матрёшка
matrjóška[mɐˈtrʲɵʂkə]
The English phrase "matryoshka" is translated into Russian as матрёшка (matrjóška).
A матрёшка refers to a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of матрёшка is матрёшки. If the doll is the direct object of a verb, you should use the accusative singular form матрёшку.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is matrjóška.
Did you know?
- The матрёшка is not an ancient Russian invention but was inspired by Japanese nesting dolls imported to Russia in the late 19th century.
- The word матрёшка is actually a diminutive of the traditional female name 'Matryona'.
- In Russian, матрёшка can be used as a metaphor for any object or concept that contains smaller versions of itself, such as a complex software structure.
Examples in context
- Русская матрёшка – отличный сувенир.Russian matryoshka is an excellent souvenir.
- Эта матрёшка очень красивая.Eta matryoshka ochen' krasivaya.This matryoshka is very beautiful.
- Где лежит старая матрёшка?Gde lezhit staraya matryoshka?Where is the old matryoshka lying?
Example conversation
Anastasia and Andrey are at a souvenir shop.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСмотри, какая яркая матрёшка!Smotri, kakaya yarkaya matryoshka!Look, what a bright matryoshka!
- Андрей AndreyОна действительно очень классная.Ona deystvitel'no ochen' klassnaya.It really is very cool.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАндрей, купим её?Andrey, kupim yeyo?Andrey, shall we buy it?
- Андрей AndreyДа, давай возьмём её.Da, davay voz'mem yeyo.Yes, let's take it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry матрёшка, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries матрёшка, CC BY-SA 4.0.
