заставь меня
zastav' menya
The English phrase "make me" can be translated into Russian as заставь меня (zastav' menya).
This phrase is a defiant challenge used to tell someone that they cannot force you to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb заставь (force/compel) and the accusative pronoun меня (me).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form заставь меня is the informal singular imperative, used when challenging someone you know well or someone of equal status. It is an informal expression that can be used in a playful manner with close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form заставьте меня is used if you are addressing more than one person or using the formal you.
How do you pronounce it?
zastav' menya
Did you know?
- The word заставить has a double meaning and can also mean 'to clutter' or 'to fill a space with objects', such as filling a room with furniture.
- The verb used in this phrase, заставить, literally contains the root for 'to stand' or 'to make something stand' in an upright position.
- While 'make me' in English is often a standalone phrase, Russians might add the word ну at the beginning to increase the level of defiance and impatience.
Examples in context
- Сделайте меня участником клуба, пожалуйста.Please, make me a member of the club.
- Заставь меня это сделать.Zastav' menya eto sdelat'.Make me do it.
- Ну, заставь меня уйти.Nu, zastav' menya uyti.Well, make me leave.
Example conversation
Sergey and Olga are having a heated argument in the living room.
- Сергей SergeyОльга, ты должна немедленно уйти отсюда!Ol'ga, ty dolzhna nemedlenno uyti otsyuda!Olga, you must leave here immediately!
- Ольга OlgaЗаставь меня, Сергей!Zastav' menya, Sergey!Make me, Sergey!
- Сергей SergeyЯ не шучу, уходи.Ya ne shuchu, ukhodi.I am not joking, leave.
- Ольга OlgaТы меня не заставишь.Ty menya ne zastavish'.You won't make me.
