Джо́зеф
Džózɛfmasculine, transliteration
The English name Joseph can be translated into Russian in several ways, depending on the context. If unsure, use Джо́зеф (Džózɛf). Wiktionary also lists Ио́сиф (Iósif) and О́сип (Ósip).
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Джо́зеф | Džózɛf | masculine, transliteration |
| Ио́сиф | Iósif | masculine |
| О́сип | Ósip | masculine |
| Юсу́п | Jusúp | masculine |
In Russian, the choice of form depends on whether you are referring to a historical/biblical figure, a person from a Western country or using a culturally specific version of the name.
Which one should you use?
Ио́сиф is the traditional or biblical version of the name. Джо́зеф is a transliteration used specifically when referring to people with this name in a Western context, such as Joseph Biden. О́сип is an archaic or folk variation of the name. Юсу́п is a culturally distinct version often found in Muslim-influenced regions of the former Soviet Union.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Юсу́п is a version of the name frequently found in Muslim-influenced regions of the former Soviet Union.
How do you pronounce it?
Džózɛf
Did you know?
- If you call a modern American named Joseph Ио́сиф, it sounds to a Russian speaker as if you are referring to a prophet or a saint.
- Russian has a unique way of creating diminutives for Ио́сиф such as О́сичка, which changes the tone from formal to deeply affectionate.
- The form О́сип is famously used for the poet Osip Mandelstam, and it carries a distinct poetic and intellectual connotation in Russian literature.
Examples in context
- Добрый день, Йозеф Иванович!Good day, Joseph Ivanovich!
- Сегодня мы отмечаем праздник Иосифа Патриарха.Today we celebrate the holiday of Joseph the Patriarch.
- Меня зовут Джо́зеф.Menya zovut Dzhozef.My name is Joseph.
- Джо́зеф мой лучший друг.Dzhozef moy luchshiy drug.Joseph is my best friend.
- Ты знаешь Джо́зефа?Ty znayesh Dzhozefa?Do you know Joseph?
Example conversation
Dmitry and Anastasia are talking about a new colleague at work.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы познакомилась с новым коллегой?Ty poznakomilas' s novym kollegoy?Have you met the new colleague?
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, его зовут Джо́зеф.Da, yego zovut Dzhozef.Yes, his name is Joseph.
- Дмитрий DmitryОн кажется очень вежливым.On kazhetsya ochen' vezhlivym.He seems very polite.
- Анастасия AnastasiaДа, Джо́зеф очень приятный человек.Da, Dzhozef ochen' priyatnyy chelovek.Yes, Joseph is a very pleasant person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joseph” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
