свобо́да
svobódafeminine
The English word 'liberty' is translated into Russian as свобо́да (svobóda).
свобо́да refers to the condition of being free. While it can mean both 'liberty' and 'freedom', it is often used in political or philosophical contexts to mean 'liberty'. For a more concrete idea of 'liberation' or 'being set free' from something, the word избавление is used. Synonyms for liberty include вольность and независимость.
Meaning: condition of being free (noun)
Which one should you use?
The adjective form свобо́дный means 'free'.
How does it change in a sentence?
свобо́да is a feminine noun. Its genitive form is свобо́ды, used to indicate possession or 'of liberty'. The accusative form is свобо́ду, which is used when liberty is the direct object of a verb, such as 'to seek liberty'.
How do you pronounce it?
svobóda
Did you know?
- The adjective свобо́дный, derived from свобо́да, is used to describe both a 'free' person and an 'empty' seat or a 'vacant' hotel room.
- While свобо́да is the standard term for liberty, the word во́ля is often used in literature to describe a more primal, wild, or untamed freedom, such as the freedom of the steppe or the human spirit.
- In Russian, the phrase свобо́дная касса literally means 'free cash register' but is the standard way for a cashier to signal they are ready to serve the next customer.
Examples in context
- Право на свободу выражения мнения – основной принцип демократического общества.The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental principle of a democratic society.
- Свобода религии гарантирована Конституцией Российской Федерации.Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
Example conversation
Ekaterina and Dmitry are discussing a history lesson.
- Екатерина EkaterinaДмитрий, что ты думаешь об этой главе?Dmitry, chto ty dumaesh ob etoy glave?Dmitry, what do you think of this chapter?
- Дмитрий DmitryОна очень глубоко описывает, что такое свобо́да.Ona ochen gluboko opisyvaet, chto takoe svoboda.It describes very deeply what liberty is.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСогласна, это очень вдохновляющий текст.Soglasna, eto ochen vdokhnovlyayushchiy tekst.I agree, it is a very inspiring text.
- Дмитрий DmitryДа, такие темы заставляют задуматься.Da, takie temy zastavlyayut zadumatsya.Yes, such topics make one think.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liberty” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
