челове́к
čelovékmasculine
To say human in Russian, meaning a human being, use челове́к (čelovék). If unsure, use челове́к. Wiktionary also lists лю́ди (ljúdi).
Meaning: human being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| челове́к | čelovék | masculine |
| лю́ди | ljúdi | masculine, plural, plural only |
челове́к is the most common word for a human being and is used as a countable noun meaning a person.
Which one should you use?
Use челове́к for a single human being and лю́ди (ljúdi) for people in the plural. For human as an adjective, as in the human brain or human rights, use челове́ческий. людско́й is another adjective form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
челове́к is masculine. Its plural is the separate word лю́ди, which becomes люде́й in the genitive.
How do you pronounce it?
челове́к is romanized as čelovék, with the stress on the last syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not build a regular plural from челове́к. For people, use лю́ди.
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word челове́к is often used to describe a 'reasonable' or 'normal' person in the phrase будь челове́ком, which literally tells someone to 'be a human'.
- The adjective челове́чный (čelovéčnyj) does not just mean 'human-related' in a biological sense, but specifically describes someone who is compassionate or kind.
- The phrase бедно́й челове́к translates to 'poor soul', using the word for 'human' to express deep sympathy or endearment for someone in a difficult situation.
Examples in context
- Возле меня сидел странный тип.A strange guy was sitting next to me.
- Ольга, ты лучший человек, которого я знаю.Olga, you are the best person I know.
- Он очень хороший челове́к.On ochen' khoroshiy chelovek.He is a very good person.
- Каждый челове́к заслуживает уважения.Kazhdyy chelovek zasluzhivayet uvazheniya.Every human being deserves respect.
- Ты замечательный челове́к.Ty zamechatel'nyy chelovek.You are a wonderful person.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a colleague at a cafe.
- Ольга OlgaАндрей добрый челове́к, верно?Andrey dobryy chelovek, verno?Andrey is a kind person, right?
- Андрей AndreyДа, он отличный челове́к.Da, on otlichnyy chelovek.Yes, he is an excellent person.
- Ольга OlgaЯ рада, что он работает с нами.Ya rada, chto on rabotayet s nami.I am glad that he works with us.
- Андрей AndreyЯ тоже так думаю.Ya tozhe tak dumayu.I think so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “human” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
