смире́ние
smirénijefeminine
The English phrase 'humility' can be translated into Russian using several different terms depending on the context. If unsure, use смире́ние (smirénije). Wiktionary also lists скро́мность (skrómnostʹ) and поко́рность (pokórnostʹ).
Meaning: characteristic of being humble (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| смире́ние | smirénije | feminine |
| скро́мность | skrómnostʹ | feminine |
| поко́рность | pokórnostʹ | feminine |
| смире́нность | smirénnostʹ | feminine |
In Russian, the choice of word for humility depends on whether you are describing a person's social modesty, a spiritual state or a submissive behavior.
Which one should you use?
скро́мность refers to modesty in behavior or a person's character, such as not boasting about achievements. смире́ние refers to a deep, often religious sense of humility or submission to a higher power or fate. поко́рность carries a stronger connotation of submissiveness or being compliant/obedient. смире́нность is another form used for humility.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of скро́мность is скро́мный. The adjective form of смире́ние is смире́нный.
How do you pronounce it?
smirénije
Did you know?
- The root of смире́ние comes from the word мир, which means 'peace'. In a spiritual context, this form of humility is viewed not as weakness but as the act of bringing one's soul into a state of inner peace.
- In Russian, the word поко́рность is closely related to the verb 'to conquer' or 'to subjugate', implying that the humility being described is a state of being defeated or mastered.
- A person who lacks скро́мность is often called заносчивый, a word that literally suggests someone who is 'carrying themselves' too high or overbearing.
Examples in context
- Ваша скромность и умение слушать других делают вас исключительным лидером.Your humility and ability to listen to others make you an exceptional leader.
- Смирение – важная черта истинного лидера, которая привлекает и воодушевляет других.Humility is an important characteristic of a true leader that attracts and inspires others.
- Не стоит так скромничать! Ты заслужил все свои успехи!Don't be so modest! You deserve all your successes!
- Её смире́ние восхищает многих.Yeyo smireniye voskhishchayet mnogikh.Her humility inspires many.
- В этом поступке есть смире́ние.V etom postupke yest' smireniye.There is humility in this act.
Example conversation
Ekaterina and Sergey are discussing a mutual friend's reaction to a promotion.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСергей, ты видел его реакцию?Sergey, ty videl yego reaktsiyu?Sergey, did you see his reaction?
- Сергей SergeyДа, его смире́ние просто поразительно.Da, yego smireniye prosto porazitel'no.Yes, his humility is simply amazing.
- Екатерина EkaterinaОн совсем не хвастается успехом.On sovsem ne khvastayetsya uspekhom.He isn't bragging about the success at all.
- Сергей SergeyЭто очень достойное качество.Eto ochen' dostoynoye kachestvo.That is a very noble quality.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humility” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
