Ива́н
Ivánmasculine
The English name John is translated into Russian as Ива́н (Iván). Wiktionary also lists Иоа́нн (Ioánn) and Джон (Džon).
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ива́н | Iván | masculine | |
| Иоа́нн | Ioánn | masculine, obsolete | |
| Джон | Džon | [d͡ʐʐon] (narrow) | masculine, transliteration |
Ива́н is the standard Russian name, while Джон is used when talking about someone actually named John in an English-speaking context.
Which one should you use?
Ива́н is the culturally equivalent Russian name. Джон is a transliteration used specifically for people named John in English-speaking contexts. Иоа́нн is an archaic or strictly ecclesiastical form of the name. Ваня is an informal diminutive of Ива́н.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
Iván
Did you know?
- In Russian fairy tales, the character Ива́н-дура́к or 'Ivan the Fool' is a common trope who appears dim-witted but eventually succeeds through luck or kindness.
- Historically, Ива́н was one of the most common names for Russian Tsars, most notably Ива́н Грозный or 'Ivan the Terrible'.
- If you refer to someone as Ива́ныч, you are using a patronymic-style nickname that implies a level of familiarity or a 'fatherly' status, even if it is not their real patronymic.
Examples in context
- Ты Том или Джон?Are you Tom or John?This sentence is useful for asking someone to clarify if they are Tom or Джон.Tatoeba #12103847 by marafon, translation #12103799 by CK
- Э́тот челове́к Ива́н.Etot chelovek Ivan.This person is Ivan.
- 1256 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey introduces his friend to Maria.
- Андрей AndreyМария, познакомься, это Ива́н.Mariya, poznakom'sya, eto Ivan.Maria, meet Ivan.
- Мария MariaПривет, Ива́н! Очень приятно.Privet, Ivan! Ochen' priyatno.Hi, Ivan! Nice to meet you.
- Андрей AndreyИва́н мой старый друг.Ivan moy staryy drug.Ivan is my old friend.
- Мария MariaРада познакомиться с тобой.Rada poznakomitsya s toboy.I am glad to meet you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “john” translations and entries Джон, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
