Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| информа́ция | informácija | feminine |
| инфа́ | infá | colloquial, feminine |
| све́дение | svédenije | |
| да́нные | dánnyje |
The primary way to express communicable knowledge is through информа́ция. Depending on the context, you may also use сведение to refer to a specific detail or piece of information or да́нные when referring specifically to data or factual information.
Which one should you use?
While информа́ция refers to general information or knowledge, да́нные is specifically used for 'data' in technical, mathematical or computational contexts. Additionally, сведение is often used in its plural form, сведения, to refer to specific facts, details or pieces of information, particularly in official or formal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal tone, especially when discussing facts or details, you can use сведения. In casual settings, particularly in digital communication or among younger generations, the shortened form инфа́ is a common colloquial way to say 'info'.
How does it change in a sentence?
информа́ция is a feminine noun. It changes to информации in the genitive case, which is used to indicate possession or when following words like нет (meaning 'no' or 'none').
How do you pronounce it?
informácija
Did you know?
- If a Russian speaker says инфа́ зашквар, they are using the word for 'information' alongside a very specific youth slang term to mean the information is embarrassing or shameful.
- In the Soviet era, access to certain сведения was strictly controlled by the state, giving the word a historical association with secrecy and classified files.
- The word сведение comes from the verb сводить, which means 'to bring together' or 'to gather', reflecting the idea that this kind of information is a collection of gathered facts.
Examples in context
- Ja вчepa читaл интepecную информацию в интepнeтeI read an interesting piece of information on the internet yesterday.
- Гдe мoжнo нaйти нaдeжныe дaнныe o измeнeнии климaтa?Where can I find reliable data on climate change?
Example conversation
Maria and Dmitry are discussing a project at work.
- Мария MariaДми́трий, у тебя́ есть информа́ция по прое́кту?Dmitriy, u tebya yest' informatsiya po proyektu?Dmitry, do you have the information on the project?
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, я присла́л её тебе́ на почту́.Da, ya prislal yeyo tebe na pochtu.Yes, I sent it to your email.
- Мария MariaЯ пока́ не ви́жу письма́.Ya poka ne vizhu pis'ma.I don't see the email yet.
- Дмитрий DmitryПосмотри́ в па́пке со спа́мом.Posmotri v papke so spamom.Check your spam folder.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “information” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
