час
čas[t͡ɕas]masculine
In Russian, the English word "hour" is translated as час (čas).
The word час refers to a sixty-minute time period. It is also used to refer to a specific time on a clock.
Meaning: time period of sixty minutes (noun)
Which one should you use?
While час is the standard form, you may encounter the diminutive form часок in certain contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the number preceding it. Use the form часа after the numbers 2, 3 or 4. For numbers 5 through 20, use the form часов.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is čas.
Did you know?
- While час means 'hour', it is also the root for the word часы, which means 'clock' or 'watch'. The plural form essentially treats a clock as a machine that produces hours.
- Russian has a specific linguistic quirk where the plural form часов is used for numbers 5 and up, but the word for a 'clock' часы is always plural, even when referring to a single wristwatch.
- Russian uses the word час to describe the 'hour' of a person's death or a critical turning point in history, blending the concept of clock time with the concept of fate.
Examples in context
- Я ждал её час.I waited for her for one hour.This sentence shows how to use час to express a duration of time.Tatoeba #2618777 by odexed, translation #1577365 by rbbrbb
- Он муж на час.He is a husband for an hour.This sentence uses час in a metaphorical sense regarding a temporary role.Tatoeba #3600754 by Balamax, translation #3600753 by Balamax
- У нас ещё час.We've got an hour left.This sentence demonstrates using час to indicate time remaining.Tatoeba #6487391 by marafon, translation #3310119 by CK
- Я приду через часокI will come in an hour
- У нас собрание продлится два часаOur meeting will last two hours
- 703 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Alexander are discussing when to meet.
- Мария MariaЯ буду через один час.Ya budu cherez odin chas.I will be there in one hour.
- Александр AleksandrХорошо, я подожду тебя.Khorosho, ya podozhdu tebya.Okay, I will wait for you.
- Мария MariaТебе нужен целый час?Tebe nuzhen tseliy chas?Do you need a whole hour?
- Александр AleksandrНет, мне хватит и половины.Net, mne khvatit i poloviny.No, half will be enough for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hour” translations and entries час, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
