просто
prósto[ˈprostə]
The English phrase 'just' can be translated into Russian as просто (prósto).
The word просто is used to express the sense of 'just' when it means 'simply'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word просто literally means 'simply' or 'plainly'.
Which one should you use?
Use просто when 'just' means 'simply' (e.g., 'I am just waiting'). If you mean 'just' in the sense of 'only' or 'solely' (e.g., 'I only have one'), you should use только.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, просто does not change its ending based on gender, number or case.
How do you pronounce it?
prósto
Did you know?
- In Russian, if you say you are просто tired, you might actually be emphasizing that you are 'absolutely' or 'utterly' exhausted, rather than 'simply' tired.
- Russian has a specific term for 'simple people' or 'the common folk' using the adjective form простой, which carries a historical class connotation of being non-noble.
- In Russian, просто can be used alone as a one-word response to a question, meaning 'simply' or 'just because', often conveying a sense of resignation or lack of a complex reason.
Examples in context
- Я просто в шоке.I'm just shocked.This sentence shows how to use просто to express being in a state of shock.Tatoeba #4768459 by odexed, translation #2649973 by Hybrid
- Я просто жду их.I'm just waiting for them.This sentence uses просто to indicate the act of waiting.Tatoeba #4794209 by odexed, translation #3917022 by CH
- Я просто жду её.I'm just waiting for her.Tatoeba #4840801 by odexed, translation #3917024 by CH
- Я просто устал.I'm just tired.
- Он только что ушёл.He just left.
- Она лишь немного раздражена.She's just a little irritated.
- Приди́ ровно в девять.Come at exactly nine.
- У меня́ есть только оди́н вопро́с.I have just one question.
- Я тебя просто обожа́ю!I just adore you!
- Это всего лишь игра.It's just a game.
- 4728 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey and Maria are talking about a movie they watched.
- Андрей AndreyТебе понравился фильм?Tebe ponravilsya fil'm?Did you like the movie?
- Мария MariaОн был просто ужасен.On byl prosto uzhasen.It was just terrible.
- Андрей AndreyПочему ты так считаешь?Pochemu ty tak schitayesh'?Why do you think so?
- Мария MariaЯ просто не люблю такие сюжеты.Ya prosto ne lyublyu takie syuzhety.I just don't like those kinds of plots.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry просто, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
