Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ягнёнок | jagnjónok | [(j)ɪɡˈnʲɵnək] (narrow) [(j)ɪˈnʲɵnək] (dialectal, narrow) |
masculine |
| а́гнец | ágnec | archaic, masculine | |
| бара́шек | barášek | masculine |
In Russian, the term for a young sheep varies depending on whether you are speaking neutrally, affectionately or in a religious context. The standard term for a lamb in both everyday speech and biology is ягнёнок.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ягнёнок is formed from the root for lamb with the suffix –ёнок, which is a common way in Russian to form nouns for the young of animals.
Which one should you use?
ягнёнок is the standard, neutral term. бара́шек is a diminutive form used to sound more affectionate or cute, often when talking to children or describing a small, soft lamb. а́гнец is an archaic or highly formal term, most commonly encountered in religious contexts, such as the 'Lamb of God'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter diminutive form ягнятко can be used to emphasize the smallness or cuteness of the animal.
How do you pronounce it?
jagnjónok
Did you know?
- While бара́шек means 'lamb' in a cute sense, it is also the word used to describe the 'curls' of a person's hair.
- The word ягнёнок is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'lamb' through their shared ancient Proto-Indo-European root *h₂egʷnós.
- The term а́гнец is so deeply tied to religious tradition that using it in a casual conversation about food or farming would sound strangely dramatic or ancient.
Examples in context
- Ягнёнок – детёныш овцы.A lamb is a young sheep.This sentence is useful for defining the term ягнёнок.Tatoeba #10755952 by marafon, translation #12573013 by sundown
- Какую роль играет баранина в русской кухне?What role does lamb play in Russian cuisine?
- Этот ягнёнок очень белый.Etot yagnyonok ochen' belyy.This lamb is very white.
- Маленький ягнёнок бежит по лугу.Malen'kiy yagnyonok bezhit po lugu.A little lamb is running across the meadow.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are visiting a small farm.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСмотри, какой милый ягнёнок!Smotri, kakoy milyy yagnyonok!Look, what a cute lamb!
- Александр AleksandrДа, он действительно очаровательный.Da, on deystvitel'no ocharovatel'nyy.Yes, he is truly charming.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАлександр, ты хочешь его покормить?Aleksandr, ty khochesh' yego pokormit'?Alexander, do you want to feed him?
- Александр AleksandrНет, я боюсь его напугать.Net, ya boyus' yego napugat'.No, I am afraid of scaring him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb” translations and entries ягнёнок, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ягнёнок, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
