ра́дость
rádostʹfeminine
The English word joy can be translated into Russian as ра́дость (rádostʹ) or весе́лье.
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ра́дость | rádostʹ | feminine |
| весе́лье | vesélʹje | neuter |
Russian uses different words for joy depending on whether you are describing a deep internal emotion or an outward state of amusement. ра́дость refers to a deep, often profound feeling of joy or gladness. весе́лье is used to describe a state of amusement, fun or a lively, festive atmosphere.
Which one should you use?
ра́дость expresses a deep internal emotion of joy or gladness. In contrast, весе́лье refers to outward mirth, fun, merriment or festivities.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun ра́дость changes to ра́дости in the genitive case, which is used to express 'of joy' or to indicate a source or possession. The related adjective form is ра́достный, which is used to describe a person or an event as being joyful.
How do you pronounce it?
rádostʹ
Did you know?
- In Russian literature, high levels of 'радость' are often contrasted with 'тоска', a uniquely Russian word for a deep, melancholic longing that has no direct English equivalent.
- The word радость can be used almost poetically to describe a person, such as calling a child 'my joy' by saying моя радость.
- In Russian, you can experience 'joy' through the verb радоваться, which requires the dative case for the object of your joy, rather than the accusative case used in English.
Examples in context
- Он испытывал великий восторг от новых идей.He felt great joy from the new ideas.
- Все были полны радости от приятных новостей.Everyone was full of joy from the pleasant news.
- Все весело праздновали его успехи.Everyone joyfully celebrated his successes.
- Это была вели́кая ра́дость.It was a great joy.
Example conversation
Anastasia tells Andrey about her new job.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАндрей, меня приняли на работу!Andrey, menya prinyali na rabotu!Andrey, I got the job!
- Андрей AndreyПоздравляю! Я очень за тебя рад.Pozdravlyayu! Ya ochen' za tebya rad.Congratulations! I am very happy for you.
- Анастасия AnastasiaЭто такая ра́дость, я даже плачу.Eto takaya radost', ya dazhe plachu.It is such a joy, I'm even crying.
- Андрей AndreyДавай отметим это событие сегодня вечером.Davay otmetim eto sobytiye segodnya vecherom.Let's celebrate this event tonight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
