дама
dama
The Russian word for lady is дама (dama).
дама is used to refer to a woman in a polite way, often implying a sense of elegance, refinement or a certain social status.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While дама specifically means 'lady' and suggests elegance, the standard and neutral Russian word for 'woman' is женщина.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of дама is дамы. When the word is the direct object of a verb, it changes to the accusative form даму.
How do you pronounce it?
dama
Did you know?
- In the game of cards, the 'Queen' is called дама, which literally translates to 'lady'.
- The word дама shares an ancient root with the English word 'domicile', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'building' or 'house'.
- While дама sounds elegant, using it to address a stranger in a modern Russian street might actually sound sarcastic or old-fashioned rather than polite.
Examples in context
- Я не знаю, кто эта дама.I don't know who this lady is.This sentence shows how to use дама to identify an unknown person.Tatoeba #11549177 by marafon, translation #8340697 by CK
- Она очень утончённая дама.She is a very refined lady.This sentence uses дама to describe a person's refined character.Tatoeba #13269970 by marafon, translation #316583 by CC
- С дамами так не обращаются.This is no way to treat a lady.This sentence demonstrates the use of дама when discussing how a lady should be treated.Tatoeba #4798339 by Wezel, translation #4751227 by Hybrid
- Простите, де́вушка, как пройти к банку?Excuse me, lady, how can I get to the bank?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry and Ekaterina are at a social event.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭта дама выглядит очень элегантно.Eta dama vyglyadit ochen' elegantno.This lady looks very elegant.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, она настоящая дама.Da, ona nastoyashchaya dama.Yes, she is a true lady.
- Дмитрий DmitryЕкатерина, вы согласны со мной?Ekaterina, vy soglasny so mnoy?Ekaterina, do you agree with me?
- Екатерина EkaterinaПолностью согласна, Дмитрий.Polnost'yu soglasna, Dmitriy.I completely agree, Dmitry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries дама, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
