Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| объя́тие | obʺjátije | neuter |
| объя́тия | obʺjátija | neuter, plural |
| обнима́ние | obnimánije | neuter |
Russian uses different words depending on whether you are describing an emotional embrace, the physical act of hugging or a playful term used among friends. The term объя́тие and its plural form объя́тия carry an emotional or poetic connotation, while обнима́ние focuses more on the mechanical physical process of the action.
What does it mean word for word?
The word объя́тие is derived from a root meaning 'to encompass' or 'to surround' with one's arms.
Which one should you use?
While the singular объя́тие exists, the plural form объя́тия is much more common when referring to the act of embracing or the feeling of an embrace. In contrast, обнима́ние is used to refer specifically to the physical process or the mechanical act of hugging. The term объя́тия is also used for everyday descriptions of embraces, whereas объя́тие is often reserved for more poetic, formal or literary contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The words объя́тие, объя́тия and обнима́ние are all neuter nouns. When describing people hugging one another, the reflexive verb обня́ться is used.
How do you pronounce it?
obʺjátije
Did you know?
- In Russian, the root of объя́тие is shared with the word объём, which means 'volume'. This links the act of hugging to the idea of taking up or measuring a three-dimensional space.
- The word объя́тие shares a root with the verb объять, which can also mean 'to grasp' a complex concept or 'to comprehend' a vast amount of information.
- In traditional Russian culture, a hug is often accompanied by three kisses on the cheeks, though this is more common in formal or highly emotional reunions than in casual daily greetings.
Examples in context
- Давай, давай, обнимашки!Come on, let's have a hug!
- Я хочу прижать тебя к себеI want to squeeze you tightly.
- дай мне обнимашку, дорогойGive me a hug, dear.
- Это было очень теплое объя́тие.Eto bylo ochen' teploye ob'yatiye.It was a very warm hug.
Example conversation
Olga and Dmitry are saying goodbye at the airport.
- Ольга OlgaДмитрий, дай мне последнее объя́тие.Dmitriy, day mne posledneye ob'yatie.Dmitry, give me one last hug.
- Дмитрий DmitryКонечно, Ольга. Я буду скучать.Konechno, Olga. Ya budu skuchat'.Of course, Olga. I will miss you.
- Ольга OlgaЯ тоже буду очень скучать.Ya tozhe budu ochen' skuchat'.I will miss you very much too.
- Дмитрий DmitryСчастливого пути!Schastlivogo puti!Have a safe trip!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
