я дурак
ya durak
The English phrase "i am dumb" is translated into Russian as я дурак (ya durak).
This phrase is used as a statement to admit that one is foolish or has made a mistake. It is commonly used informally to express regret or self-deprecation after making a silly mistake.
Which one should you use?
While the English "i am dumb" often uses an adjective, the Russian phrase я дурак uses a noun meaning "fool" or "idiot".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender of the speaker. Use the masculine form я дурак if the speaker is male, and the feminine form я дура if the speaker is female.
How do you pronounce it?
ya durak
Did you know?
- In historical Russian literature, the 'fool' was sometimes seen as a spiritual figure. The 'Holy Fool' or юродивый pretended to be дурак to speak truth to power and critique the Tsar without being punished.
- There is a popular Russian card game called Дурак which translates to 'Fool'. The goal of the game is to avoid being the last person holding cards, as that player is declared the дурак for the round.
- In Russian folklore, 'Ivan the Fool' (Иван-дурак) is a common character who often succeeds through luck or pure innocence rather than intellect.
Examples in context
- Ой, я дурак, забыл ключи дома.Oy, ya durak, zabyl klyuchi doma.Oh, I am dumb, I forgot my keys at home.
- Прости, я дурак и всё испортил.Prosti, ya durak i vsyo isporitil.Sorry, I am dumb and ruined everything.
- Я дурак, не заметил эту ошибку.Ya durak, ne zametil etu oshibku.I am dumb, I didn't notice this mistake.
Example conversation
Sergey realizes he made a silly mistake while helping Ekaterina.
- Сергей SergeyОй, я дурак, перепутал твои числа.Oy, ya durak, pereputal tvoi chisla.Oh, I am dumb, I mixed up your numbers.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНичего страшного, Сергей.Nichego strashnogo, Sergey.It's nothing serious, Sergey.
- Сергей SergeyМне так стыдно перед тобой.Mne tak stydno pered toboy.I am so ashamed in front of you.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНе расстраивайся, это бывает.Ne rasstraivaysya, eto byvayet.Don't be upset, it happens.
