Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| хо́стел | xóstɛl | masculine |
| общежи́тие | obščežítije | neuter |
| турба́за | turbáza | feminine |
| хосте́л | xostɛ́l | masculine |
| мини-оте́ль | mini-otɛ́lʹ | masculine |
The word хо́стел is the most direct loanword used specifically for the modern, budget-friendly traveler accommodation found in cities.
Which one should you use?
While хо́стел refers to a modern commercial hostel for travelers, общежи́тие typically refers to a student dormitory or a state-run worker's hostel. Мини-оте́ль is used for small, private boutique-style accommodations that are more upscale and private than a typical хо́стел. The term турба́за refers to a specific type of rustic, often seasonal, outdoor lodging facility (tour base) common in rural or forested areas, rather than a modern urban hostel.
How does it change in a sentence?
хо́стел and хосте́л are masculine nouns. общежи́тие is a neuter noun. турба́за is a feminine noun. мини-оте́ль is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
xóstɛl
Did you know?
- In Russian, общежи́тие can be used metaphorically to describe any place that is cluttered, crowded or lacks privacy, regardless of whether it is actually a dormitory.
- The word общежи́тие is built from the roots for 'common' and 'living', literally meaning 'living together'. This emphasizes the communal nature of the space over the function of the building itself.
- A турба́за is not just a rustic hotel but often a sprawling complex with its own dining hall and scheduled group activities, reminiscent of Soviet pioneer camps.
Examples in context
- Мне нужен номер в хостеле.I need a room in a hostel.
- Сколько стоит проживание в хостеле?How much does it cost to stay in a hostel?
- Есть ли двухместные номера?Are there double rooms available?
- Можно ли забронировать номер заранее?Can I book a room in advance?
- Этот хо́стел находится в центре города.Etot khostel nakhoditsya v tsentre goroda.This hostel is located in the city center.
- Я забронировал дешёвый хо́стел на лето.Ya zabroniroval deshyovyy khostel na leto.I booked a cheap hostel for the summer.
Example conversation
Sergey and Olga are discussing travel plans in a cafe.
- Ольга OlgaСергей, где мы будем жить?Sergey, gde my budem zhit'?Sergey, where will we stay?
- Сергей SergeyЯ нашёл отличный хо́стел рядом с метро.Ya nashol otlichnyy khostel ryadom s metro.I found an excellent hostel near the metro.
- Ольга OlgaЭто будет недорого?Eto budet nedorogo?Will it be inexpensive?
- Сергей SergeyДа, этот хо́стел очень бюджетный.Da, etot khostel ochen' byudzhetnyy.Yes, this hostel is very budget-friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hostel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
