за тебя.Ya rada za tebya.I am happy for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries братан, CC BY-SA 4.0.
