Кремль
Kremlʹ[krʲemlʲ]masculine
The English phrase "kremlin" is translated into Russian as Кремль (Kremlʹ).
Кремль is used metonymically to represent the Russian or Soviet government, acting as a name for the seat of power. It can also refer to a specific type of fortification.
Meaning: the Russian or Soviet government (name)
Which one should you use?
In Russian, capitalization is used to distinguish between meanings: use a capital letter when referring to the specific seat of government or the Moscow Kremlin, but use lowercase кремль when referring to a generic type of fortification.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Кремль is a masculine noun. When you need to say "of the Kremlin" (the genitive case), the form changes to Кремля.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is Kremlʹ.
Did you know?
- The word Кремль is derived from a Proto-Slavic root meaning 'edge' or 'rim', which describes the fortification's original function as the boundary of a settlement.
- In Russian, the word кремль functions as a common noun. While English speakers treat 'Kremlin' as a proper name for one specific place, a Russian can speak of 'a кремль' in the same way an English speaker talks about 'a castle'.
- The Moscow Кремль is not a single building but a fortified complex. Russians mentally divide the site into 'administrative' and 'museum' zones, as the walls enclose both active government offices and historical cathedrals.
Examples in context
- Украинцы не хотят, чтобы ими правил Кремль.Ukrainians don't want to be ruled by the Kremlin.This sentence shows how Кремль can be used to represent a ruling power.Tatoeba #11843649 by Wezel, translation #11842850 by shekitten
- Московский Кремль является объектом культурного наследия.The Moscow Kremlin is a cultural heritage site.This sentence uses Кремль to identify a specific cultural heritage site.Tatoeba #7851356 by marafon, translation #10809838 by ddnktr
- Нижегородский кремль – памятник истории и архитектуры начала 16 века.The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin is a historical and architectural monument of the early 16th century.This sentence uses кремль in a lowercase form to refer to a historical and architectural monument.Tatoeba #10190492 by marafon, translation #10809853 by ddnktr
- Давай сходим в Кремль?Let's go to the Kremlin?
- Все на Красную площадь через Кремль!Everyone to Red Square via the Kremlin!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing current political news.
- Александр AleksandrЧто сейчас говорит Кремль об этом?Chto seychas govorit Kreml' ob etom?What is the Kremlin saying about this now?
- Екатерина EkaterinaОни пока никак не прокомментировали.Oni poka nikak ne prokommentirovali.They haven't commented on it yet.
- Александр AleksandrКремль обычно долго принимает решения.Kreml' obychno dolgo prinimayet resheniya.The Kremlin usually takes a long time to make decisions.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, я с тобой согласна, Александр.Da, ya s toboy soglasna, Aleksandr.Yes, I agree with you, Aleksandr.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kremlin” translations and entries Кремль, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries кремль, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
